The autumn session of the bi-annual Canton Fair concluded on November 4 with a growing number of new products, increased international participation, and a diverse range of trade services and models. Export orders from the 136th Canton Fair reached USD24.95 billion, an increase of 1% over the previous session in April and May. The 136th session of the China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, was held in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, from October 15 to November 4. Several overseas buyers told the Global Times that the Canton Fair is a vital platform for exploring cooperation opportunities. The Canton Fair is renowned for its comprehensive range of products and exhibitors from China and around the world, alongside a vast number of buyers and visitors eager to establish new business ties and explore opportunities. The event was held in three phases – phase one (October 15 to 19) focused on advanced manufacturing, phase two (October 23 to 27) focused on “quality home life,” and phase three (October 31 to November 4) highlighted a “better life” theme.
During phase one, a large number of cutting-edge technologies and intelligent products were showcased in sections such as new-energy vehicles (NEVs), smart mobility, industrial automation and intelligent manufacturing. Products in phases two and three further emphasized innovation, sustainable and low-carbon features, as well as customization options. A total of 1.15 million new items debuted at the fair, and 1.04 million items featured environmentally friendly designs. There were 1.11 million products with independent intellectual property rights, according to the Canton Fair organizers. In addition to a larger selection of products featuring intelligent, green, and high-quality options, more exhibitors attended. More than 30,000 enterprises participated in the on-site exhibition, including 730 enterprises from 49 countries and regions that participated in the international pavilion. It was inaugurated in the 101st session in April 2007 to promote balanced growth of import and export and to help international companies explore the Chinese and global markets.
After 35 sessions of development, more than 17,000 overseas enterprises from more than 100 countries and regions have participated in the international pavilion as high-quality national and regional pavilions, including many world-renowned enterprises, according to the Ministry of Commerce of China (MOFCOM). The number of participants at the 136th Canton Fair also surged, while the source regions of buyers participating on-site have been further diversified, showing the breadth and inclusiveness of China's foreign trade market. A total of 253,000 overseas buyers – a record high – from 214 countries and regions participated in the Canton Fair on-site. The number of participants increased by 2.8% from the previous edition in April and May 2024. Of these, there were 165,000 buyers from countries participating in the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an increase of 3.7%. A total of 54,000 buyers came from Europe and America, up 8.2%, with 22,000 from the EU, up 22.5% and 8,919 from the U.S., up 5.2%. There were 34,000 buyers from the Middle East, an increase of 32.6%. A total of 146 industrial and commercial organizations attended the fair, up 18.5%. The number of leading multinational procurement enterprises reached 308, exceeding 300 for the first time, the Global Times reports.
