# China digital trade and AI technology exhibitions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/china-digital-trade-and-ai-technology-exhibitions > Updated: 2026-09-08T16:07:17.000Z. Sources: 52. Developments: 2. China is hosting several major trade exhibitions focused on technological integration and digital commerce. In Guangzhou, the 21st China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair highlighted advancements in AI robotics, specifically noting the popularity of the AlphaBot O1 humanoid robot. Concurrently, the 71st China (Guangzhou) International Beauty Expo emphasized the intersection of AI and digital commerce within the cosmetics and health sectors. Building on this momentum, the fifth Global Digital Trade Expo is scheduled to take place in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, from September 23 to 27. Artificial intelligence serves as the central theme of the event, with Vice Minister of Commerce Yan Dong stating that more than one-third of exhibitors will focus on AI. The expo aims to showcase an ecosystem ranging from foundational models to smart devices and will include competitions in open-source development, embodied intelligence, and brain-computer interface technology. International purchase orders for the event are projected to reach 977 million US dollars. The expo covers 170,000 square meters, with international exhibitors representing over 20% of the total. Malaysia and Hungary are designated as the guests of honor. The event features significant international participation, with representatives from 121 countries and regions and 29 international organizations expected to attend. Recent data from the General Administration of Customs indicates that China’s foreign trade experienced rapid growth during the first eight months of 2026. While total imports and exports rose by 17.6% year-on-year to approximately 34.78 trillion yuan, high-tech product exports surged by 42.9%. This growth is driven largely by semiconductors, which more than doubled in export value, and electric vehicles, which saw exports rise by over 50% in both value and volume. To support these technological shifts, the government has officially recognized 11 new professions and 23 specializations, including roles in artificial intelligence development, robotics, and green technology. ## Claims - International exhibitors will represent more than 20% of the total at the Global Digital Trade Expo. (corroborated by 6 sources) - China has officially recognized 11 new professions and 23 new specializations to reflect technological and industrial evolution. (corroborated by 6 sources) - China's total goods imports and exports rose 17.6% year on year to 34.78 trillion yuan between January and August 2026. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The fifth Global Digital Trade Expo will be held from September 23 to 27 in Hangzhou. (corroborated by 4 sources) - More than one-third of the exhibitors will focus on artificial intelligence. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Malaysia and Hungary are the guests of honor for the event. (corroborated by 4 sources) - International purchase orders are expected to reach 977 million US dollars. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The event has attracted nearly 40,000 professional buyers, including over 12,000 from abroad. (corroborated by 4 sources) - China's digitally deliverable services trade grew at an average annual rate of 11.2% between 2016 and 2025. (corroborated by 4 sources) - China's exports increased 14.6% year on year to 20.17 trillion yuan during the first eight months of 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources) - China's imports grew by 22% to 14.61 trillion yuan in the first eight months of 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: China foreign trade grows 17.6% in first eight months of 2026 China's foreign trade rose 17.6% to 34.78 trillion yuan in early 2026, driven by high-tech and AI exports. The country also recognized 11 new professions to match industrial and technological shifts. 48 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hangzhou-to-host-fifth-global-digital-trade-expo-with-ai-focus ### 2026-09-07: Guangzhou trade expos highlight AI robotics and beauty industry growth Major trade events in Guangzhou highlight advancements in embodied AI with AI2 Robotics' AlphaBot O1 and growth in the global beauty industry, alongside upcoming briefings on digital trade. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guangzhou-trade-expos-highlight-ai-robotics-and-beauty-industry-growth --- Cite as: China digital trade and AI technology exhibitions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/china-digital-trade-and-ai-technology-exhibitions