#China #Guangzhou #Canton Fair #International Trade #Export Agreements

The Successful Conclusion of the 137th Canton Fair

On May 5, 2025, the 137th Chinese Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, successfully wrapped up in Guangzhou, setting new records for international attendance and sales contracts. With a total of 288,938 foreign buyers from 219 countries and regions, this edition saw a remarkable 17.3% increase compared to its 135th session. Preliminary export contracts reached an impressive $25.44 billion, which is a 3% growth from the previous fair.

Emerging Markets Thrive

In a statement, Zhou Shanqing, the Deputy General Manager of the China Foreign Trade Centre, highlighted that emerging markets remained the leading source of visitors. Among these, 187,450 buyers participated from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, reflecting a growth of 17.4% and representing 64.9% of the total attendees. Notably, BRICS nations contributed an additional 72,417 buyers, marking a staggering 24.1% increase, while countries from the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) accounted for 64,808 attendees, up by 6.9%.

Increased Participation from Multinational Corporations

The Fair also welcomed significant delegations from various trade organizations, with 140 business groups present, corresponding to a 17.6% rise. The participation of leading sourcing corporations reached an all-time high, with no fewer than 376 enterprises showcasing their products. This diverse assembly of participants underscores the Fair's influential role in global trade.

Innovation on Display

One of the Fair's standout aspects was the introduction of advanced products featuring cutting-edge technologies, energy-efficient designs, and innovative smart solutions. Over 4.55 million products were showcased, including 1.02 million brand new items, 880,000 green and low-carbon products, and 320,000 smart items. The newly introduced service robots area attracted substantial attention, displaying over 500 types of robots from 46 notable Chinese robotics companies.

International Pavilion Success

The international pavilion also performed remarkably, with 736 companies from 50 countries and regions participating. Approximately 67% of these exhibitors hailed from Belt and Road countries, effectively establishing intentions for collaboration with numerous Chinese buyers. Positive feedback was received from exhibitors from Russia, Thailand, and Turkey, indicating that their products are expected to enter the Chinese market promptly.

Trade Promotion Activities

Throughout the session, a total of 1,206 trade promotion activities were carried out, covering contemporary topics in international commerce. This included 438 activities related to the new Canton Fair collection, 734 'Trade Bridge' networking events, and 19 industry forums, all aimed at fostering dialogue and partnerships in the global marketplace.

Looking Ahead

The 138th Canton Fair is slated to take place from October 15 to November 4, 2025, promising yet another opportunity for international trade and collaboration in the vibrant city of Guangzhou. With the trends witnessed in the recent Fair, anticipation is high for increased engagement and innovation in the next edition.