The 140th China Import and Export Fair, widely known as the Canton Fair, officially opened on Thursday in Guangzhou, South China‘s Guangdong Province, drawing record numbers of exhibitors and international buyers as China’s flagship trade event continues to serve as a barometer of the nation‘s foreign trade.

Running from October 15 to November 4 in three phases, this edition features a total exhibition area of 1.55 million square meters, 74,600 booths, and over 32,000 exhibitors — all setting new historic highs, according to the organizer. Approximately 3,600 companies are making their debut at the fair, while the number of high-quality enterprises holding titles such as high-tech, specialized and sophisticated, or single-champion designations has exceeded 10,000 for the first time, accounting for 34 percent of all exhibitors.

International participation has also reached unprecedented levels. As of the opening day, over 240,000 buyers from 218 countries and regions had completed pre-registration, marking a 10 percent year-on-year increase. Buyers from the European Union, the United States, and Belt and Road partner countries showed particularly strong growth. A total of 144 international business associations and 270 leading global purchasing enterprises have confirmed their attendance.

The first phase, themed “Advanced Manufacturing,” occupies 520,000 square meters with approximately 12,000 exhibitors showcasing products across five major sectors: electronics and home appliances, industrial manufacturing, lighting and electrical products, hardware and tools, and vehicles and two-wheelers. The upgraded Service Robot Zone features 46 industry-leading companies presenting humanoid robots, robotic dogs, and bionic hands, while the newly established Smart Medical Zone in Phase 3 will showcase surgical robots, intelligent diagnostic equipment, and wearable devices from 47 enterprises.

Innovation remains a central theme. The fair is expected to display over one million new products, nearly 1.1 million products with independent intellectual property rights, and 353,000 intelligent products. More than 600 new product launch events are scheduled, a 37 percent increase from the previous session. Among the award-winning products at the Canton Fair Design Innovation Awards, intelligent and green products grew by 30 percent and 37 percent respectively.

In a significant move to support the dual circulation strategy, the fair is hosting its first-ever matchmaking event connecting foreign trade enterprises with domestic buyers, featuring a 3,000-square-meter dedicated zone. Thirteen forums focusing on risk prevention, market expansion, and trend analysis will provide comprehensive support services for participating companies. Additional measures include a 50 percent reduction in on-site booth fees and extended online platform services to lower participation costs.

Addressing the opening reception, Stefan Hiergeist, China country director of Lidl & Kaufland Asia, described the Canton Fair as “not merely a trading venue, but a catalyst for industry transformation.” He noted that “relationships drive strategy, conversations spark collaboration, and shared ambition turns into tangible progress”.

Chinese Foreign Trade Centre Director Zhu Yong said the fair is focusing on expanding scale, improving quality, and enhancing efficiency to “actively expand its circle of friends.” He emphasized that amid an increasingly complex external environment, the Canton Fair will inject more stability into China‘s foreign trade and global commerce through its own certainty.

The Canton Fair has been held twice annually without interruption since its inaugural session in 1957, establishing itself as the world’s largest comprehensive trade exhibition and a key platform for global businesses seeking to connect with Chinese suppliers.