While the United States wields the tariff stick globally, American businesses have not paused their steps in embracing future markets. Since the second China International Import Expo (CIIE), the exhibition area of US companies has ranked first for seven consecutive years, with American firms consistently voting for the Chinese market through their actions.
19 exhibitors showcase strengths of US agriculture and food
On the morning of Nov. 6, the American Food and Agriculture Pavilion officially opened. This already marks the third time that the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (AmCham Shanghai) and the US Department of Agriculture have jointly organized a US food and agriculture exhibition group to participate in the CIIE.
According to Eric Zheng, President of the AmCham Shanghai, this year's Food and Agriculture Pavilion features 19 outstanding exhibitors, covering US agricultural product producers, state governments, and food associations, showcasing the leading advantages of the US agriculture and food industry in quality, safety, and innovation.
Zheng hopes that the Pavilion can serve as a bridge of friendship and a window for displaying innovation, "reminding us that only through openness and trust can we collaborate and grow together."
In Zheng's view, the CIIE has become an important platform for global trade and cooperation, a vivid symbol of open cooperation and shared opportunities. He noted that holding the Pavilion for the third consecutive year has exceeded the expectations of the AmCham Shanghai. Against the backdrop of recent China-US trade consultations and China's commitment to purchasing US agricultural products, this showcase holds significant importance.
"It is worth mentioning that on the opening day of the Pavilion, orders worth US$5.8 million were secured, achieving impressive results. We look forward to the CIIE continuing to achieve great success this year."
New period of stability facilitates US-China commercial exchanges
"This year, our exhibitors occupied a 350-square-meter booth, which is 45% larger than last year. We look forward to sustaining growth every year." Jeffrey Lehman, Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, stated that the CIIE has become an enduring symbol of openness and cooperation.
Each year, the CIIE brings together businesses and communities from around the world to share ideas, explore opportunities, and build trust through collaboration. The Pavilion showcases not only American products renowned for quality, safety, and innovation but also the people behind them—the farmers, producer-entrepreneurs, and innovators who believe in the power of cooperation. Through the CIIE, exhibitors have found new partners, explored new markets, and established long-term connections that extend beyond the event itself.
"These positive spillover effects remind us that trade can only bring tangible benefits to both sides when it is rooted in openness and mutual trust."
Talking about the conversation between the two countries in Busan, Lehman said, "The period during the six months before that meeting was a period of uncertainty... and it was very challenging for the American business community. Now that there is a stable framework for the next year, I think there's a lot of hope and optimism in the American business community that we will be able to make more concrete plans and continue to expand the commercial relationship between the US and China."
Hsu's Ginseng Enterprises Inc. has 51 years of ginseng cultivation history in the US. After participating in the CIIE last year, the group again set up an exhibition area in the Pavilion this year. Paul Hsu, chairman and founder of Hsu's Ginseng Enterprises, Inc., told the reporter that during the China-US trade friction, American ginseng farmers, like other agricultural product operators, were significantly impacted.
"The group's products entered the Chinese market over 30 years ago, and we believe the prospects of the Chinese market remain broad," Hsu emphasized that in the face of adverse trade currents, they will delve deeper into the Chinese market in the future and strengthen communication with Chinese consumers through the CIIE platform. "We hope the US and China can maintain good trade relations and look forward to the two countries reaching a win-win agreement acceptable to both."
US soybean farmers participate for the first time
Next to the Pavilion, at the booth of the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), reporters saw that to showcase the cutting-edge applications of US soybeans in diverse food sectors, the council launched a live cooking show. Furthermore, the booth used VR equipment to allow Chinese buyers to immersively experience the sustainable journey of US soybeans. Chinese consumers lined up to taste dishes cooked with US high-oleic soybean oil, and the US soybean farmers visiting the CIIE for the first time beamed with smiles at the sight.
From the first to the eighth CIIE, US soybeans have never been absent.
According to on-site staff, as a "regular participant with full attendance," the USSEC will focus on three main themes this year to highlight the advantages of the US soybean industry.
First is market access and free trade, emphasizing the importance of keeping agricultural trade open and free from tariffs or restrictions. "A stable, predictable supply of US soybeans and other agricultural products not only helps ensure China's feed and food security but also provides a sustained and stable supply for related industries and consumers."
Second is technical cooperation and innovation, using the China-US Soy Value Chain Innovation Center (SIC) in Henan as an example to demonstrate how bilateral cooperation aids the upgrade of China's feed and food industries.
Third is sustainability and climate-smart agriculture, sharing case studies of sustainable low-carbon production practices by US soybean farmers. These cases not only align with China's green development goals but can also serve as important demonstration models for bilateral cooperation.
(With input from Wen Wei Po, Ta Kung Pao; China Today; Journalist: English Editor: Darius)
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