China Import and Export Fair

The China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, is a comprehensive international trade event held biannually in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. Established in 1957, its core mission is to boost China's foreign trade by serving as a vital platform for connecting global buyers with Chinese manufacturers and facilitating economic and technical cooperation. The fair is co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the People's Government of Guangdong Province, and organized by the China Foreign Trade Centre. Its headquarters are located at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Pazhou Island, Guangzhou.

The Canton Fair showcases an extensive array of products across three distinct phases, encompassing categories such as electronics, machinery, industrial goods, consumer goods, home decor, gifts, textiles, apparel, healthcare products, and food. Beyond product exhibition, the fair offers services that facilitate buyer-seller engagement, product sourcing, and the establishment of business partnerships. It also provides insights into market trends and supports various trade-related activities including logistics, inspection, certification, and payment services. Since the pandemic, the fair has integrated digital components, offering online exhibitor directories, virtual matchmaking tools, and livestreamed product showcases to extend its reach.

As China's largest, oldest, and most representative trade fair, the Canton Fair remains a crucial barometer of the nation's foreign trade and a platform for its development strategy, emphasizing openness, cooperation, and innovation. The 139th Canton Fair (Spring 2026) attracted 245,000 overseas buyers from 219 countries and regions, marking a 2.2% increase from the previous edition, with a notable focus on high-tech innovation, smart manufacturing, and green solutions. The event continues to adapt to global economic shifts and geopolitical tensions, showcasing China's evolving export strategy towards higher-value and innovative products.