Shanghai has been advancing its goal of becoming a premier international trade center since 1992, with the strategy further defined by the State Council in 2001.

The city's strategic upgrades during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25) have solidified its status as a key global trade hub, expanded its influence, diversified its trade functions, and moved up the value chain, significantly strengthening the trade center's capabilities.

The city achieved a record-high total import and export volume of 4.51 trillion yuan ($650 billion) in 2025.

In recent years, Shanghai has made concerted efforts to promote the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative. The service center of the Belt and Road Initiative is functioning effectively, complemented by the increased frequency of the China-Europe freight train service.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Shanghai was committed to improving the ease of trade and investment while enhancing its role as a trade hub.

Retail and e-commerce

As a testament to its burgeoning retail sector, Shanghai celebrated the opening of 848 "first stores" from January to October 2025, with high-end brands representing 17.33 percent of the total.

In addition, Shanghai has boosted the development of the country's first pilot zone dedicated to "Silk Road e-commerce" collaboration. This zone features a streamlined customs process requiring only one declaration for both countries and interoperable cross-border e-invoicing.

The city has made significant advancements in cross-border e-commerce, with the smooth progress of export pilot programs that have notably reduced shipping times and costs.

China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone

A number of pioneering pilot cases have been promoted in the fields of cross-border trade, financial services, and factor mobility as a result of a comprehensive plan to promote the high-standard institutional opening-up of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone by aligning it with high-standard international economic and trade rules.

Pudong New Area has boosted a comprehensive reform and its implementation plan that was unveiled on Jan 22, 2024. The plan explores the creation of a secure and convenient data flow mechanism, aiming to establish a global offshore innovation hub.

China International Import Expo

The 8th China International Import Expo held in 2025 attracted 155 countries, regions, and international organizations, with intended transactions totaling $83.49 billion, an increase of 4.4 percent year-on-year.

Shanghai has provided a 365-day trading platform for buyers and exhibitors involved in the CIIE through the 365 Trade Fair website.

Updated in February 2026

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Government Work Report, Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office, 2024 Shanghai Basic Facts, jiemian.com, Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, 2025 Shanghai Basic Facts