The 139th edition of the Canton Fair kicked off on April 15 in Guangzhou, setting a new historic benchmark with over 32,000 participating enterprises.
As China's premier trade event, the fair showcases an unprecedented concentration of industrial leaders, including more than 11,000 "Little Giant" firms—specialized and sophisticated enterprises that represent the pinnacle of China's manufacturing excellence and innovation.
As of April 9, over 210,000 overseas buyers had pre-registered for the event, with 290 major global retail leaders confirming their attendance—a 30% year-on-year increase. A significant portion of the new growth is driven by emerging markets, with registrations from Belt and Road partner countries, Latin America, and Africa increasing rapidly.
This year's fair has significantly expanded its scope to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of global trade. The number of specialized exhibition sections has grown to 179, featuring the debut of nine new zones dedicated to cutting-edge sectors such as smart wearables, display technologies, consumer drones, and prefabricated houses and courtyard facilities.
These additions reflect a strategic shift toward high-tech, high-value exports, allowing a new wave of Chinese enterprises and technologies to reach the global stage and serve consumers worldwide.
Beyond just showcasing hardware, the profile of the Chinese exhibitor is undergoing a profound structural transformation. Currently, 60% of participating companies showcase their own independent brands, while nearly 20% have expanded their footprint through outbound investment. Most notably, over one-third of these firms have transitioned from traditional product sales to an "export+service" model.
To facilitate this shift, the Fair has integrated 210 specialized institutions to provide customized, high-tech support, ranging from AI-driven quality inspection and smart warehousing to intelligent supply chain management.
According to Zhu Yong, head of the China Foreign Trade Centre, the Canton Fair is evolving in line with national development goals to foster the integration of trade and investment.
By focusing on the integration of traditional services and the empowerment of innovative solutions, the fair aims to build a full-lifecycle trade promotion ecosystem that amplifies its spillover effect on the global economy.
Reporter | Guo Chuhua
Photo | Dai Bosi
