The 139th Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) officially opens in Guangzhou today, April 15, 2026, running through May 5. This edition of the world’s largest biannual trade fair features three distinct phases, each focusing on different product categories themed on “advanced manufacturing,” “quality home life,” and “better life.”
For overseas buyers and business professionals looking to source from China, this is arguably the most important trade event on the calendar. Here’s what you need to know.
Record-Breaking Scale at the 139th Canton Fair
The 139th Canton Fair covers a total exhibition area of 1.55 million square meters, with 75,700 booths and more than 32,000 participating enterprises — all exceeding previous sessions. Around 3,900 first-time exhibitors will participate.
In short: bigger than ever. The growth reflects continued confidence in China’s export market, even amid shifting global trade dynamics.
Nine New Zones — Including Drones and Smart Wearables
The number of exhibition zones has expanded to 179, including nine newly introduced zones that focus on fast-growing sectors such as smart wearables, display technologies, consumer drones, and prefabricated house and courtyard facilities. These new zones bring together approximately 670 companies across more than 1,300 booths.
Additionally, over 60% of exhibitors have adopted next-generation technologies such as industrial internet applications, artificial intelligence, 5G solutions, and green and low-carbon production. The Fair will showcase more than 4.65 million exhibits, with innovative products, green products, and products with proprietary intellectual property accounting for a significant share.
Global Buyer Numbers Up 20% — Specialized Buyers Dominate
Buyer interest has grown sharply this session. As of April 9, over 210,000 overseas buyers had pre-registered, up 20% from last spring session, while confirmed top sourcing companies increased by 30% to 290. Buyers from BRI countries, Latin America, and Africa all recorded notable growth, and specialized buyers now account for more than 70% of registrations for the first time.
That last figure is worth noting. The shift toward specialized buyers suggests the Fair is increasingly attracting professionals with specific sourcing goals, rather than general visitors.
New Buyer Services at the 139th Canton Fair
Buyer services have been further enhanced, with the debuts of a one-stop service center for buyers, year-round pre-registration, and a dedicated Canton Fair Newsletter. From a new buyer’s perspective, the Fair offers a seamless intelligent journey — from attendance planning and pre-registration to post-fair follow-up — powered by the upgraded Canton Fair APP, now featuring 26 functions and 14 new AI application scenarios.
For first-time attendees in particular, navigating an event of this scale can feel overwhelming. These tools are a genuine improvement.
Online Options for Middle East Buyers
To accommodate Middle East buyers facing travel constraints, the Fair has enhanced its hybrid service model, including online supply-demand matchmaking, overseas social-media livestream events, and optimized on-site services for overseas enterprises operating in China.
This hybrid approach reflects a broader trend. Not every international buyer can travel to Guangzhou — and the Fair is adapting accordingly.
Background: What Is the Canton Fair?
For those unfamiliar, the Canton Fair was established in 1957 and is held twice a year in Guangzhou. It is the longest-running of several comprehensive international trade events in China and has been called the barometer of China’s foreign trade.
Few trade events in the world match its scope. Over nearly 70 years, it has served as the primary channel through which Chinese manufacturers meet international buyers — from large retailers to independent importers. Attending even once tends to reshape a buyer’s understanding of what Chinese manufacturing actually looks like today.
Practical Information
- Dates: April 15 – May 5, 2026 (three phases)
- Location: China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou
- Pre-registration: buyer.cantonfair.org.cn
- Official APP: Available with 26 functions and AI matchmaking tools
- Phase themes: Advanced Manufacturing / Quality Home Life / Better Life
If you’re planning to attend or source remotely, pre-registration is open now. The dedicated buyer newsletter also offers updated matchmaking and exhibitor information ahead of each phase.
References
Canton Fair. (2026, April 14). The 139th Canton Fair to open on April 15 with expanded scale and stronger innovation focus. PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-139th-canton-fair-to-open-on-april-15-with-expanded-scale-and-stronger-innovation-focus-302741285.html
Bastille Post. (2026, April 14). China gears up for 139th Canton Fair. https://www.bastillepost.com/global/article/5774535-china-gears-up-for-139th-canton-fair
