China Expands Ice and Snow Economy

China launched the 2026 National Ice and Snow Consumption Season in January 2026 in Harbin, led by the Ministry of Commerce to boost winter sports consumption. A 2025 industry report says the sector topped 1 trillion yuan by end-2025, grew from 270 billion yuan in 2015 to 980 billion in 2024, and the 2024–25 season generated 187.5 billion yuan (up 25%), while manufacturers integrate smart manufacturing, robotics and AI across equipment and services, positioning the market for continued expansion.