At the Canton Fair, US entrepreneur Felipe Arias is looking for more than new products. He is also searching for factories capable of turning new ideas into finished products and for partners that can support the long-term growth of his businesses.
Arias has worked with China's partners since 2010. He said the Canton Fair has given him access to a wide range of products, manufacturers and business opportunities. After arriving with one business, he gradually expanded into a trading company, two fashion brands and a heavy machinery business.
"Every time you come to the Canton Fair, it's a great opportunity because your dreams come true," Arias said. "A lot of people come here wanting to start a business, and they become successful."
Today, about 95 percent of his company's production remains in China. Arias works with roughly 10 Chinese suppliers, including seven that have worked with him for around 13 years. While maintaining these long-term relationships, he continues to use the Canton Fair to get to know new factories and look for new products.
The fair also provides opportunities for buyers and manufacturers to develop products together. Arias cited a highly technical men's suit his company is developing with a Chinese factory. To produce the design, the factory had to improve its technology and production process and introduce special machinery.
For Arias, China's advantages are particularly important in fast fashion, an industry that requires rapid production and constant adjustments. He said China's supply-chain speed, technology and access to materials remain difficult to match elsewhere.
Despite tariffs, logistics costs and uncertainty in global trade, Arias continues to attend the Canton Fair in search of partners and solutions. He said that when tariffs rose sharply, some Chinese suppliers offered longer payment terms and adjusted prices to help his businesses manage the pressure.
As he expands into heavy machinery and explores AI-related healthcare products, Arias sees the Canton Fair as an important platform for discovering opportunities and strengthening cooperation with China.
"Business cannot stop," he said. "You have to find a solution."
Reporter | Hu Nan
Poster | Lai Meiya
