AI and Localization Highlight China Int'l Import Expo in Shanghai
The eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) kicked off in Shanghai on November 5, 2025, emphasizing two key trends: the growing integration of artificial intelligence in practical industries and a strategic shift among global companies from merely selling in China to innovating and manufacturing locally.
Expo Participation and Focus
Over 3,000 exhibitors from more than 120 countries are presenting their latest intelligent products at the six-day event. Many multinational firms are now adapting their strategies toward local research, development, and production within China.
Notable Exhibits
- Tesla's Cybercab, a robotaxi without a steering wheel or pedals, is making its Asian debut. Production is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026.
- Westwell, a Chinese developer of self-driving trucks, is showcasing its cabin-less electric Q-Truck, currently sold in 28 countries.
- China's Fosun Pharmaceutical Group is featuring its innovative Marie upright particle therapy system, which rotates the patient instead of using a large rotating gantry. This reduces the treatment room size from three floors and 120 sqm to a single floor of about 30 sqm.
"Artificial intelligence is embedding itself deeper into real-world industries, and multinational companies are shifting from selling in China to innovating and producing here."
These developments reflect a significant trend toward innovative localization in China's growing market.
Author's summary: The China International Import Expo spotlights AI's real-world impact and a pivotal shift as global firms embrace local innovation and production in China.