The ninth China International Import Expo is just 100 days away, and representatives from multinational companies that have participated in all previous editions are sharing their journey—from entering China to establishing a deep-rooted presence and expanding globally with locally developed products.
China has become the second-largest market for the U.S. personal care brand dōTERRA, which also sources its largest volume of raw materials from the country, according to the company’s country president. Behind the company’s increasing exhibition space at the expo is a strong commitment to strengthening its foothold in the Chinese market.
This year, dōTERRA will occupy 300 square meters at the expo, a significant growth from its original nine square meters. For the first time, the Utah-based firm will feature products at two separate booths—one showcasing its own brand and another highlighting collaborations with local businesses from Shanghai’s Fengxian district that operate within the beauty and health sectors.
This expansion reflects not just a larger physical presence but also a strategic shift in how the firm approaches the Chinese market. The expo no longer serves solely as a platform for product showcase and departure; it has evolved into a faster route from initial product launch to mass production — and from imported goods to domestically produced items, said Tan Yingying, director of business growth and strategy at Lesaffre China, which has participated in all previous expos.
Last November, the Shanghai baking center of Lesaffre was upgraded to become the Lesaffre Asia-Pacific Industrial Baking Center. The new facility features an industrial-grade production line and offers testing and tailored support, aligning more closely with actual manufacturing conditions for clients across China and the Asia-Pacific region.
Lesaffre, a French biotech company with over 170 years of history, plans to showcase its full microbial fermentation value chain and innovative solutions at this year’s expo. The company has already booked its booth for next year’s event as well.
Boston Scientific China views the expo as a key launch platform for introducing cutting-edge medical innovations to China, said Bian Rui, head of corporate affairs. It also plays a vital role in building the local medical ecosystem. The company has unveiled 24 products at the expo, including the Polaris intravascular ultrasound system, which debuted in 2019 and received its first medical device registration certificate in China in 2022.
In addition, Boston Scientific has established a manufacturing facility in Shanghai’s Lingang Special Area, progressing from exhibition to commercial production to full industry integration. The company also launched the A3 International Medical Technology Innovation Exchange Center—the world’s first open innovation hub for medical technology—located in the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone.
French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi, which has participated in every expo, plans to display its innovative original drugs developed in China for the first time at this year’s event. In the future, the company intends to conduct about one-third of its new research projects within China, aiming to develop innovative solutions led or significantly influenced by the country to reach global markets.
From brief showcase appearances to ongoing year-round collaborations, returning exhibitors and familiar faces underscore a clear evolution: from entry into China to establishing a local base and ultimately expanding internationally.