The seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) concluded on Sunday, with American agricultural exhibitors signing deals worth $711.4 million with their Chinese partners, marking a 40.9 percent increase over the previous year’s $505 million.
This year, 14 U.S. exhibitors representing 31 organizations participated in the U.S. pavilion, highlighting the growing agricultural trade between the United States and the Chinese mainland.
This marked the second time that the United States participated in the CIIE at a federal government level, emphasizing the importance of the food and agricultural sectors in fostering strong U.S.-China commercial ties, according to the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Shanghai.
Allan Gabor, chairman of AmCham Shanghai, stated in an interview with CGTN, “Agricultural cooperation between China and the U.S. is promising.” He noted potential for further bilateral cooperation in areas like biosecurity and sustainability.
Seeing China as a very important partner for the U.S. soybean industry, Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, expressed optimism about the future of the bilateral trade relationship.
Jason Hafemeister, acting deputy under secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), reportedly expressed the U.S. government’s commitment to maintaining a healthy and stable trade relationship with China. He highlighted the potential for future collaboration, especially in agriculture, on the sidelines of the CIIE.
Cao Derong, president of the China Chamber of Commerce of Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By-Products, said that agricultural products imported from the U.S. cater to the needs of the Chinese market and increase the income of American farmers. He added that both sides have gained tangible benefits, laying a solid foundation for cooperation.
“CIIE has proven once again to be an important platform to showcase American products and services,” said Eric Zheng, president of AmCham Shanghai.
Participants of the 2024 CIIE secured tentative deals valued at $80.1 billion, up two percent from the previous year, demonstrating the expo’s expanding influence on international trade.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
