The 136th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, is set to open on October 15 in Guangzhou. This year’s event promises to break new records for exhibitors and activities, highlighting China’s continued efforts to drive economic growth and international trade.
Running until November 4, the Fair will be held in three phases, with both in-person and online exhibitions. Covering a vast area of 1.55 million square metres, it will feature approximately 74,000 booths across 55 exhibition sections. The number of participating companies at the onsite event has risen to over 30,000, including nearly 4,600 first-time exhibitors. Among these are 29,400 export companies, marking an increase of nearly 800 from the previous session.
The Canton Fair continues to evolve digitally, with new online features aimed at improving accessibility for international attendees. This year, 18 new functions have been introduced, including virtual avatars and a dedicated Canton Fair app. The online section of the exhibition has grown considerably, with about 48,000 companies showcasing around 3.75 million products. These figures represent a 60% rise in the number of participating businesses and a 50% increase in the number of products compared to the last session. The aim is to connect Chinese brands with global markets more effectively through innovative digital solutions such as live streaming and targeted product launches.
One of the key highlights of this year’s Fair is the large number of trade promotion events, which have reached an all-time high. Over 750 events are scheduled, offering companies the opportunity to explore industry trends, international market dynamics, and potential trade collaborations. In addition, the Fair has partnered with multinational corporations and organisations from around the world to organise more than 250 “Trade Bridge” matchmaking events in 65 countries and regions, including the US, France, Brazil, Indonesia, Kenya, and Australia. These initiatives are designed to help businesses forge new partnerships and grow their presence in international markets.
This year’s edition will also see the launch of around 400 Canton Fair New Collection events, covering 13 different industries such as industrial manufacturing, electronics, home appliances, vehicles, and fashion. These events will offer buyers a first-hand look at the latest innovations from Chinese manufacturers, further strengthening the Fair’s role as a hub for global trade.
As of October 9, around 125,000 overseas buyers had pre-registered to attend the event, according to Chu Shijia, Secretary General of the Canton Fair and Director General of the China Foreign Trade Centre. This represents a 24% increase in global retail participation compared to the same period during the previous session, with 223 top international retailers confirming their attendance. This level of interest underscores the importance of the Canton Fair as a key platform for connecting Chinese manufacturers with global markets.
With its ever-expanding scope and commitment to digital innovation, the 136th Canton Fair looks set to further solidify its position as a vital bridge between China and the international business community. For more information about the Canton Fair, please visit https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US
