How to Attend The Canton Fair?

Canton Fair Background

The Canton Fair (also known as China Import and Export Fair) started in 1957 and is now one of the biggest trade events on the international trading calendar. This trade event in China is organized by the China Foreign Trade Centre (CFTC) and dually hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the government of Guangdong Province. Considering its start date and consistency, it is regarded as the oldest and largest trade event in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Thus, invariably the highest revenue-generating trade fair in China. In conjunction with other exhibitions held in Guangzhou and Shanghai, the total venues operated by the CFTC in these areas to the world’s exhibition facilities with about 10,700,000 sq.m in total. The Canton Fair is a biannual event, held in April and October every year. More than sixteen broad product categories are on exhibit, and the Fair is held in three Phases, covering industrial and consumer products. Last year, it attracted over 31,000 exhibitors and 190,000 visitors to each of its sessions. So How to Attend The Canton Fair?

How to Attend The Canton Fair?

To attend the Canton Fair, you will need an invitation which is needed to Apply for a Visa to China. Once at the Canton Fair, you will then receive a Buyer card (badge). This is the only official way to attend the Canton Fair.

Remotely: Let us know if you are interested in attending the Canton Fair remotely; we also have other remote services year-round.

To apply, please fill in our Canton Fair Enquiry Form here.

Canton Fair Dates 2024

The 135th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) Phase Dates:

Phase 1: 15th-19th April 2024, 9:30-18:00
Phase 2: 23rd-27th April 2024, 9:30-18:00
Phase 3: 1st-5th May 2024, 9:30-18:00

The 136th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) Phase Dates:

Phase 1: 15th-19th October 2023, 9:30-18:00
Phase 2: 23rd-27th October 2023, 9:30-18:00
Phase 3: 31st Oct.-4th Nov. 2023, 9:30-18:00

Overview of the 3 Phases of the Canton Fair

The category of products displayed by each phase of the Canton Fair is the same for the biannual sessions.

Phase 1 (Full List)

Household Electrical Appliances
Consumer Electronics and Information Products
Electronic and Electrical Products
Lighting Equipment
New Energy Resources
New Materials and Chemical Products
Hardware
Tools
Machining Machinery and Equipment
Power and Electrical Equipment
General Machinery and Mechanical Parts
Industrial Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing
Construction Machinery
Agricultural Machinery
New Energy Vehicles and Smart Mobility
Motorcycles
Bicycles
Vehicle Spare Parts
Vehicles

Phase 2 (Full List)

Building and Decoration Materials
Sanitary and Bathroom Equipment
Furniture
Kitchen and Tableware
Daily-use Ceramics
Household Items
Clocks, Watches and Optical Instrument
Gifts and Premiums
Festival Products
Home Decorations
Art Ceramics
Glass Artware
Gardening Products
Woven, Rattan and Iron Products
Iron and Stone Decorations and Outdoor Spa Facilities.

Phase 3 (Full List)

Personal Care Appliances
Bathroom Products
Medicines, Health Products and Medical Devices
Pet Products
Maternity and Baby Products
Toys
Children’s Clothing
Men’s and Women’s Clothing
Sportswear and Casual Wear
Underwear
Fur, Leather, Down and Related Products
Clothing Accessories and Fittings
Home Textiles
Textile Raw Materials and Fabrics
Carpets and Tapestries
Shoes
Office Supplies
Bags and Suitcases
Sports and Tourism Leisure Products
Food
Rural Revitalization

Who Should Attend?

People wanting to:

Source products from China, or current importers wanting to see the latest China has to offer.
Know new trends for specific types of products and looking for ideas for their businesses.
Build a long-term business relationship with Chinese big suppliers and get the contact information of them.
Start their own business and looking for differentiated products from China.

Why Attend With ChinaDirect?

With our 2-Day Master Class, you will learn all the details you need to confidently make a decision for your importing business regarding the manufacturer you choose. The service will also teach you how to select suppliers to make your product, understand the capacity they have to meet your stock turnover, and, most importantly, learn to calculate the profit margin/savings you can expect by importing directly from China. The Two Day Master Class will teach you how to identify if you are dealing directly with a reputable manufacturer, not just an agent or trading company. Such a direct relationship is extremely important if you are looking for a long-term relationship.

During your trip, our professional Chinese Trade Assistant will help you avoid the pitfalls of doing business in China, and act as your guide and translator.