China Reports 8.3% Growth in H1 Services Trade Ahead of 2026 CIFTIS

China's total import and export volume of services reached 3.8 trillion yuan in the first half of 2026, marking an 8.3 percent increase year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Commerce. The announcement came during preparations for the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), scheduled for September 9 to 13 in Beijing. The upcoming fair will introduce dedicated zones and over 40 roadshow sessions to support domestic firms expanding internationally, featuring participation from 90 countries, regions, and international organizations.

Steady services trade growth reflects China's ongoing efforts to diversify its trade composition beyond traditional merchandise. The expanded institutional support for outbound expansion at CIFTIS—particularly in specialized sectors such as finance, accounting, legal, and intellectual property—highlights the growing demand among Chinese firms for professional services to navigate complex global markets.

China's foreign trade in services recorded steady expansion in the first half of 2026, with total imports and exports reaching 3.8 trillion yuan (approximately $530 billion), an increase of 8.3 percent compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Commerce. The figures were highlighted as Beijing gears up to host the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) from September 9 to 13. As the first major national-level comprehensive service trade exhibition of the 15th Five-Year Plan period, this year's event will focus on three core orientations: expanding opening-up, deepening cooperation, and leading innovation, organizers announced at a State Council Information Office press briefing. Speaking at the briefing, Vice Minister of Commerce Yan Dong noted that the event aims to enhance exhibition efficiency and impact through services-led openness, cooperation, and innovation. The fair will feature the Global Trade in Services Summit, co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce, the Beijing Municipal Government, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). A notable addition to this year's layout is the debut of dedicated "Going Global Services" exhibition zones and an accompanying roadshow area. More than 40 roadshow sessions will be held by specialized institutions across finance, law, accounting, intellectual property, advertising, and human resources to offer one-stop professional support for Chinese enterprises venturing overseas. International participation is expected to surpass previous editions, according to Beijing Vice Mayor Tang Wenhong. A total of 90 countries, regions, and international organizations plan to set up exhibitions or host conferences. Norway will serve as the guest country of honor, while the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region will participate as the guest province of honor. More than 1,800 enterprises are slated to exhibit on-site at Shougang Park, the fair's permanent venue, including 456 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders. To enhance commercial integration, organizers have developed 11 business inspection routes and scheduled 74 supporting activities, linking trade negotiations directly with urban consumption and investment promotion.