GUANGZHOU, China | China’s 140th Import and Export Fair, known globally as the Canton Fair, will bring together more than 32,000 exhibitors in Guangzhou from October 15 to November 4, 2026, with artificial intelligence, digital technology and green manufacturing expected to feature strongly.
The three phase event will mark the 70th anniversary of the Canton Fair and is expected to attract businesses, professional buyers and trade service providers from across global markets.
More than 220,000 overseas buyers from 197 countries and regions had already completed pre registration ahead of the fair, with professional buyers accounting for nearly 80 percent.
The organisers said the 140th edition would place greater attention on innovation, digital intelligence, specialised manufacturing and product quality.
More than 11,000 of the participating companies are classified as specialised, refined, differential and innovative enterprises, commonly referred to as SRDI firms, or are recognised as industry champions.
The fair is also expected to provide a snapshot of changes taking place within China’s manufacturing sector.
About 64 percent of exhibitors have adopted technologies including industrial internet and artificial intelligence in their operations. New products are expected to represent 23.2 percent of all exhibits, while green products will account for 26 percent. Both figures are described by organisers as historical highs.
AI reshapes the sourcing experience
Digital technology will be integrated more extensively into the operation of the fair this year.
For the first time, organisers will introduce 22 smart application scenarios and 16 AI specific features across the exhibition process.
The Canton Fair will also introduce booth level navigation covering every exhibition hall, together with augmented reality information displays at individual booths.
The navigation system will provide precise guidance across more than 75,000 booths, allowing buyers and exhibitors to locate businesses and products across the large exhibition complex.
The organisers said the digital services are intended to improve the experience of companies participating in the fair and international buyers searching for products and suppliers.
Trade services expanded
The fair will also broaden its support for companies seeking to enter international markets.
For the first time, the trade services exhibition area will cover all 10 categories of producer services. These include logistics and warehousing, design and research and development, overseas integrated services, and cross border investment and financing.
The expanded services are intended to provide companies with access to different forms of support as they develop products, brands and businesses for international markets.
A total of more than 700 New Collection events are scheduled for the upcoming session, representing a 15 percent increase in product debuts.
The fair will also introduce a New Collection Gallery for the first time, providing a dedicated space designed to connect suppliers with potential buyers.
Seven high quality forums will be held around four major themes, namely expanding markets, mitigating risks, researching market trends and fostering innovation.
The event is also strengthening its international network, with 12 new global partners joining the Canton Fair for this edition.
Zhu Yong, Director General of China Foreign Trade Centre, said the organisers would continue developing the event’s digital infrastructure and services.
“We will continue to build smart exhibition halls and a smart Canton Fair, offering exhibitors and buyers a full-journey, full-chain and full-scenario service ecosystem to comprehensively upgrade the experience.”
The 140th Canton Fair will be held in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province in southern China, from October 15 to November 4, 2026.
African companies and buyers are among the international businesses able to use the fair to explore Chinese products, manufacturing technologies, green solutions, trade services and potential commercial partnerships.
Overseas buyers can complete pre registration through the official Canton Fair buyer registration platform.
Leave a comment