On January 16, AmCham China launched the 28th annual China Business Climate Survey (BCS) Report, marking nearly 30 years of tracking the business performance and outlook of American companies in China. The BCS is a key reference for understanding the sentiment of the US business community and offers insights for policymakers and companies navigating China’s evolving business environment.
Conducted between October 22 and November 20, 2025, the 2026 BCS draws on feedback from more than 360 companies across 20+ industries, covering topics such as financial performance, the business environment, and views on US-China relations.
Beijing, National Launch – January 16
The in-person launch event was held in Beijing on January 16. Michael Hart, President of AmCham China, presented the headline findings from the 2026 BCS, highlighting key trends reflected in member company feedback across industries.
The presentation was followed by an off-the-record panel discussion featuring James Zimmerman, Chairman of AmCham China; Jean-Marc Taton, Chairman of ExxonMobil China; Yang Hou, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft Greater China Area; and Justin Zhao, Vice President of Government Affairs at Johnson & Johnson China. Panelists shared cross-sector perspectives on operating conditions, policy developments, and expectations for the year ahead.
Chengdu, Southwest China Launch – January 20
The Southwest China Chapter hosted an executive luncheon briefing in Chengdu on January 20 to mark the regional launch of the 2026 BCS Report. The event opened with remarks from James Zimmerman, followed by a presentation by Mark Dreyer, AmCham China’s Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, who highlighted national-level findings and their implications for companies operating in Southwest China.
Tianjin, Executive Breakfast Briefing – January 22
AmCham China’s Tianjin Chapter held an executive breakfast briefing in Tianjin on the morning of January 22 to launch the 2026 report and brief members.
Michael Hart presented the national BCS findings, followed by a briefing on Tianjin-specific survey data from Will Hao, Government Affairs and Policy Manager at AmCham China. The discussion focused on local business challenges, growth opportunities, and the outlook for multinational companies in the Tianjin market.
Wuhan, Central China Launch – January 22
Later on January 22, the Central China Chapter hosted a BCS Report briefing and networking lunch in Wuhan. Mark Dreyer presented the key findings of the 2026 report, outlining trends in financial performance, investment plans, regulatory concerns, and talent issues affecting companies in Central China.
The session featured a Q&A and concluded with lunch, allowing members to discuss how national survey results align with regional business conditions.
Dalian, Northeast China Launch – January 23
The final Chapter launch event was in Dalian on January 23, where the Northeast Chapter hosted a briefing and networking lunch. The event opened with welcome remarks from local organizers and was moderated by Robin Zhang, Dalian Tax Leader at PwC Consultants Dalian Branch. Alice Zhao, Senior Manager of Marketing & Leasing at Ascendas IT Park delivered welcome remarks.
The presentation highlighted the 2026 BCS findings, discussing issues most relevant to companies operating in Northeast China, including the investment environment, regulatory implementation, and talent retention.