#China #Guangzhou #Canton Fair

The 138th Canton Fair Concludes with Record-Breaking Attendance and Innovation

The 138th Canton Fair, held in Guangzhou, China, concluded successfully on November 4, 2025, marking a significant milestone in its history. This year's fair not only boasted over 310,000 international buyers from 223 countries and regions, but it also reported an impressive 7.5% increase in attendance compared to the previous session. Notably, buyers from BRICS nations increased by 9.4%, underscoring the fair's relevance in today’s global marketplace.

With an estimated export business projection of $25.65 billion, this fair continues its upward trend. Exhibitors emphasized that the Canton Fair serves as an essential venue for fostering long-term partnerships, developing new connections, and exploring new market opportunities. Many buyers engaged in factory visits, indicating a commitment to further negotiations and agreements in the future.

Focus on Innovation and Sustainability

Exhibitors brought forth innovative and eco-friendly products, reflecting a strong focus on sustainability and digital transformation. Products that prioritized intelligent design and environmental considerations constituted a robust segment of the fair. It was reported that 23.3% of the showcased items integrated new eco-friendly materials, while products endowed with independent intellectual property rights made up 23.5%. Furthermore, keywords such as AI-assisted solutions, smart manufacturing, and low-carbon production were prevalent across the different exhibition stages.

Among the most compelling displays were humanoid robots, brain-computer interfaces, plastic-free furniture, biobased materials, AI-supported rehabilitation devices, and 3D printing technologies. This diverse array of innovative products offers insight into the future direction of global manufacturing and trade.

Enhanced Visitor Experience with Smart Technology

Digital and intelligent technology integration has significantly improved visitor experiences at the fair, streamlining processes such as registration, navigation, and matchmaking. The newly introduced QR code identification system allows visitors to gain access within just 30 seconds, which is six times faster than previous methods. Leveraging advanced technologies like Bluetooth, 5G, and BDS, China's inaugural intelligent on-site navigation system debuted, equipped with devices such as AI guides and smart signage. These tools contributed to over 477,000 uses during the fair.

Additionally, the Canton Fair app saw 415,000 downloads, enhancing communication and engagement among participants.

Networking Opportunities and Support Services

The Canton Fair's commitment to facilitating impactful networking was evident through various events, such as nine matchmaking sessions titled “Trade Bridge,” 17 live-streaming activities under the theme “Discover the Canton Fair with Bee and Honey,” and 13 thematic forums aimed at helping enterprises identify target markets. Over 240 service providers in areas such as finance, logistics, inspection, and design offered more than 100,000 consultations to assist participants in navigating the complex landscape of international trade and commerce.

The 139th Canton Fair is set to take place from April 15 to May 5, 2026, in Guangzhou, promising even more opportunities for exhibitors and buyers alike as the world looks towards a vibrant economic future. For further details, interested parties can visit Canton Fair Registration.

In summary, the success of the 138th Canton Fair reflects continued growth and the relevance of trade shows in building business relationships, fostering innovation, and addressing global market needs. It stands as a testament to the dynamic landscape of international commerce, rooted in collaboration and forward-thinking.