The 137th Canton Fair concluded successfully on May 5, welcoming 288,938 international buyers, a year-on-year increase of 17.3% compared to the 135th Canton Fair, with a total intended export transaction volume of $25.44 billion. New and returning buyers numbered 171,750 and 117,188, respectively, rising by 14.6% and 21.4%.

Active participation and strong export performance

In the 137th Canton Fair, emerging markets remained the largest source, with 187,450 buyers from Belt and Road Initiative countries, up 17.4% and accounting for 64.9% of the total. BRICS countries contributed 72,417 buyers, a 24.1% increase, while 64,808 were from RCEP member countries, up 6.9%.

European countries and the U.S. contributed 51,862 buyers, an increase of 3.4%. A total of 140 business organizations attended in groups, up 17.6%, and 376 leading multinational companies participated, marking a record high.

The total intended export transactions reached $25.44 billion, marking a 3% increase. Over 60% of these transactions involved countries along the Belt and Road, underscoring their critical role as a driver of trade growth, while trade with traditional markets remained stable.

Exhibitors at the import exhibition also reaped significant benefits. The import exhibition section of the 137th Canton Fair featured 736 enterprises from 50 countries and regions, with countries along the Belt and Road representing 67% of the total.

International businesses displayed advanced manufacturing and high-quality consumer goods, leading to numerous successful collaborations. Exhibiting companies from Russia, Thailand, Türkiye, and others reported substantial gains, having reached cooperation agreements with domestic buyers and showing promise for swift market entry into China.

Accelerating new trade drivers

The fair showcased a wealth of new products, technologies, designs, materials, and processes, with a particular focus on green and intelligent products. Companies displayed over 4.55 million items, including 1.02 million new products, 0.88 million green and low-carbon items, and 0.32 million smart products.

The service robot zone, featuring 46 leading domestic robot enterprises showcasing over 500 robots across 60 niches, drew significant attention and welcomed over 300 visitors per company daily. Additionally, the Canton Fair Design Award (CF Award) display attracted over 40,000 visitors, showcasing 147 award-winning products.

Meanwhile, the online platform registered 527,185 overseas participants from 229 countries and regions. The fair also hosted 1,206 trade promotion activities, significantly enhancing business connections.

Robust intellectual property protection measures were implemented, ensuring a fair trading environment. The fair also enhanced services, with financial, logistics, and design support available to exhibitors.

Following the closure of this episode of the Fair, the online platform will continue to operate as usual, welcoming ongoing attention from exhibitors and buyers. The next episode, the 138th Canton Fair, is set to take place from October 15 to November 4, 2025.

Photo | Dai Bosi