The upcoming 9th China International Import Expo represents a major effort by the world's second-largest economy to proactively open its super-sized market to the world, officials and executives said ahead of the event, which is scheduled for Nov 5 to 10 in Shanghai.

With its total exhibition area set to exceed 440,000 square meters for the first time, this year's expo will host 4,142 overseas exhibitors and draw participants from 162 countries, regions, and international organizations, said Yan Dong, vice-minister of commerce, at a news conference on Friday.

"US companies will occupy more than 50,000 sq m at the business exhibition, up 1,500 sq m from last year, retaining the top spot by exhibition area for the eighth consecutive year," Yan said.

Having never missed an edition of the CIIE, US technology company 3M will showcase its latest innovations across automotive, electronics, and safety, as well as in manufacturing materials and automation.

"We have always viewed the CIIE as a key platform for showcasing cutting-edge innovations and expanding local partnerships," said Henry Ding, president of 3M China, adding that the company will further strengthen its supply chain network in China.

Such confidence is backed by the returns that foreign-invested companies earn in the country. Foreign-invested companies that filed 2025 annual reports recorded an average profit margin of 8.7 percent, according to data compiled by the Ministry of Commerce and other government departments.

The data showed that foreign-invested manufacturers had a profit margin of 2.2 percentage points higher than that of industrial enterprises above the designated size nationwide — industrial firms with annual revenue from their main business of at least 20 million yuan (about $2.96 million).

"China's super-sized market offers fertile ground for businesses to generate tangible returns," said He Yadong, a spokesman for the ministry, at a separate news conference on Thursday.

Beyond connecting global businesses with China's vast market, the expo is also cementing its role as a showcase for innovation. Yan, the commerce official, said the number of exhibits set to make their global, Asian, or China debuts has so far exceeded 480, a record high for the event.