SPECIAL | Why Hainan Expo Matters so Much to Global Businesses?
The 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), held in Haikou, southern China's Hainan Province from April 13-18, has attracted a record number of international business participation.
Editor’s Note: As the global economy navigates recovery amid geopolitical tensions and tariff wars, the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Hainan, from April 13–18, 2025, emerges as a pivotal platform for redefining international trade dynamics.
As China's only national-level exhibition focused on consumer goods, the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), a key platform for global trade and consumption trends, features expanded international participation and first-time innovations.
1. Bigger Scale and Larger Global Participation
One of the highlights of the expo is the global participation and record scale. An estimated 71 countries and regions are set to participate, showcasing over 4,100 brands, including 65 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders, according to the Chinese Commerce Ministry.
The United Kingdom, as the country of honor, displays 53 brands spanning fashion, beauty, and home goods. Meanwhile, Slovakia debuts with a national pavilion, and Brazil’s São Paulo State launches its first regional pavilion. Multinational giants like Estée Lauder and Volkswagen underscore the event’s appeal as a gateway to expanding presence in the Chinese consumer market. The iconic British luxury brand Burberry has been participating in the CICPE since 2021. French and Japanese brands also shine at the event.
This year’s expo continues "whole-island exhibition model" (全岛办展模式), with the main venue remaining at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, Duty-free shopping areas set up at the Haikou CDF Mall and Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex, alongside an International Yacht Center in Sanya. Such a scale mirrors China’s commitment to open its booming consumption market to international markets and enhance the importation of consumption goods.
2. Hainan Free Trade Port for Global Business
Hainan will start independent customs operations by the end of 2025 as a part of China’s national plan to build the southern tropical province into a high-level free trade port by 2050. It means Hainan will be transformed into a special customs supervision zone.
Liu Xiaoming (刘小明), governor of Hainan Province, explained that, in essence, it means free to flow through the “first line,” control at the “second line,” and liberalization on the island (“一线放开、二线管住”) in an interview this March.
Liu said that the first line means the island itself. “After 2025, most imported goods entering Hainan will be exempt from tariffs, and most goods will be freely imported and exported. The second line refers to the mainland. After 2025, goods flowing from Hainan to the mainland will be considered "imports," subject to duties, import value-added tax (VAT) and consumption tax. Lastly, liberalization means firms on the island will experience simplified customs procedures and regulatory requirements. China calls it Zhunruzhunying or "letting firms in and letting them do business.”(准入准营)” Liu explained.
3. Innovation and Emerging Sectors
The expo prioritizes AI, low-altitude aviation, smart vehicles, humanoid robots, and digital health. Tech leaders like Huawei, iFLYTEK, and Tesla will showcase cutting-edge solutions. Industry leaders like EHang, United Aircraft, and XPeng Huitian are debuting several certified new products, including drones, electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and flying cars.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Featuring advancements from tech leaders like Huawei and iFLYTEK.
Low-Altitude Aviation: This year's expo has set up a dedicated low-altitude economy exhibition zone for the first time, highlighting drones and innovative aviation technologies.
Smart Vehicles: Showcasing electric and intelligent vehicles from top brands.
Digital Health: Exploring the latest in health-tech solutions.
The low-altitude economy exhibition zone, a first for the expo, features electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) and drones, reflecting Hainan’s ambition to become a "pilot zone for airspace reform." Meanwhile, the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone (博鳌乐城国际医疗旅游先行区) highlights breakthroughs in medical devices and health tech, leveraging Hainan’s "zero-tariff" medical equipment policy.
Stay tuned for more updates on China's political, economic, and cultural landscapes.
Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only. All sources are publicly available and subject to change.
Shen Shiwei’s Social Media Links
X: @shen_shiwei Facebook: Shen Shiwei