Canton Fair 2026: Record Overseas Buyers, AI-Driven Sourcing, and…

Event summary

The 140th Canton Fair runs from October 15 to November 4, 2026, with over 220,000 pre-registered overseas buyers from 197 countries.
More than 11,000 exhibitors are recognized as 'Specialized, Refined, Differential, and Innovative' (SRDI) firms or industry champions.
64% of exhibitors now apply industrial internet and AI technologies, with new and green products accounting for 23.2% and 26% of exhibits, respectively.
The fair introduces 22 smart application scenarios and 16 AI-specific features, including booth-level navigation and AR information display.
Full coverage of 10 categories of producer services, including logistics, design, and cross-border investment, is achieved for the first time.

The big picture

The Canton Fair's 70th anniversary edition underscores China's manufacturing industry transformation, with a strong emphasis on AI-driven intelligence and green manufacturing. The record pre-registration of overseas buyers and the introduction of full-chain trade services highlight the fair's evolving role in global trade dynamics. The strategic focus on innovation and digital intelligence positions the Canton Fair as a critical platform for international business matchmaking and market expansion.

What we're watching

AI Integration: How the deployment of 22 smart application scenarios and 16 AI-specific features will enhance the sourcing journey and buyer experience.
Green Manufacturing: Whether the historical highs in green product exhibits (26%) will drive long-term sustainability trends in global trade.
Market Expansion: The pace at which the full-chain trade services and high-quality forums will facilitate international market exploration for exhibitors.