Canton Fair 137th Session – Latest Update Under Today’s Economic Climate

As global trade grapples with inflationary pressures, supply‑chain realignments and shifting consumption patterns, the 137th China Import & Export Fair (Canton Fair)—running April 15–May 5, 2025 in Guangzhou’s Pazhou Complex—offers a vital barometer for China's foreign‐trade recovery.

Exhibition Scale & Themes

• Exhibitors & Booths: A record 31,000 companies occupy 74,000 booths across 1.55 million m², marking a 20% rise in nationally certified SMEs, manufacturing “single champions” and high‑tech firms compared with the previous session.

• Thematic Zones: Phase 1 spotlights Advanced Manufacturing (robotics, intelligent machinery), Phase 2 showcases Quality Home Life (furnishings, decor) and Phase 3 covers Better Life sectors (health products, apparel, food & rural revitalization).

Visitor Flow

• Airport Throughput: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport handled over 410,000 inbound/outbound passenger visits in April, peaking at 55,000 daily, with 80,000 foreign‐visitor movements—up 35.4% year‑on‑year—directly driven by Canton Fair traffic.

• On‑Site Footfall: Organizers report sustained daily averages in the tens of thousands, fueling lively networking in exhibition halls.

Buyer Demographics

• Global Reach: Over 200 countries and regions are represented, with strong delegations from Southeast Asia, the Middle East (notably Kenya), Europe, the Americas and Africa.

• Digital Engagement: The accompanying online platform extends buyer access through September 2025, ensuring continued virtual sourcing opportunities.

Transaction Snapshot

• On‑Site Deals: Exhibitors in electronics, smart appliances and home goods note “robust” negotiations and preliminary contract signings matching—or even exceeding—pre‑pandemic levels. Many report letter‑of‑intent agreements, factory visits scheduled during the fair and pipeline orders that underscore pent‑up demand.

Exhibitor Sentiment

“The quality of buyer inquiries has been exceptional—serious procurement teams with clear project requirements,”
—Deputy Director, China Foreign Trade Centre.

Exhibitors overwhelmingly express optimism: the mix of established distributors and first‑time purchasers suggests renewed confidence in global trade partnerships.

Outlook: In an environment of geopolitical uncertainty and cost‐pressures, the 137th Canton Fair demonstrates China’s commitment to high‑quality development and opening‑up. For exporters, the fair remains an indispensable platform to secure orders, forge new alliances and gauge emerging market trends.