#China #Guangzhou #Canton Fair

Canton Fair's Remarkable 138th Edition

The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, reached a new milestone on November 4 as it wrapped up its 138th edition in Guangzhou, China. This year's fair saw an unprecedented participation of over 310,000 international buyers from 223 countries and regions, marking a 7.5% increase from the previous session. Among these, approximately 214,000 attendees hailed from countries involved in China's Belt and Road Initiative, a significant 9.4% rise.

With projected export transactions reaching an impressive $25.65 billion, the fair has solidified its status as a vital hub for global trade. Exhibitors praised the Canton Fair as a premier venue that not only provides opportunities for established partnerships but also fosters new relationships and market expansion. Many buyers expressed interest in visiting manufacturers, paving the way for further agreements.

Innovative and Eco-Friendly Products

Exhibitors showcased a wide array of innovative, intelligent, and environmentally friendly solutions across various sectors, including materials, crafts, and supply chains. Notably, new and green products, along with items boasting independent intellectual property rights, accounted for 23.3%, 23.5%, and 23.9% of the total 4.6 million products displayed. Key themes included AI optimization, smart manufacturing, low carbon emissions, and high-end customization.

Highlighted innovations spanned from humanoid robots and brain-computer interface devices to plastic-free furniture, biodegradable materials, AI-assisted rehabilitation devices, and 3D printing technologies. The integration of digital and smart technologies significantly enhanced the overall experience, making processes such as badge requests and navigation through exhibitions more efficient.

Enhanced Visitor Experience

This edition introduced a QR code badge system that drastically reduced issuance time to merely 30 seconds, making it six times faster than prior methods. Smart navigation techniques, leveraging Bluetooth, 5G, and BDS technologies, were implemented to improve attendee movement through the exhibition space. Standout technologies included an AI guide and intelligent companions featuring 'one-touch navigation' and 'information consultation via code,' utilized a remarkable 477,000 times.

With over 415,000 downloads of the Canton Fair app, the event also emphasized the importance of supportive business services. Networking was facilitated through various initiatives, including the 'Trade Bridge' matchmaking events, live broadcasts titled 'Discover Canton Fair with Bee and Honey,' and specialized thematic forums aimed at market exploration. A total of 240 service institutions offered over 100,000 consultations covering finance, logistics, testing, and design.

Looking Forward

Anticipation is already building for the next iteration of this dynamic trade fair. The 139th Canton Fair is set to take place in Guangzhou from April 15 to May 5, 2026. As a pivotal platform for international trade, the fair continues to evolve, adapting to market trends and fostering global business connections. For more information on attending, visit Canton Fair Registration.

The Canton Fair remains not just an exhibition but a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the future of international commerce.