#China #Guangzhou #Canton Fair #China Trade #Global Innovation

The 138th Canton Fair Ends with Remarkable Success

The 138th Canton Fair, which concluded on November 4, has set new historical records in various metrics, including foreign buyer attendance and the introduction of innovative, intelligent, and eco-friendly products. Held in Guangzhou, China, this year's fair witnessed participation from over 310,000 international buyers spanning 223 countries and regions—a 7.5% increase from the previous edition. Notably, a significant portion of attendees, 214,000, hailed from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), marking a 9.4% rise in attendees from these regions.

Record Transactions and Emerging Opportunities

The anticipated export transaction volume during the fair reached an impressive $25.65 billion, remaining in line with the upward trend seen in past editions. Exhibitors described the Canton Fair as a premium forum brimming with opportunities and high-quality contacts, positioning it as the ideal platform for forming lasting partnerships and expanding into new markets. Many buyers expressed intentions to visit factories, indicating further business agreements were likely to solidify.

Emphasizing Innovation and Sustainability

Exhibitors focused heavily on innovation, intelligence, and environmental protection across materials, manufacturing processes, and supply chains at the fair. Eco-friendly and cutting-edge products, as well as items with independent intellectual property rights, accounted for significant portions—23.3%, 23.5%, and 23.9% of the total 4.6 million showcased products, respectively. High-end customization, low-carbon emissions, artificial intelligence, and innovative manufacturing played pivotal roles in three thematic phases of the fair. Popular exhibits included humanoid robots, brain-computer interface devices, plastic-free home furniture, bio-based materials, AI-enabled rehabilitation devices, and 3D printing technologies.

Enhanced Visitor Experience Through Technology

This year's event saw the integration of smart digital technology that significantly improved attendee experience for credential applications, exhibition navigation, business meetings, and networking. For the first time, QR code credential issuance was streamlined to just 30 seconds—six times quicker than previous fairs. In addition, the introduction of smart navigation systems, powered by Bluetooth, 5G, and BDS, enabled a stand-level navigation system in China. Tools such as AI guides and intelligent orientation systems were updated to provide one-touch navigation and informational queries via a single code, resulting in 477,000 uses.

The Canton Fair mobile app also saw 415,000 additional downloads, enhancing engagement throughout the event.

Supporting Business and Market Exploration

From trade promotions to support activities, tailored services provided a solid framework for enhanced cooperation between participants. A total of nine "Business Bridge" matching events, seventeen live broadcasts titled "Discover Canton Fair with Bees and Honey," and thirteen thematic forums were organized to help companies explore target markets effectively. Furthermore, 24 service institutions offering finance, logistics, testing, and design provided over 100,000 consultations to attendees, enriching the overall experience.

Looking Ahead to Future Editions

The 139th Canton Fair is already scheduled to take place in Guangzhou from April 15 to May 5, 2026. For more details, interested parties can visit the official registration page here.

With its ongoing commitment to facilitating global trade and innovation, the Canton Fair continues to be a vital player on the international stage, enhancing connections and fostering economic growth.