On August 29, 2026, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation released data showing that in the first half of 2026 the country registered 35,000 newly established foreign-invested enterprises – up 7% year on year. Far from cooling, China’s pull on global business is strengthening, and the profile of who is coming in is shifting toward consumer brands, services, and innovation.
The consumer market has emerged as the newest magnet for foreign capital. In H1 2026, newly established foreign-invested firms in health and social work grew 27.1% YoY, wholesale and retail 11.9%, and accommodation and catering 11.7%. For foreign sellers of consumer products, food, health, and lifestyle brands, this is a clear signal: China’s 1.4-billion-strong, fast-upgrading consumer base is actively welcoming new international players.
The geography of incoming investment is broadening too. Belt and Road countries, Arab states, and African Union members together set up 11,000 new enterprises in China in H1 2026. Exporting provinces such as Hainan (+38.6%), Shandong (+15.2%), Guangdong (+8.1%) and Jiangsu (+6.8%) all posted gains, while the Hainan Free Trade Port – whose island-wide special customs operations launched on December 18, 2025 – is building a uniquely foreign-investor-friendly environment.
High-quality investment is accelerating. Separate Ministry of Commerce data shows nearly 4,800 foreign-funded enterprises made additional investments in China in H1 2026, and FDI in high-tech industries surged 33.2% year on year. In June, MOFCOM and other departments rolled out a 15-measure action plan to stabilize and optimize foreign investment – widening market access in services, promoting the ‘Invest in China’ initiative, and ensuring foreign firms enjoy equal participation in government procurement and fair business access.
For international brands and sellers weighing China market entry, the message is unambiguous: the door is open, the consumer is ready, and the policy environment is actively improving. Hongshengze Business Management helps foreign sellers localize, comply, and scale in China end-to-end – from market access and registration to multilingual e-commerce and operations. If you are ready to turn China’s momentum into your market entry, start at https://gocntrade.com.