The 139th Canton Fair came to a successful end on May 5th. At the pivotal beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan, the Fair was guided by the spirit of President Xi’s congratulatory letters and held under the leadership of the Ministry of Commerce and the Guangdong Provincial Government. With joint efforts from all parties, key indicators—including the number of innovative, sustainable, and intelligent products, overseas buyer attendance, and top buyer attendance—all exceeded previous sessions. Amid a complex external environment, the 139th Canton Fair brought together global business partners with openness, showcased the strength of Chinese manufacturing through innovation, and built bridges for trade with high-quality services—demonstrating the resilience and vitality of China’s foreign trade, as well as its commitment and responsibility in advancing high-level opening-up.
A Global Gathering: The Network of Partners Grows. Crossing mountains and seas for a shared “appointment with China,” new and veteran buyers encountered China’s intelligence, sustainability and aesthetic appeal. In total, over 314,000 overseas buyers from 220 countries and regions attended, up 1.1% over the 138th session (same below). Notable growth was seen in markets such as the United States, Australia and Canada, while attendance from Belt and Road partner countries remained stable. A total of 407 top buyers and 154 overseas business organizations were present. On-site intended orders reached 25.7 billion US dollars, with many buyers already scheduling follow-up factory visits. Exhibitors noted that when the Canton Fair is held, business and confidence follow. Buyers remarked that every moment at the Fair is precious. It has become widely acknowledged that “the world needs the Canton Fair more than ever”, and that “it remains a must-visit for doing business”—sentiments vividly reflected in the energy and momentum on the ground.
Innovation in the Spotlight: The Tech Frontier Reaches New Heights. At the Canton Fair, “intelligent manufacturing in China” has advanced towards greater innovation, sustainability, intelligence, and human-centered development, presenting to the world a concentrated display of its latest highlights. A total of 4.65 million exhibits were on display, with new, green, and smart products each accounting for over 20%. The Fair hosted 665 New Collection events, and over 60% of exhibits incorporated innovative technologies. The CF Award “Design Brilliance” display zone brought together Gold Award and Best of the Best Award winners from previous sessions. Drones and smart wearables shared the spotlight, while innovative design and green materials continued to produce popular scenes. “Guochao”-inspired aesthetics led to emerging global consumption trends, and innovations such as exoskeletons and dexterous hands delivered tangible benefits to users worldwide. Chinese enterprises have demonstrated both technological capability and creative strength, while embedding goodwill into innovation. Buyers remarked that the future was clearly visible at the Fair. Media noted that the Canton Fair stood as a vivid showcase of China’s high-standard opening-up and its efforts to build a community of shared future for mankind, where both the pace of China’s development and its warmth can be clearly observed.
Service Refined: The Golden Brand Shines Brighter. Empowered by digital intelligence, optimized across the whole trade chain, and driven by targeted matchmaking, value-added services translated into tangible trade growth. 553,000 users accessed the Canton Fair APP, and 317,000 used booth-level navigation. With one-click navigation and other AI services on the APP, onsite business matching has become smoother and more efficient. The Trade Services Zone focuses on the full cycle of trade, with 210 institutions receiving more than 120,000 visits. 38 matchmaking events, 12 live tours, 25 Middle East special live sessions and 9 thematic forums helped exhibitors expand into new markets and pinpoint business opportunities. Onsite exhibition tours for Middle East buyers attracted over 3.05 million views and 290,000 interactions. From attentive volunteers and convenient shuttle to diverse dining options, exhibitors and buyers alike praised the Canton Fair for its high-quality, heartening service—describing it as both well-designed and warm, with new experiences at every turn.
Stories Amplified: The Path of Shared Success Widens. A total of 252 media outlets and over 2000 journalists attended to cover the Canton Fair. More than 23,000 domestic and international news media reported over 2.41 million pieces of coverage on topics including China’s industrial and supply chains, the sustainable and intelligent transformation of its foreign trade, and the attendance of global buyers. Overseas social media and news outlets recorded over 120 million views. Stories such as exoskeleton robots helping mobility-impaired buyer stand and walk again, along with standout products like ZXMOTO, went viral and drew widespread attention and engagement both at home and abroad. Major international media outlets closely followed the Fair, highlighting its strong attendance, innovative vitality, and commitment to openness. From global perspectives to individual stories, from product experiences to cooperation cases, the media brought to life stories of shared success between Chinese and international businesses—amplifying China’s message of openness and collaboration worldwide.
The 140th Canton Fair will be held in Guangzhou from October 15 to November 4, 2026, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Fair. We sincerely invite global buyers to gather once again in this flower city, ride with the momentum of the times, and meet for a fruitful autumn—working together to write a new chapter of openness, inclusiveness, and shared prosperity.