China’s Fitness Industry Import & Export Update in the Global Market | April 2026

This report outlines the latest developments of China’s fitness sector in the global import and export landscape in April 2026.

1. Policy Tailwinds and Global Exhibitions Open Market Expansion Window

April 2026 brings a critical growth window for China’s fitness industry cross-border trade, driven by newly implemented policy incentives and concentrated flagship global industry events.

Effective April 1, China Customs launched an optimized cross-border e-commerce retail export cross-customs return policy, lifting the mandatory requirement for returned goods to be sent back to the original export customs port. This reform directly reduces logistics costs and shortens clearance lead times for fitness product exporters, especially for home fitness equipment and smart fitness devices. In the first week after implementation, export business inquiries from fitness merchants rose 12% month-on-month.

Meanwhile, a series of top global fitness exhibitions kicked off in April. The sports and fitness section of the Canton Fair secured over USD 80 million in intended orders on its first day, focusing on emerging markets in Southeast Asia and South America. Leading manufacturers from China’s core industrial belts debuted proprietary brands and Europe-tailored smart, low-carbon fitness equipment at the world-renowned FIBO Cologne in Germany. The upcoming Global Sources Sports & Outdoor Products Show in Hong Kong has confirmed over 500 Chinese suppliers to target mainstream European and American retail channels.

2. Robust Trade Performance and Industrial Upgrading Reshape Global Competitiveness

As of early April 2026, China’s fitness equipment exports have maintained strong momentum, with shipments covering more than 100 countries and regions worldwide.

From January to April 2026, Ningjin County in Shandong, China’s largest commercial fitness equipment production base, posted a 28% year-on-year increase in export value, including a 30%+ year-on-year surge in orders from South American markets. The Jinhua industrial belt in Zhejiang, specializing in smart home fitness equipment, recorded an 18% month-on-month rise in European and American orders in early April.

Beyond volume growth, China’s fitness sector is undergoing a fundamental shift from Made in China to Created in China. Moving beyond low-cost contract manufacturing, Chinese manufacturers are gaining global traction with AI-powered smart fitness devices, low-carbon eco-friendly fitness solutions, and original design-led portable fitness products. These innovations are breaking the long-standing monopoly of international brands in the high-end market, as China expands from pure capacity output to full industrial chain output covering design, branding, and standard-setting.

3. Forward Outlook: Sustained Growth and Long-Term Value Creation

Looking ahead, China’s fitness industry is poised for sustained growth in global import and export, with long-term market opportunities only just beginning to unfold.

In the short term, the upcoming global fitness consumption peak season, coupled with the continuous release of policy dividends and the gradual execution of intended orders from April’s exhibitions, is expected to drive further steady growth in China’s fitness product imports and exports in the second quarter of 2026.

In the long run, the global fitness market continues to expand. Mature markets in Europe and North America have growing demand for high-end, intelligent, and personalized fitness solutions, where China’s complete supply chain and agile R&D capabilities deliver a strong competitive edge. Meanwhile, emerging markets in Southeast Asia, South America, and the Middle East are in the early stages of fitness industry growth, creating vast untapped demand that aligns perfectly with China’s product strengths.

We hold firm confidence that with sustained R&D investment, continuous alignment with international standards, and growing global brand influence, Chinese fitness enterprises will evolve from the "world’s factory" into a global innovation and brand hub for the fitness industry, creating greater long-term value for global partners and consumers alike.