China's trade with other APEC economies reached 27.08 trillion yuan (around 4.06 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first 10 months of 2026, up 25.4 percent year on year, official data showed Tuesday, as the country continues to expand its market diversification.
China's trade "circle of friends" has kept expanding, underpinned by its steady push for market diversification in recent years, which has reduced reliance on any single market and helped cushion external risks.
Against this backdrop, economic and trade ties with other APEC members have deepened further this year. The upcoming Shenzhen meeting on Nov 18-19 is expected to build on this momentum and chart the course for closer Asia-Pacific cooperation.
"China has close trade and economic ties with other APEC economies. About six yuan out of every 10 yuan in its imports and exports are traded with other APEC economies. Next week, the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held in Shenzhen. As the culmination of the 2026 APEC 'China Year,' it will inject new momentum into shared prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and global economic growth," said Lyu Daliang, director of the Department of Statistics and Analysis of the General Administration of Customs.
According to the administration, China's imports and exports with more than 180 countries and regions registered growth in the first 10 months of this year.
Among them, trade with emerging markets grew notably: imports and exports with ASEAN rose 24.2 percent, with Latin America 14.4 percent and with Africa 17.6 percent, while those with the European Union and the United States increased 8.5 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively.
China's trade with other APEC economies tops 27 trln yuan in Jan-Oct
The ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) running from November 5 to 10 in Shanghai has created new consumption scenarios that are accessible to ordinary people inside and outside exhibition pavilions.
Featuring new AI-powered products, the expo has brought new experiences to consumers, with many booths bustling with people trying out the high-tech exhibits.
"There are more and more new high-tech products closely related to our daily life," said Hu Hai, a consumer.
The Shanghai pavilion at the CIIE introduced customized services for the first time this year, with more than 300 typical products including clothes and cosmetics selected for consumers.
"This customized service is quite unique. You can choose the color, the hollowed-out pattern, and the tube of the lipstick as you like. You can also select your favorite scents, such as floral, fruity and other aromas. Everything can be done according to your own preferences," said Yu Jiaping, another consumer.
After experiencing the customized service at the pavilion, consumers can go across the street to another experience area, which covers 500 square meters. Twelve local brands gathered here to customize products as needed, and consumers can place orders if they like them.
A CIIE-themed fair has opened at a park in Shanghai’s Qingpu District, with products from countries like Cananda and Sri Lanka, including food, suitcases and clothes accessible to people outside the pavilions.
"The market suits young people's tastes very much, and we want to reach people of different age groups through various scenarios," said Yu Jingyi, an exhibitor.
Thanks to relevant policies, CIIE exhibits can be directly transferred to the Hongqiao Central Business District Bonded Logistics Center, where over 90,000 products of the same styles at the expo from 120 counties and regions have gathered.
The influence of the China International Import Expo has extended beyond the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) to the Hongqiao transportation hub and surrounding business districts, covering dining, tourism, shopping and entertainment.
People can enjoy special discounts with participation permits, while online consumption vouchers have been distributed to boost consumption.
9th CIIE creates new consumption scenarios in Shanghai
