The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) wrapped up on November 10, 2025, in Shanghai, leaving many exhibitors expressing their commitment to future participation. This year’s event showcased the importance of collaboration and market expansion, with companies from various sectors highlighting their growth stories.
Ysabel Zea, co-founder of the Peruvian brand Warmpaca, reflected on the significant impact the CIIE has had on her business. Ten years ago, her Chinese partner placed an order for 1,000 handmade alpaca dolls, marking the beginning of a successful partnership. Since then, Warmpaca has participated in every edition of the CIIE, resulting in annual shipments that now exceed 10,000 units. The company has expanded its supplier network from a single family workshop to over 100 workshops, establishing a robust industrial chain.
Over the past eight years, Van Den Hurk, CEO of New Zealand’s TheLand, has participated in the CIIE consistently. Initially, the company faced logistical hurdles, as fresh milk took eight days to clear customs, drastically reducing its market shelf life. With the implementation of CIIE’s facilitation policies, this time has been reduced to just three days, significantly enhancing the company’s market performance. As a result, TheLand’s fresh milk sales have skyrocketed, increasing by a remarkable 26-fold. This year, Hurk has brought more New Zealand small and medium-sized enterprises to the CIIE, doubling the number of delegations in just two years.
The CIIE serves as a pivotal platform for international integration and exchange. Soeda Takehito, Vice President of Sony (China) Limited, emphasized the company’s dual focus on electronics and entertainment, noting that over 60% of its business is derived from entertainment content. He shared that Sony aims to leverage the CIIE to introduce Chinese culture, including regional cuisines like Sichuan and Hunan, to a global audience through television programming.
Colombian entrepreneur María Carolina Angulo, CEO of LÖK Foods, also praised the CIIE for its role in driving her company’s growth. Over the past four years, her booth has expanded alongside her product offerings. Angulo has utilized insights gained at the CIIE to adapt to Chinese consumer preferences, leading to continuous product development. This engagement has positively impacted over 2,000 Colombian farming households, as increased demand from China has prompted local agricultural practices to adopt more sustainable methods, boosting cocoa bean yields from 300 kilograms to 800 kilograms per hectare.
The CIIE continues to foster an environment where international businesses can thrive, encouraging collaboration and innovation across diverse sectors. With its eighth edition now concluded, exhibitors are already looking forward to future opportunities to engage with the expanding Chinese market.
