Canton Fair opens October 15 with more than 32,000 exhibitors

The 140th Canton Fair opens in Guangzhou on October 15 and runs in three phases until November 4. More than 32,000 companies will exhibit, and more than 210,000 overseas buyers had registered in advance by the middle of September, according to China's Ministry of Commerce.

The fair is the largest trade show in China and the quickest way to meet many suppliers in one place. It has grown from 9,600 square meters at its first session to 1.55 million square meters today. The ministry says new products will make up 23.2% of what is on show and green products 26%, both record highs. The spring session drew 314,000 overseas buyers from 220 countries and regions.

Which phase covers your products

• Phase 1, October 15 to 19. Consumer electronics, household appliances, smart wearables, service robots, industrial automation, new energy vehicles, hardware and tools.
• Phase 2, October 23 to 27. Gifts and premiums, home decorations, festival products, kitchenware and tableware, furniture, building materials and fashion jewelry.
• Phase 3, October 31 to November 4. Toys, baby and maternity products, clothing, shoes, sports and casual wear, pet products and smart healthcare products.

The halls close between phases, on October 20 to 22 and October 28 to 30. The full list of product sections is in the ministry's introduction to the fair.

What it means for buyers

• Pick your phase before you book. Each phase covers different products, and a short trip will not cover all three. Creators sourcing merchandise will find gifts and premiums in Phase 2, and toys and clothing in Phase 3.
• A booth is not a factory. Exhibitors include trading companies as well as manufacturers. Before you pay a deposit, check the business license and see where the product is actually made.
• Bring a written brief. Give every supplier the same specifications, quantity and target price. It is the only way to compare the quotes you collect.
• Expect slower replies this month. Factory sales teams spend the fair at their booths, so emails and sample requests can take longer to answer until the first week of November.
• Watch the calendar. Phase 3 closes on November 4, about 13 weeks before the Lunar New Year shutdown begins around February 6, 2027. Orders agreed at the fair need to be confirmed quickly to ship before the holiday.

Top image: Tim Wu, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Source: Ministry of Commerce of China, via Xinhua