What Is the Canton Fair?
The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, is Asia’s most important trade exhibition and the world’s largest international trading event. Established in 1957, this biannual fair takes place in Guangzhou, China, and has become the ultimate destination for global sourcing and procurement.
The fair operates twice yearly with spring and autumn sessions. The fair features approximately 24,000 exhibitors across three phases and is a critical driver of global commerce.
Why Buyers Should Attend the Canton Fair
Efficient Supplier Finding and Verification
The Canton Fair provides unparalleled access to suppliers and factories in China and beyond, eliminating the need for time-consuming travel across multiple regions.
It provides an ideal opportunity to evaluate suppliers’ communication skills, review their product catalogs and showroom offerings, and gather essential information for later verification during factory visits. This initial meeting will give you a valuable first impression of potential partners and help you determine which one’s merit for further engagement.
Product Innovation and Market Trends
Some suppliers will showcase their latest products, offering a great opportunity to be among the first to see them. However, this is not the case for all. Many suppliers have revealed that they avoid showcasing their latest products at the fair because they fear competitors copying their innovations—a very common concern in China’s competitive manufacturing landscape.
A face-to-face conversation with suppliers can help buyers to do market research about new innovations, materials, upcoming trends, technologies, and market directions that can inform your Asia sourcing and product development strategies.
Competitive Pricing and Direct Negotiation
It’s a great occasion for buyers to negotiate prices, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and payment terms directly at the fair. This immediate negotiation capability provides significant advantages over online sourcing platforms where back-and-forth communications can take days or weeks.
However, documenting all discussions and requesting written confirmation is crucial to avoiding any unpleasant surprises later, e.g. suppliers denying the agreed price.
Hands-On Product Evaluation
Unlike online platforms, the fair allows hands-on product evaluation, material testing, and so on. This physical interaction improves product assessment and reduces sourcing risks through immediate, tangible evaluation.
Canton Fair 2025 Dates and Schedule
Next Fair: October 2025 Session (138th Canton Fair)
The 138th edition of the Canton Fair is scheduled for October 15 to November 4 in Guangzhou, China and divided into three phases:
- Phase 1 (October 15-19, 2025): Focuses on electronics, household appliances, machinery, and industrial products.
- Phase 2 (October 23-27, 2025): Highlights consumer goods, gifts, home decorations, and lifestyle products.
- Phase 3 (October 31-November 4, 2025): Showcases textiles, clothing, shoes, and medical equipment.
How to Participate in the Canton Fair
Participating in the Canton Fair can transform your business by opening doors to new suppliers, products, and markets. Here’s how you can get involved:
Canton Fair Registration
Registration for the Canton Fair is simple and can be done online through the official website (cantonfair.org.cn). Keep an eye on the official website for updates.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
- Plan Ahead: Identify which phases and product categories align with your business needs and book accommodation and flights well in advance to save substantial costs and ensure better accommodation options.
- Research Exhibitors: Use the Canton Fair’s online platform to find exhibitors that match your requirements.
- Prepare for Crowds: The fair is vast and bustling, so wear comfortable shoes and plan your schedule.
- Language Tips: While many exhibitors speak English, a translator can be helpful.
- Take Comprehensive Notes: Make sure to record key information about each supplier, including booth numbers, contact details, product specifications, pricing discussions, and so on.
- Follow Up: After the fair, reach out to potential suppliers to negotiate terms and solidify relationships.
The key role of EASTWISE as your strategic Asia sourcing
At Eastwise, our team attends every Canton Fair session to identify and validate suppliers across all product categories for our clients. We combine deep local sourcing knowledge with European business standards to ensure successful sourcing outcomes.
Our systematic approach includes:
- Pre-fair supplier research and meeting arrangements
- Supplier meeting and products offering review
- Cultural bridge and communication facilitation
- Post-fair comprehensive reporting and recommendations
- Tailored support for product development
Do you have projects for developing a new range? If yes, please let us know so we can focus on that during our visit. Our team can conduct targeted research, arrange specific supplier meetings, and gather detailed technical information to support your product development initiatives.
👉 Planning to attend the Canton Fair? Contact us for our expert sourcing guidance and see how our local team helps you find the right suppliers and products.
