Canton Fair 136th Session Wrap-Up: Global Trade Growth and New Records Set

The 136th Canton Fair closed with a record-breaking turnout, underscoring its role as a vital platform for international trade and cooperation. Here's a summary of the key achievements and global trade insights from this prominent event.

Record-Breaking Attendance and Expanded BRI Engagement

The fair welcomed 253,000 international buyers from 214 countries, a 2.8% increase over the previous session. Notably, 60% of these attendees represented Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, illustrating strengthened trade relationships across the BRI network. Participation from Middle Eastern nations soared by 32.6%, while U.S. and European buyer attendance rose by 8.2%, driven by growing interest in China's extensive supply chain capabilities.

Expanding Trade with Europe, the U.S., and Emerging Markets

The Canton Fair reported $24.95 billion in export transaction intentions, a 1% increase from the previous session. Transactions with BRI partner countries comprised over half of this figure, showing strong growth across diverse sectors. Europe and the United States also reported rising engagement, bolstered by China's competitive industrial supply networks and manufacturing expertise. Professor Yang Zhu song from Tsinghua University noted this shift reflects international confidence in China's resilient production chains and its sizable market potential.

Innovation on Display: New Products and Technology

This session highlighted over 1.15 million new products, including 115,000 innovative items and 104,000 green solutions. Tech-focused, eco-friendly, and digital advancements took center stage, appealing to an increasingly sustainability-focused global audience. Exhibitors participated in 435 new product launches, attracting around 3,500 on-site buyers and drawing considerable interest in green and digital goods.

Expanding Trade Services and Intellectual Property Support

Alongside its vast product showcase, the Canton Fair facilitated high-level trade services for international buyers. The fair's trade service area included 229 companies offering support across logistics, finance, certification, and other sectors vital to global trade. Additionally, organizers prioritized intellectual property protections, handling 455 IP-related complaints and resolving 20 trade disputes on-site.

Looking Ahead

The 137th Canton Fair is scheduled to be held next spring in Guangzhou, running in three phases from April 15 to May 5, 2025. As it continues to evolve, the Canton Fair remains an essential fixture for global business, bridging international markets and bolstering partnerships around the world.