The 138th Canton Fair concluded on November 4, drawing more than 310,000 global buyers from 223 countries and regions – setting a new attendance record, while export transactions reached USD25.65 billion. This showed the resilience and vitality of China's foreign trade, sending a clear message to the world about China's firm determination to advance high-level opening-up and create a fresh vision of win-win cooperation, said the organizer. The number of visitors was up by 7.5% on the previous session held in April. The Fair is held twice a year.
The number of buyers from the EU increased by 32.7% from the previous session, those from the Middle East by 13.9% and those from the U.S. were up by 14%. “The true value of the Canton Fair goes beyond the products on display. It lies in the people we meet – the minds behind the innovation, the entrepreneurs driving transformation, and the business representatives who bring China's supply chains to life. Here, relationships drive strategy. Conversations spark collaboration. Shared ambition turns into tangible progress. Every handshake and conversation can spark a partnership that redefines our business trajectory,” Stefan Hiergeist, Country Director of Lidl & Kaufland Asia, the sourcing arm of Lidl International and part of the Schwarz Group, Europe's largest retail group, said at the opening reception of the 138th Canton Fair on October 14, as reported by the Global Times.
“This year has been incredibly tense,” said Cindy Wang, Sales Manager at Tianjin Lucky Toy. “U.S. tariff policies changed too often, and no one dared to quote prices or place orders.” “We can finally catch our breath,” said Lily Zhang, a toy exporter from Zhangping in Fujian province. “Three weeks ago, we thought the U.S. market would be gone. Now, at least this year seems steady.” Zhang said American clients had shown renewed interest in restocking goods, adding that she expects 2026 to be a far better year. “Even though most American buyers skipped the fair, they’ll gradually resume orders under the new tariff terms,” the South China Morning Post adds.
