As global trade pivots toward 2025, Chinese companies have become ubiquitous at trade exhibitions worldwide. These international events serve not only as a springboard for businesses to expand overseas but also as a critical window into China’s export-driven economic strategy. This year, a staggering 83,900 Chinese enterprises participated in 114,000 exhibitions across 77 countries and territories, spanning 46 major industries. What fuels this remarkable outward push?
Coastal Powerhouses Lead the Charge
Geographically, coastal economic powerhouses like Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu provinces remain the dominant forces in overseas exhibition participation. Guangdong leads with 9,524 exhibiting companies, followed closely by Zhejiang (9,353) and Jiangsu (5,080). These regions’ robust export capabilities provide a solid foundation for their strong international trade presence.
Sectoral Strengths on Display
The exhibition data reveals clear industry trends: building materials (8,728 companies), machinery (6,923), and electronics (5,583) emerge as the most active sectors. This underscores China’s intensified efforts to promote its competitive industries abroad. Through these exhibitions, firms establish direct connections with potential clients, gather market intelligence, and enhance brand recognition globally.
Asia Emerges as Primary Destination
A pronounced concentration in Asian markets is evident, with seven of the top ten destinations located in the region. Germany, Hong Kong, and the United States attracted the most Chinese exhibitors—16,364, 15,756, and 9,750 companies respectively. Notably, Hong Kong-hosted exhibitions claimed seven spots in the top ten rankings by participant numbers, reaffirming its role as a vital international trade hub.
While total participation dipped slightly compared to 2024, the growing Asian market share signals Chinese companies’ strategic shift toward Belt and Road Initiative markets and neighboring economies. This trend reflects both businesses’ focus on emerging markets and broader adjustments in China’s economic development strategy.