The 25th China International Industry Fair (CIIF 2025) concluded on September 27 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, focusing on themes of new industrialization and smart manufacturing resilience. Over five days, the event featured more than 3,000 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions, along with 10 high-level forums and nearly 300 thematic activities. It introduced over 1,000 new technologies and exhibits, including nearly 400 achievements categorized as ultra-large, ultra-small, ultra-light, ultra-intelligent, or ultra-precise, and presented awards such as the CIIF Special Award to recognize innovations.
Record attendance and global reach
By the closing day, CIIF 2025 had drawn 224,000 trade visits from 133 countries and regions, marking an 11% increase from the previous edition. Online exposure reached 2.314 billion views, a 71.28% year-on-year rise, setting new records for exhibitor numbers, exhibition area, and overall impact. This growth underscores the fair’s role in facilitating international trade and industrial collaboration, particularly in China’s key economic hubs like Shanghai.
Advancements in smart manufacturing and AI
Exhibits emphasized practical applications of technology, with industrial robots evolving into intelligent systems capable of environmental perception and autonomous decision-making. Siemens China showcased nearly 20 AI-related products, including a generative industrial AI assistant for new energy vehicle assembly, marking its first pilot application in China. The company’s chairman highlighted the importance of integrating technology, data, and industrial expertise for effective AI implementation in manufacturing processes.
Industry participation and economic impact
Companies such as Jaka Robotics, participating for the seventh time, used the fair to launch new products and strengthen supply chain integrations. New exhibitors like Xingye Materials reported strong international interest in their intelligent solar tracking systems from buyers in the United States, South Korea, and other countries. Hymson, a prominent exhibitor, secured on-site purchase agreements for key products, while the Industrial Machine Tool event in Shanghai facilitated over 80 cooperative projects with contracts exceeding RMB 3 billion, reflecting the fair’s economic significance for China’s industrial sectors.
Global perspectives and future outlook
International attendees, including Robert Mitrofan from BUSINESS ROMANIA, praised China’s rapid progress in high-tech manufacturing and the prominence of industrial robots at the fair. Academician Ding Han of the Chinese Academy of Sciences noted that the event signals China’s transition from a technology follower to a leader in global innovation, emphasizing ongoing efforts to enhance openness and cooperation. CIIF 2025 served as a platform for showcasing China’s industrial resilience and its contributions to worldwide industrial development through smart manufacturing initiatives.
