Expanding Global Reach

The exhibition featured a dedicated international pavilion and attracted exhibitors and buyers from more than 90 countries and regions, providing opportunities for international business engagement and technology exchange. As participation from overseas stakeholders continues to grow, CIBF is increasingly serving as a platform for dialogue and collaboration across the global battery industry. The event also highlighted the role of international cooperation in addressing the opportunities and challenges facing the energy sector during China's 15th Five-Year Plan period.

At the opening ceremony, Wang Zeshen, Secretary General of the China Industrial Association of Power Sources, highlighted three priorities for the industry: encouraging innovation over price competition, aligning more closely with international standards, and strengthening collaboration across the value chain. Meanwhile, Huatai Securities released a research report projecting continued growth in demand across the lithium battery value chain and identifying sodium-ion and solid-state batteries as promising areas for future development.

Innovation Across the Battery Value Chain

CIBF 2026 showcased the latest developments across the battery industry. In the field of solid-state batteries, attendees explored advances in electrolyte technologies and dry-electrode manufacturing. In the sodium-ion battery segment, exhibitors presented the latest progress in large-scale commercial applications. Meanwhile, innovations in high-nickel ternary cathodes, silicon-based anodes, and other key lithium battery materials highlighted the industry's pursuit of multiple technology approaches, each advancing toward greater maturity and commercialization.

Industry leaders also drew significant attention with the introduction of their latest products and technologies. CATL presented its Qilin Condensed Battery and Naxtra sodium-ion battery series. The company's recently announced energy storage supply agreement with HyperStrong—currently the world's largest sodium-ion battery energy storage order to date—was prominently featured during the exhibition and widely reported as a milestone development for the sector. BYD showcased its second-generation Blade Battery and FLASH Charging Technology, which address two longstanding industry challenges: charging speed and low-temperature charging performance. Across the broader supply chain, SEMCORP unveiled three new products aimed at the premium market segment. Its "Disruptive Technology Experience Zone" became one of the exhibition's most popular attractions, highlighting emerging technologies under development across the sector.

Energy Storage Emerges as a Key Growth Driver

For the first time, energy storage batteries surpassed power batteries in industry attention, becoming one of the exhibition's dominant themes. Industry data showed that China's lithium battery production schedule for May reached a record monthly high, with energy storage cells accounting for a significantly larger share of total output. The segment has become a key contributor to overall production growth, reflecting growing demand for energy storage applications.

International expansion was another key focus of this year's event. Hall 12, the exhibition's dedicated international pavilion, brought together leading grid operators, system integrators, and energy developers, providing an effective platform for Chinese battery companies to engage with global partners. The initiative supports the industry's shift from product exports to the export of technologies and standards. According to reports from xhby.net, several high-profile partnerships were announced during the exhibition. Among them, BYD Energy Storage signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Norway's Corvus Energy to jointly promote the large-scale deployment of high-rate lithium iron phosphate (LFP) marine battery systems, further extending the global reach of Chinese battery technologies.

Major Partnerships Announced

Partnership formation was among the exhibition's notable outcomes. On the opening day alone, Cornex New Energy signed agreements with five leading industry partners, securing a combined order volume of 50 GWh. The agreements span applications from residential energy storage to utility-scale projects. Meanwhile, Shandong Huate Magnet entered into strategic partnerships with three battery manufacturers, further strengthening collaboration across the value chain. Beyond domestic deals, exhibitors also reached a broad range of agreements with international customers covering battery supply, technology development, and capacity expansion, demonstrating continued international engagement.

Looking Ahead: Five Trends Shaping the Battery Industry

Drawing on developments showcased throughout the exhibition, CIBF 2026 highlighted five trends shaping the future of the global battery industry. Battery technologies continue to diversify, with solid-state and sodium-ion batteries accelerating toward large-scale commercialization. At the same time, battery applications are expanding into the low-altitude economy, embodied AI robotics, and other emerging sectors, generating new sources of demand. Competitive advantage is also shifting from capacity expansion toward full-lifecycle economics and compliance with increasingly complex global regulatory requirements. Meanwhile, companies are moving beyond product exports toward integrated solutions that combine technology, standards, and manufacturing capabilities. These developments are accompanied by greater collaboration across the value chain, reflecting a growing emphasis on coordinated innovation throughout the industry.

CIBF 2026 was far more than a record-breaking industry gathering. It served as a forum for discussion on the future direction of the global battery sector. One theme emerged consistently throughout the exhibition: technological innovation and deeper integration with real-world applications are becoming increasingly important priorities across the industry. With a more diversified, open, and innovation-driven approach, China's battery industry is playing an increasingly important role in the global energy transition.

