By Lu Xinyan

On the evening of April 3 local time in Moscow, the 2026 Ningbo (Russia) Home and Consumer Goods Expo concluded, with participating Ningbo companies reporting significant gains.

"The results far exceeded our expectations. By targeting the Russian market with accuracy, we connected with more than 15 qualified clients. New orders are set to roll in," said the head of exports at a Ningbo-based picture frame company.

His success reflected broader achievements for Ningbo manufacturers in the Russian market. According to the organizer, ITE Exhibition Group, more than 20 Ningbo companies collectively secured over 300 million yuan (about $41 million) of intended orders during the four-day event.

An official from the CCPIT Ningbo Committee said that despite its streamlined scale, the event delivered notable results, helping Ningbo products—including home goods, furniture, and garments—expand into offline retail and cross-border e-commerce channels.

A market-focused approach has become essential for companies seeking breakthroughs. A textile company attending the expo for the third consecutive year adopted a more proactive strategy this year, visiting long-standing clients two months in advance and tailoring its offerings to the high-end market based on client feedback. The firm also introduced new carpet designs featuring warm tones and intricate patterns.

"Russian consumers place a premium on home comfort," the company's head said. The approach helped the firm secure 10 new high-end clients, with Ningbo-made products steadily growing their share in the mid-to high-end segment of the local market.

The expo also provided a platform for companies to explore new business models. A large Ningbo trading group sent representatives from six business divisions to the event, showcasing dozens of new product categories and testing the local market for cross-border e-commerce opportunities.

"The results have been very encouraging," said the team leader. "After engaging with several highly compatible cross-border platforms, we've shifted our strategy. Next, we aim not only to act as a trading intermediary but also to build our own brands and help Ningbo consumer goods establish a foothold in Russia."