On March 30, the State Council Information Office held a press conference on the 6th China International Consumer Expo (April 13-18, Hainan), the first major exhibition of the 15th Five-Year Plan and post-Hainan FTP closure. It highlights international goods, quality products and debuts. Measures to boost the "Buy in China" brand and consumption growth are also introduced.

The 14th WTO Ministerial Conference was held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, achieving practical results on investment facilitation, e-commerce, etc. China actively participated, made important contributions, supported developing/African countries, and was highly praised. The conference focused on WTO reform and enabling developing countries to benefit from multilateral trade.

The World Data Organization was established in Beijing on March 30th. Xinhua interviewed its Secretary General Yang Jie, covering core positioning, industrial impact, development planning, and global governance. It aims to bridge data divide, unleash data value, and promote global data cooperation, with tasks on member demands, public products, and practical promotion.

On March 25th, 2026, the 2026 Customs Taxation Work Conference was held in Xi'an. Wang Jun attended and spoke. It reviewed 2025 customs taxation work results and deployed 2026 tasks (start year of the 15th Five-Year Plan) to boost smart tariffs, foreign trade innovation, etc. Relevant customs officials attended.

OECD released its March 26 economic outlook, predicting 2.9% global growth in 2026 (3.0% 2027). Middle East uncertainty and high energy prices threaten growth/inflation. US/Eurozone growth will slow then rebound. Recommendations include central bank vigilance and energy efficiency.

On March 29th, 129 WTO members including China issued a joint declaration at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference to start implementing the Investment Facilitation Agreement, the world's first multilateral investment agreement led by developing members, aiming to boost global investment and GDP.

The Ministry of Commerce and Sinosure jointly issued a Notice to leverage export credit insurance for high-quality business development in the 15th Five-Year Plan, proposing six measures covering trade, new foreign trade drivers, domestic-foreign integration, Belt and Road cooperation, and SME support, with supervision to ensure implementation.

By 2025, China's resident digital consumption scale reached 25.3 trillion yuan (8.7% YoY growth), with digital service consumption (12.5% growth) as the main driver. In August 2025, 9 departments issued guiding opinions, with over 40 supporting documents. Digital tech integrates into multiple fields, new scenarios implemented, ecosystem improved. MOFCOM will continue promoting digital consumption for high-quality development.

On March 28, WTO e-commerce negotiation conveners (Australia, Japan, Singapore) issued a joint statement on the agreement's temporary implementation. China, EU and other parties expressed support. The agreement, a WTO recent achievement, will take effect temporarily after 45 members deposit acceptance documents.

China's Ministry of Commerce launched two trade barrier investigations against the U.S. on March 27 in response to the U.S.'s two 301 investigations targeting China. It will proceed with the investigations per relevant laws and take measures to safeguard China's legitimate rights and interests.

The article analyzes global trade challenges (protectionism, etc.) and changes (Global South's rise, tech revolution), outlining China's strategies: expand high-level opening-up, uphold multilateral trading system, deepen institutional openness, promote trade quality upgrading to boost global trade development.

Global trade pattern is undergoing profound changes amid setbacks to economic globalization (trade protectionism, unilateralism). It has four key shifts: trade promotion (regional contraction), development focus (North-South balance), competition mode (rule dominance), growth driver (value appreciation). China remains committed to high-level opening up to advance inclusive globalization.

McKinsey’s 2026 geopolitics & global trade report finds AI drives 6.5% 2025 global trade growth, reshaping landscape via infrastructure (chips, data centers). It covers US-EU tariff tensions, EU diversification efforts, and business adaptation to structural changes.

The first case under Article 12 of China’s Anti Foreign Sanctions Law (infringement lawsuit against foreign sanctions) was selected as a 2025 top rule of law case. It involved a Chinese marine company and European firm, settled via mediation in 39 days after the foreign company suspended payment due to third-country sanctions. The case marks the first private enforcement of the law, breaks overseas arbitration clauses, and provides a relief path for Chinese enterprises against foreign “long arm jurisdiction”.

Boao Forum for Asia 2026 Annual Conference held on March 24 in Hainan. Released reports show Asian economy has strong resilience, contributes to global economy and sustainable development. Attendees highlight regional cooperation significance, Asia's AI leadership, infrastructure/digital connectivity progress. The forum promotes Asian integration, with China playing a key role in regional cooperation.

On March 25, 2026, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) concluded its investigation, determining Mexico's China-related restrictive measures constitute trade and investment barriers. Launched on Sept 25, 2025 per China's Foreign Trade Law and rules, the probe found Mexico's tariff hikes restricted Chinese firms' access, harming competitiveness. MOFCOM may take measures to safeguard China's industrial interests.

The Ministry of Commerce of China initiated an investigation into Mexico's trade and investment barriers against China on September 25, 2025. It found Mexico's measures like raising import tariffs on non-FTA partners including China restricted Chinese products, services and investments, harming Chinese enterprises' competitiveness. The Ministry will take measures to safeguard China's industrial interests.

On March 22, Capital Airlines JD488 completed the first cargo shipment for Xiong'an International Airport's launch, using its "NXA" 3-letter code. As China's first non-airport relying on a bonded zone and aviation code, the airport gains international air freight functions with efficient Beijing-Xiong'an customs coordination, supporting Xiong'an's opening up and global cargo integration.

On March 23, the first domestically blended biofuel oil (under national processing trade) refueled international ships at Qingdao Qianwan Port, a landmark for Zhejiang Pilot Free Trade Zone. Zhoushan Customs provided full-process supervision, enabling ~20% carbon reduction and supporting green shipping development.

Recently, Shougang Jingtang and Shougang Group Technology Research Institute completed a low-carbon emission high-quality steel technology using converter large scrap ratio process, recognized as the world's first by Shougang's review. It has three core innovations, and Shougang Jingtang is committed to low-carbon smelting R&D to provide green steel products.