China · Country watch
Shanghai E-commerce Surge, Canton Fair Begins
Shanghai's cross-border e-commerce exports rise, and the Canton Fair opens with new imports.
The picture Improving
Business conditions in China are improving with a significant rise in Shanghai's e-commerce exports and the start of the Canton Fair, boosting trade.
In this briefing Italy · Chinese property buyers · Shanghai Customs · Canton Fair · Guangzhou Customs
Regulation
Nothing significant reported today.
Disruption
Nothing significant reported today.
Internal tension
Nothing significant reported today.
Safety & health
Nothing significant reported today.
Companies
Italy Attracts Chinese Property Buyers with Flat Tax
Italy's flat tax regime, introduced nine years ago, is drawing increased interest from wealthy Chinese and Hong Kong property investors, according to ChinaMorningPost. The regime allows foreign residents to pay a flat annual tax of €300,000. Italy's appeal is bolstered by its high quality of life, fashion, and cuisine, making it an attractive destination for high-net-worth individuals seeking real estate investments.
Impact Real estate agents and financial advisors in Italy see rising demand from Chinese investors due to the flat tax regime.
Sources: ChinaMorningPost ↗
Markets
Nothing significant reported today.
Trade
Shanghai's Cross-Border E-commerce Exports Up 28.7%
Shanghai Customs reported a 28.7% year-on-year increase in cross-border e-commerce exports for the first eight months of 2026, reaching 1,069.8 billion yuan. This marks the eighth consecutive month of growth in this sector, according to ChinaNews.com. The surge in exports highlights the continued expansion of Shanghai's role as a key hub for international e-commerce, driven by demand for Chinese goods abroad.
Impact Retailers and logistics firms benefit from increased cross-border e-commerce activity, boosting export revenues.
Sources: ChinaNews.com ↗
Canton Fair Begins with Turkish Products
The 140th China Import and Export Fair, known as the Canton Fair, commenced with the arrival of its first batch of exhibits at the Nansha Port in Guangzhou. According to ChinaNews.com, the shipment included 84 items such as teapots, coffee machines, and ceramic tableware from Turkey, weighing a total of 12.3 tons. This marks the official start of the fair's exhibition setup, with more international products expected to follow.
Impact Importers and logistics companies engage with new international products as the Canton Fair begins.
Sources: ChinaNews.com ↗
Politics
Nothing significant reported today.
Sources in this briefing
Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.