China's imports grew 22% in the first eight months of 2026, the fastest pace since 2021, and full-year import value is expected to hit a new record, Assistant Minister of Commerce Zhang Li said on March 18 at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office. Zhang said the Ministry of Commerce has promoted import expansion through a combination of policies and events, including eight consecutive editions of the import expo and a series of activities to share China's large market, broadening channels for global quality goods to enter the Chinese market.