China to Focus on Consumer Growth and Trade Opening in 2026

Beijing — China’s Ministry of Commerce plans to advance key strategies for 2026 aimed at boosting consumer spending and expanding economic openness. The announcement came following the conclusion of a two-day National Commerce Work Conference, which ended on Sunday.

The conference reviewed plans to launch campaigns across the country to stimulate consumer spending, create new growth points in service consumption to build the “Shop in China” brand, and improve trade-in policies for consumer goods.

Emphasis will also be placed on digital, green, and health-related consumer products, while identifying and leveraging new market opportunities nationwide.

In terms of trade, China aims to upgrade goods trade, expand service trade and exports, and promote digital and green trade to strengthen the “Export to China” brand.

To attract foreign investment and promote the “Invest in China” brand, China will increase openness in the service sector, improve investment promotion, and enhance services for foreign businesses.

For broader economic opening, China will align with high-standard international trade rules, upgrade pilot free trade zones and the Hainan Free Trade Port, and effectively host key exhibitions.

To better manage outbound investment, efforts will be made to guide cross-border industrial and supply chain development, strengthen overseas service networks, deepen Belt and Road cooperation, and enhance risk management.