The ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) closed in Shanghai on Tuesday after showcasing cutting-edge technologies in artificial intelligence, commercial aerospace, and innovative drugs.

The six-day event drew exhibitors from a record 162 countries, regions, and international organizations. A total of 4,142 overseas companies took part — also a record high — with more than 480 representative products making their global, Asian, or China debut.

U.S. wireless chipmaker Qualcomm exhibited the world’s first 6G terminal prototype — the first time the device has been shown publicly outside the lab. The prototype has been used in joint tests with China Mobile, China’s largest telecom operator, and Chinese telecom equipment manufacturer ZTE. The prototype will provide the foundation for 6G chips and support the technology’s commercial rollout. 

The event featured an expanded medical devices and health care exhibition area, acting as the stage for the China debut of pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca’s new hypertension medication baxdrostat. The oral medication works by inhibiting the enzyme aldosterone synthase, which helps synthesize the blood pressure-regulating hormone aldosterone, and was approved in the U.S. in May. 

German optical giant Zeiss also made its global debut of its new non-spherical lens PT Lunana, designed for myopia correction. Novartis, a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company, showcased ianalumab, a drug used for treating the autoimmune illness Sjögren’s disease — also a China debut. 

American electric vehicle company Tesla presented its Cybercab autonomous vehicle. Lacking a steering wheel or pedals, the vehicle relies on cameras and AI to drive. Hexagon — a global digital reality and metrology tech company — also displayed its industrial humanoid robot AEON.

Aerospace technology was also present, including the Zhuque-3 rocket developed by Chinese commercial aerospace company LandSpace. The rocket’s reusable booster, which uses liquid oxygen and methane as fuel, can land vertically, first achieved by the company in August.

Beyond showcasing new tech, the expo held its first exhibition area for 100 long-established, reputable international brands — from Canadian shoe companies to Spanish wineries — as well as hosted a trade and investment “matchmaking” conference, where companies and buyers met to sign cooperation agreements. The latter conference attracted more than 600 exhibitors and over 2,000 buyers from 59 countries and regions.

The deals reached at this year’s expo are projected to be worth a total of $85.45 billion over the coming year, up 2.3% from last year and a record high.

Editor: Marianne Gunnarsson.

(Header image: A view of the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2026. Wu Huiyuan/Sixth Tone)