While the exhibition has come to a close, innovation across the battery industry continues. Building on the discussions and partnerships formed at CIBF 2026, stakeholders will continue to push the boundaries of core technologies, deepen international collaboration, and support the global energy transition and carbon neutrality goals. The industry will gather again in Shenzhen in 2027 to explore new opportunities for sustainable, low-carbon development.

This year's edition will welcome more than 3,100 global exhibitors — a new record in scale and diversity — covering the full battery value chain: power batteries, energy storage systems, 3C cells, advanced materials, intelligent manufacturing equipment, system solutions, and circular recycling technologies. Attendees will experience breakthrough innovations firsthand, from solid‑state and sodium‑ion batteries to smart production lines and carbon‑tracking systems, defining the next era of energy storage.

Alongside the exhibition, a series of high‑profile forums will convene over 2,000 industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to explore cutting‑edge themes: next‑generation battery technology, electric aviation batteries, large‑scale energy storage deployment, and carbon footprint management. These sessions deliver exclusive insights into policy direction, tech breakthroughs, and global market trends.

CIBF 2026 places green development at its core, spotlighting fuel cells, low‑carbon manufacturing, and recycling solutions to support zero‑carbon industrial parks and global sustainability goals.

China's battery industry posted strong results in 2025: export volume remained steady, while export value surged 22.8% to $82.279 billion, driven by high‑value lithium‑ion products that now account for 93.3% of total exports. The sector's shift to quality, efficiency, and high‑end manufacturing underscores its global leadership.

As the ultimate hub connecting policy, industry, technology, and global markets, CIBF 2026 is now open for visitor pre‑registration. It is the must‑attend event for anyone pursuing partnerships, innovation, and growth in the global battery and green energy ecosystem.

For details, visit the official site: https://www.cibf.org.cn/en-US

A Strong Industrial Foundation: Quality Growth & Global Competitiveness
China's battery industry achieved a landmark performance in 2025, defined by stable shipment volume, rising export value, and remarkable gains in quality and efficiency. Annual battery exports reached 37.896 billion units, while total export value soared 22.8% to $82.279 billion.

Lithium‑ion batteries — the crown jewel of the sector — generated $76.746 billion in exports, up 25.55% year‑on‑year, rising from 91.3% to 93.3% of total battery exports. This dramatic structural shift signals China's successful transition from volume expansion to high‑end, high‑value, and high‑efficiency manufacturing. Going forward, the industry will double down on power batteries, new energy storage, and solid‑state technology, supported by smart manufacturing to drive global leadership.

Exhibition Highlights: Record‑Breaking Scale & Full‑Chain Innovation
CIBF 2026 will host more than 3,100 domestic and international exhibitors, reaching an all‑time high in scale, quality, and global participation. The fair covers every link of the battery ecosystem:

• Power batteries & energy storage systems

• 3C consumer batteries

• Advanced materials & components

• Intelligent manufacturing equipment

• System integration & solutions

• Recycling & circular economy technologies

Attendees will witness revolutionary innovations: solid‑state batteries, sodium‑ion breakthroughs, automated smart factories, digital carbon tracking, and next‑generation storage solutions that will redefine electric vehicles, grid storage, and electric aviation.

Making its debut in 2026: dedicated new product launch zones and business matchmaking areas to streamline collaboration. Interactive activities and a fully equipped news center further elevate engagement, visibility, and real‑time global outreach.

High‑Level Forums: Global Wisdom to Shape the Future
During the fair, a series of premium forums will convene over 2,000 top experts, scholars, and industry executives from around the world. Key events include:

• CIBF2026 Conference on the Frontier Technology of Advanced Batteries
  
  
• Shenzhen International Conference on New Energy Storage Technology and Engineering Application
  
  
• Conference on Next-generation Battery Technologies and Advanced Manufacturing for Electric Aviation (CIBF2026 Shenzhen)
  
  
• The 3rd Battery Passport and Sustainable Development Technology Seminar

These sessions explore critical themes: energy storage commercialization, carbon footprint management, supply chain security, green recycling, and sustainable development. They provide authoritative policy guidance, cutting‑edge tech sharing, and data‑driven market forecasts.

Green Leadership: Accelerating the Global Low‑Carbon Economy
Rooted in sustainability, CIBF 2026 places energy storage, fuel cells, green recycling, and high‑efficiency low‑carbon equipment at center stage. By integrating top global solutions, the fair serves as a one‑stop platform for zero‑carbon industrial parks, "dual carbon" initiatives, and global climate action.

The Global Hub for Battery & Energy Innovation
As China's battery industry strengthens its global leadership, CIBF 2026 has become the world's most influential battery exhibition — the critical link between policy and industry, technology and market, China and the world.

Visitor pre‑registration is now open.
Global industry professionals are invited to join the premier gathering of the battery universe, explore partnerships, launch innovations, and shape the next era of green energy.

