The 138th Canton Fair 2025: Full guide for foreign visitors

The 138th Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is set to take place in Guangzhou, China in 2025. This prestigious event, held biannually since 1957, is China’s largest and most comprehensive international trade fair, attracting over 26,000 exhibitors and 200,000 global buyers from more than 200 countries.

Event Details

The 137th Canton Fair will be held in three phases:

• Phase 1: October 15-19, 2025
• Phase 2: October 23-27, 2025
• Phase 3: October 31- November 4, 2025 (dates inferred based on typical scheduling)
• Venue: Canton Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China
• Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily, including weekends

Canton Fair 2025 Overview

Each phase of the Canton Fair focuses on specific product categories:

Phase 1 (October 15-19, 2025)

• Electronics and household electrical appliances
• Lighting equipment
• Vehicles and spare parts
• Machinery
• Hardware and tools
• Energy resources
• Chemical products
• Building materials

Phase 2 (October 23-27, 2025)

• Consumer goods
• Gifts
• Home decorations
• Furniture
• Toys
• Ceramics and glassware
• Kitchen and tableware
• Gardening products

Phase 3 (October 31- November 4, 2025)

• Sports and travel goods
• Textiles and garments
• Shoes
• Office supplies
• Cases and bags
• Food
• Medicines and health products
• Medical devices

Registration and Attendance

Foreign visitors can register and verify their attendance through the official Canton Fair website. The process includes:

1. Online registration at https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/register/index
2. Clicking on “Overseas Buyer” to complete the registration
3. Applying for an invitation and buyer badge at https://invitation.cantonfair.org.cn/Home/Index

New Features for Canton Fair 2025

• Expanded Exhibition Hall D, offering more space for exhibitors and enhanced visitor experience.
• Increased focus on smart technologies, new energy vehicles, and sustainable products across all phases.
• Enhanced digital platforms for virtual participation and business matchmaking.

Tips for Attendees

• Budgeting: Be prepared for higher expenses during the fair. Costs for flights, accommodation, and food can range around $3000-$4000. Planning and budgeting are crucial for a productive visit.
• Language and Communication: Most exhibitors communicate primarily in English, and non-English speakers might face challenges. It is advisable to employ a sourcing agent or a translator for effective communication.
• Essential Items: Attendees should bring business cards, a digital camera, and a notepad to record supplier and product information. The Canton Fair website is a valuable resource for pre-researching potential suppliers.
• MOQ Considerations: Suppliers tend to have high minimum order quantities (MOQ). For those looking at lower MOQs, the Yiwu Market could be a more suitable alternative.

The 138th Canton Fair in 2025 promises to be an unparalleled opportunity for international businesses to engage with China’s vast manufacturing and export markets. With its comprehensive product range, cutting-edge innovations, and global networking opportunities, the Canton Fair remains an essential event for importers, exporters, and trade professionals worldwide.