Against a challenging geopolitical backdrop and ongoing internal structural challenges, the Chinese government recently announced a GDP growth target for 2026 in the range of 4.5% to 5%. The strategy to support the country’s economic development, also covering broader objectives under the 2025-2030 five-year plan, includes measures at various levels. These include substantial steps aimed at technological progress, with a particular focus on increasing productivity in manufacturing, while also taking circularity and sustainability into account. In this context, Chinaplas 2026 in Shanghai will be a venue for a strong presence of Italian manufacturers of machinery and equipment for plastics and rubber processing.
According to data from the Beijing bureau of statistics, in 2025, compared with 2024, imports of plastics and rubber processing machinery increased by 2.5%, reaching a value of just under 30 billion yuan, equivalent to approximately 3.7 billion euros. This marks a reversal of the trend after the clear slowdown in 2024, when imports contracted by one quarter. In the 2020-2023 period, by contrast, very strong growth was recorded, from just over 4 billion euros to more than 4.9 billion euros.
Italian exports of plastics and rubber processing machinery to China have remained on an upward trend since 2019 and have accelerated markedly over the past three years. According to data from the Amaplast Study Center, the trade association affiliated with Confindustria and representing approximately 170 manufacturers, export value exceeded 200 million euros in 2025. As a result, China ranked third among export destinations for the sector, maintaining the same position as in 2024.
Italian pavilion at Chinaplas 2026
At the 38th edition of Chinaplas, to be held in Shanghai on April 21-24, 2026, 48 Italian companies will exhibit in the national pavilion organized by Amaplast. The display area will cover more than 1,700 square meters. The Made in Italy pavilion will be located in hall 2.1, alongside other international exhibitors.
Numerous Amaplast members will be present in the pavilion, including Amut, Colines, Comac, Comerio Ercole, Crizaf, Doteco, Exact, Fimic, Frigosystem, Gefran, Helios Italquartz, Icma San Giorgio, Ipm, Itib Machinery International, Magic Mp, Maris, Mixron, Moretto, Moss, Omg srl, Omipa, Omso, Plas Mec, Previero/Sorema, Rodolfo Comerio, Sacmi Imola, Self Group Comi, Simplas, Tria, Union and Zambello Riduttori.
Several other Italian companies will participate in the trade fair through the stands of local agents, partners or subsidiaries.
