SHANGHAI, Nov 4, 2025 – China announced a major initiative to increase imports and position itself as a global trade destination, amid rising trade surpluses and tensions with the United States.

The program, titled “Big Market for All: Export to China,” will feature 10 major trade events annually, each involving five to six countries, aiming to make China the top export destination and foster win-win cooperation with international partners. The announcement was made by Commerce Minister Wang Wentao at a ceremony in Shanghai attended by Premier Li Qiang, on the eve of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025, running November 5-10.

Economists note that while China is a major global supplier of manufactured goods, its imports have grown slowly, contributing to trade tensions abroad and deflationary pressures at home. Despite criticism that initiatives like CIIE have sometimes served as a political showcase, China’s trade surplus is expected to surpass $1 trillion in 2025, with exporters shifting focus from declining U.S. sales to markets in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

In recent months, exports to the U.S. dropped 27% year-on-year, while shipments to the EU, Southeast Asia, and Africa grew 14%, 15.6%, and 56.4%, respectively.

The “Big Market for All” program underscores China’s ongoing strategy to expand imports, strengthen trade ties, and reinforce its position as a key player in global commerce.