Applications open for UK trade mission to boost British music in China

A UK music industry trade mission to China is set to take place from 21st – 25th October 2025, providing an open door for music businesses to explore opportunities in the world’s second largest economy.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT), in partnership with the BPI (British Phonographic Industry) is organising this music mission to China, which will take place in Shanghai. The event will include delegates attending the IMX Shanghai event. There will also be a reception at the British Consulate in Shanghai for delegates and invited Industry guests.

Recorded music revenues in China totalled US$1.6 billion in 2024. The world’s fifth-largest music market, China’s income increase of US$143m was the second-largest globally, driven by subscription streaming growth of 18.9% and ensuring it became only the third market (alongside the US and UK) to surpass US$1bn in subscription streaming revenues. China accounted for over 35% of global subscription user growth in 2024 and the physical market is also strong, with revenue up by 18.8% year-on-year.

The mission will act as a catalyst for collaboration, exploration, and expansion of the British music industry in China. It will include a programme of education, networking, B2B meetings, and other music-related activities at the IMX Shanghai event.

Artists, managers, promoters, record labels, music publishers, digital distribution companies, festival bookers/directors/organisers and promoters, covering all genres of music, are invited to participate and the mission organisers will be tailoring certain aspects of the programme to suit all delegates.

IMX provides a unique opportunity to engage with leaders from across the Chinese music ecosystem. Previous editions have consistently attracted senior executives from China's key streaming DSPs, including Tencent Music Entertainment (TME), NetEase Cloud Music, Bytedance (Douyin/TikTok) and Huawei as well as microsync DSPs such as Keep, Visual China, and Ali Music.

The event has also served as a connection point to the essential CMOs - MCSC (for publishing rights) and CAVCA (for neighbouring rights) - creating a forum for vital licensing and royalty discussions. Furthermore, the IMX team will facilitate 1to1 networking with a diverse range of local and international partners, including major and independent labels and music tech innovators.

Mission registration is £200 per delegate, including access to the IMX Shanghai event. All travel, accommodation and other costs will need to be covered. Download the application form here.