Global Exhibitors Find Business Growth at CIIE

Gao Xudong proudly displayed a wild American ginseng root at the Hsu's Ginseng Enterprises booth, its unique shape suggesting decades of growth.

"This one has at least 40 years of history," Gao, executive deputy manager of the US company's Chinese branch, noted. "It was harvested from forests in Wisconsin."

Wild ginseng, a protected species that can only be collected in the United States for a brief two-month period each year, was among the rare items showcased at the 8th China International Import Expo, which concluded today.

Gao mentioned that his company received special approval to import the roots for the exhibition in just three days, a remarkable turnaround compared to the usual processing time of at least two months.

"Our US company was very surprised," he added. "The Chinese government's efficiency is truly impressive. They are working tirelessly to support businesses."

The six-day expo brought together 4,108 companies from 138 countries and regions across 367,000 square meters of exhibition space, equivalent to approximately 50 standard football pitches – both of which are record highs.

The event drew more than 460,000 registered visitors and generated tentative deals valued at US$83.49 billion, marking a 4.4 percent increase from the previous year. It showcased 461 new product launches, including 201 global debuts.

Gao mentioned that his company sold an entire container of ginseng during the week, amounting to about US$650,000, which is roughly one-fifth of its annual sales in China.

"CIIE provides us with an opportunity that no other country offers," he said. "Only the Chinese government has such a broad vision to host an import expo and invite the world's best products to cater to Chinese consumers."

The company has participated in four editions of the expo. Gao noted that the support from both Chinese and American trade officials, including a visit from China's vice minister of commerce, provided them with significant encouragement.

"We feel honored and happy," he said. "CIIE gives us the confidence to return next year."

At the South Africa food section, Melissa Rademan from Rooiboslief spoke softly, her voice still recovering after days of greeting enthusiastic visitors.

"Yesterday, I couldn't even talk," she said. "Too many people came."

Rademan, the company's managing director, introduced rooibos, a caffeine-free herbal tea that grows exclusively in South Africa's Western Cape.

"It helps lower blood pressure, stabilizes blood sugar, and is very good for digestion and sleep," she explained.

This was Rademan's first time at the CIIE, and she noted that the crowd far exceeded her expectations.

"We sold out all our stock on the second day," she said. "People really loved the product."

She met traders from Shanghai, Beijing and other cities and is now in discussions with several companies about importing the tea into China.

"This platform helps small exporters like us enter the Chinese market," she remarked.

A few aisles away, Colombian entrepreneur Maria Carolina, co-founder and CEO of LÖK Chocolate, stood behind rows of dark chocolate bars as visitors lined up to taste.

"I always stay at the booth because I want to see people's reactions," she said. "That feedback is critical for me to grow in the Chinese market."

LÖK Chocolate, made from fine-flavor cocoa beans grown in Colombia's Amazon region, has been in the Chinese market for more than four years.

Maria said sales during this year's expo grew about 13 to 14 percent. "Every year we come, it gets better," she said. "CIIE is the window to the world."

Her company made debut of dark chocolate bars blended with roasted Colombian coffee, pistachio and strawberry during this year's CIIE.

"Chocolate and coffee are the perfect match," she said. "We are sure the Chinese consumer loves our chocolate, and hopefully we can be the biggest Colombian chocolate brand in China."

The food and agricultural products halls remained crowded until the final hours of the event on Monday afternoon. Visitors queued at booths to buy chocolates, wine, olive oil, and other specialties from around the world.

Popular stands included Chile's dehusked coconut, Thailand's premium water, Moroccan argan oil, and wines from Switzerland and Central and Eastern Europe. Australia's Penfolds wines and Italy's Olitalia olive oil also drew steady lines of buyers.

By noon on the closing day, total visitor entries had reached 922,000, up 8.2 percent year on year – the highest in the event's history.