How China’s Service Industry Is Shaping Global Trade
Beijing’s 2026 China International Service Trade Expo brought together a record‑breaking coalition of 90 nations, international organisations and more than 400 Fortune‑500 and industry‑leading firms. The event produced over 1,200 tangible results, ranging from joint ventures to technology transfers.
Highlights featured GE Healthcare’s locally manufactured high‑resolution imaging equipment, Schneider Electric’s all‑in‑one service innovation hub and KPMG’s cutting‑edge digital advisory platforms. Together they illustrate China’s shift toward exporting higher‑value, quality‑centric services that can energise the world economy.
The services sector now constitutes around 65 % of global GDP and accounts for more than a quarter of worldwide trade. In the first seven months of 2026, China’s service imports and exports rose 8.3 % year‑on‑year, while knowledge‑intensive services made up 53.5 % of its total service trade.
A brand‑new "China Service" case‑display zone showcased AI solutions, large‑scale language models and other frontier technologies, representing roughly 40 % of the exhibition and highlighting a continued push toward "intelligent content".
Industry insiders, including Karagil’s northern Asia deputy head Liu Chang and Johnson & Johnson MedTech executives, emphasized that Chinese consumers’ demand for premium services, coupled with a deep talent base, creates fertile ground for foreign entrants. The commercial counsellor of Norway’s embassy in China echoed this sentiment, pointing to fresh opportunities for overseas firms.
To nurture the "China Service Trade" brand, organisers introduced a Global Expansion Service Roadshow, providing professional guidance for Chinese firms seeking overseas footholds. Long‑standing players such as CIIC Group underscore the depth of Chinese engagement in international services. UNCTAD officials noted that China is generating new commercial avenues for both domestic and foreign enterprises.
Looking forward, China aims to broaden market reach over the next five years. Eli Lilly pledged a $3 billion investment in the country over the next decade, and other multinational leaders anticipate expanding opportunities as new sectors open. Projections indicate that by 2030 the service industry will surpass 1 trillion yuan, positioning it as a pivotal growth engine for the Chinese economy and a new engine for global trade.