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Published by ChinaMNC · Qingshui

China’s 139th Canton Fair: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

The 139th Canton Fair runs April 15–May 5 in Guangzhou with over 32,000 exhibitors and more than 210,000 pre-registered buyers. Here’s a practical briefing for foreign founders on what the event reveals about China’s trade priorities and how to use it for sourcing, partnerships, and market entry.

China’s 139th Canton Fair: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

The 139th Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) will be held in Guangzhou from April 15 to May 5, 2026, across three phases. The event is organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the China Foreign Trade Centre, with support from the Guangzhou Municipal Commerce Bureau. For foreign founders registering or operating a company in China, the fair offers a concentrated look at China’s export capabilities, buyer trends, and business services. Below is a factual overview based on an official government press conference held on April 10, 2026.

Scale and Participation

This edition covers a total exhibition area of 1.55 million square meters and 75,700 booths. More than 32,000 companies will exhibit, both figures exceeding previous sessions. About 3,900 companies will make their debut. As of April 9, over 210,000 buyers had pre-registered, a 20% year-on-year increase. Confirmed attendance includes 290 leading procurement companies, up 30% year on year, among them Fortune Global 500 and global retail 250 firms such as Walmart (US), Tesco (UK), and Carrefour (France). Additionally, 148 industry and commerce organizations have confirmed group participation, up 17.5%.

What’s New: Exhibition Themes and Zones

The fair will feature 179 product zones, including nine new ones: smart wearables, display technology, consumer drones, and integrated housing and courtyard facilities, among others. Exhibition areas for consumer electronics, new materials, and industrial automation have been expanded to better showcase high-quality development and cultivate new growth points in foreign trade.

Among the exhibiting companies, over 11,000 are recognized as high-quality enterprises with titles such as “specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative” (专精特新) or “single champion.” This represents a 5.1% increase. Notably, 61% of these enterprises apply new technologies and models such as the industrial internet, artificial intelligence, 5G, and green low-carbon practices in their production or services. Over 4.65 million products will be displayed on site, with new products, green products, and those with independent intellectual property rights accounting for 23%, 22%, and 25%, respectively.

Buyer Profile and Market Trends

Pre-registered buyers are predominantly new buyers, with the total exceeding 210,000, up 20% year on year. Returning buyers also show stable interest. New buyers mainly come from Belt and Road partner countries, with faster growth from Latin America and Africa. For the first time, professional buyers account for over 70% of pre-registrations. Their top purchase intentions are in electrical and electronic products, consumer electronics, and power and electrical equipment—reflecting strong demand for “new, green, and smart” products.

Regarding the Middle East, while some global exhibitions have seen fluctuations in attendance from the region, interest in the Canton Fair remains strong. Organizers have introduced a dedicated service package, including online matchmaking for Middle Eastern companies unable to attend, additional Middle East-focused live-streamed exhibition tours on overseas social media, and optimized services for Middle Eastern companies already in China.

Business Support and Matchmaking Activities

More than 600 new product launch events, nine thematic forums, 15 “Trade Bridge” supply-and-demand matchmaking sessions, and 15 “Treasure Hunt” guided tours will be held. A new “Light of Design” exhibition area will showcase past gold award and above winning products to help companies build independent brands and enhance international influence.

The organizer has also launched a “three-in-one” investment promotion system: multi-channel precision recruitment (roadshows, partners, advertising, digital marketing, etc.), full-chain service optimization (including a first-ever one-stop buyer service center, an “old Canton Fair”专属 badge, and year-round normalized pre-registration), and digital empowerment (the first Canton Fair Buyer E-Journal reaching 810,000 buyers). Through online and offline efforts, the fair has reached 45% more people, with a new customer acquisition rate exceeding 40%.

Guangzhou’s Host City Experience

Guangzhou has prepared a “Canton Fair Journey” for global buyers, featuring:

Implications for Foreign Founders

For foreign founders setting up or running a company in China, the 139th Canton Fair offers a practical opportunity to:

Next Steps

Foreign founders planning to attend or leverage the fair should ensure their travel and accommodation are arranged early, given the scale of the event. Pre-registration for buyers is available year-round. For those unable to attend, online matchmaking and live-streamed tours provide remote access to exhibitors and products. Additionally, founders should consider how the fair’s showcased technologies and products align with their China market entry or expansion strategy.

For personalized guidance on registering and operating a company in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

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