China sets boosting consumption as top commerce priority for 2026

China’s National Commerce Work Conference was held in Beijing over the weekend, where officials outlined eight key tasks for the commerce system in 2026, with boosting consumption identified as the top priority, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

As part of that push, authorities said they would accelerate the development of new growth drivers in services spending, strengthen trade-in programmes for consumer goods and improve the consumption environment for international visitors.

Beyond demand-side measures, the meeting called for improving modern market and circulation systems, promoting innovation in trade and enhancing China’s appeal to foreign investors.

Officials also stressed the need to align more closely with high-standard international trade and economic rules, strengthen oversight of outbound investment, and deepen bilateral and multilateral economic cooperation to support mutually beneficial outcomes across multiple sectors.