For details, visit the official site: https://www.cibf.org.cn/en-US

From solid-state and sodium-ion advances to intelligent equipment and carbon-tracking systems, the show will bring together key players across the international supply chain, giving companies a platform to showcase capabilities, connect with partners, and tap into new markets.

A lineup of high-level forums will run alongside the exhibition to dig into topics like emerging storage technologies and battery carbon-footprint management, bringing together industry participants to explore practical paths forward. More than 2,000 experts, researchers, and business leaders are expected to attend, offering a read on policy direction, emerging tech, and market trends.

This year's show will also put a spotlight on energy storage batteries, fuel cells, recycling technologies, and energy-efficient manufacturing equipment—positioned as a platform for zero-carbon industrial parks and low-emission development initiatives. The goal is to back the kind of robust growth that comes with a low-carbon economy.

China's battery sector closed out 2025 with steady shipment volumes and climbing prices, a clear sign of improving quality and efficiency across the sector. Full-year exports totaled 37.896 billion battery units, roughly flat from a year earlier, but the value jumped 22.8% to $82.279 billion—underscoring the country's continued edge in international markets. It is increasingly shifting toward power batteries and emerging energy storage technologies, with smart manufacturing playing a larger role in improving efficiency and supporting higher-value, lower-emission production.

As the competitiveness and market position of China's battery sector continue to rise, CIBF2026 has become a leading international exhibition—one that sits at the crossroads of policy and industry, technology and market, and domestic and international opportunity.

With the global energy transition accelerating and China's battery sector gaining strength, visitor registration for CIBF is now open. Industry professionals can reserve their spot through the official platform to take in what's become a key gathering point for the international battery community.

For more information, visit: https://www.cibf.org.cn/en-US.

TIANJIN, China, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- China's battery sector closed out 2025 with steady shipment volumes and climbing prices, a clear sign of improving quality and efficiency across the sector. Full-year exports totaled 37.896 billion battery units, roughly flat from a year earlier, but the value jumped 22.8% to $82.279 billion—underscoring the country's continued edge in international markets. It is increasingly shifting toward power batteries and emerging energy storage technologies, with smart manufacturing playing a larger role in improving efficiency and supporting higher-value, lower-emission production. Riding that momentum, the 18^th China International Battery Fair (CIBF2026) is set to open on May 13–15 at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center.

On the quality front, the industry has been shifting gears from sheer scale to more refined capability. In 2025, lithium-ion battery exports hit $76.746 billion, up 25.55% year on year. Higher-value lithium-ion products now account for a bigger slice of the export mix, climbing from 91.3% in 2024 to 93.3% in 2025. That shift in composition has become a key driver of overall export growth, reflecting a leaner product mix and a stronger competitive footing for Chinese battery makers in international markets. Going forward, the focus will be on breaking new ground in power batteries, energy storage, and solid-state technologies—filling gaps across the supply chain and speeding up the move from lab to production. This momentum provides an important context for CIBF2026.

As the competitiveness and market position of China's battery sector continue to rise, CIBF2026 has become a leading international exhibition—one that sits at the crossroads of policy and industry, technology and market, and domestic and international opportunity.

This year's event is on track to draw more than 3,100 exhibitors from around the world, with both scale and scope hitting new highs. The floor spans the supply chain—power and energy storage batteries, 3C cells, materials, manufacturing equipment, system solutions, and recycling applications—offering a broad look at where battery technology stands today. From solid-state and sodium-ion advances to intelligent equipment and carbon-tracking systems, the show will bring together key players across the international supply chain, giving companies a platform to showcase capabilities, connect with partners, and tap into new markets.

A lineup of high-level forums will run alongside the exhibition, including the CIBF2026 Conference on the Frontier Technology of Advanced Batteries, the Conference on Next-Generation Battery Technology and Advanced Manufacturing for Electric Aviation, the 6^th China International Conference on New Energy Storage Technology and Engineering Application, the Annual Conference of the CIAPS Lithium Iron Phosphate Materials Branch, and the 3rd International Battery Passport Conference. These sessions will dig into topics like emerging storage technologies and battery carbon-footprint management, bringing together industry participants to explore practical paths forward. More than 2,000 experts, researchers, and business leaders are expected to attend, offering a read on policy direction, emerging tech, and market trends.

This year's show will also put a spotlight on energy storage batteries, fuel cells, recycling technologies, and energy-efficient manufacturing equipment—positioned as a platform for zero-carbon industrial parks and low-emission development initiatives. The goal is to back the kind of robust growth that comes with a low-carbon economy.

With the global energy transition accelerating and China's battery sector gaining strength, visitor registration for CIBF is now open. Industry professionals can reserve their spot through the official platform to take in what's become a key gathering point for the international battery community.

For more information, visit: https://www.cibf.org.cn/en-US.