The 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) opened on April 15, 2025, in Guangzhou.

The total exhibition area for the 137th Canton Fair spans 1.55 million square meters, featuring approximately 74,000 booths and around 31,000 participating enterprises. Of these, nearly 73,000 booths are dedicated to the export exhibition, with the number of participating enterprises exceeding 30,000 for the first time—an increase of nearly 900 compared to the previous session.

The import exhibition showcases approximately 1,600 booths, with 736 enterprises from 50 countries and regions participating, which is roughly comparable to the previous session.

As of April 14, about 149,000 buyers from 215 countries and regions have pre-registered, marking a 17.4% increase compared to the last session.

American buyer: Canton Fair, a vital platform for innovation and networking

"The Canton Fair is much better than the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. We can see the latest trends in the supply chain," said American buyer Philip Richardson, General Manager of Trueanalog Strictly OEM in Guangzhou.

"It showcases premium suppliers critical to the performance of drive units—magnet suppliers, steel suppliers, and various component manufacturers, all located in Guangdong Province," Richardson added.

"Nothing like this I've ever seen anywhere in the world." Reflecting on many years of participation, Richardson marveled at the fair’s evolution, highlighting robotic interfaces, user-friendly services, and instant information access. "I can now ask a robot at the front desk for directions instead of waiting in line. The Canton Fair has never been more modern or efficient."

When asked about U.S. President Donald Trump's so-called "reciprocal tariffs," Richardson emphasized that Chinese factories, including his own, do not directly pay tariffs. "Consumers have always paid the tariffs, not the U.S. government, not the supplier."

"The costs are passed to U.S. consumers buying products like dishwashers or tires." He further stated, "Superstores like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target employ tens of thousands of workers across the U.S. If they don’t have products to sell, there will be significant layoffs."

While attending the Canton Fair to meet with clients from the Middle East and South America, Richardson emphasized that the fair remains a crucial platform for fostering business connections and driving innovation, noting that its value persists despite geopolitical challenges.

Robozone sparks global buzz

A notable addition to this year's fair is the debut of a dedicated Service Robot Zone, featuring 46 companies showcasing 184 booths with a variety of service robots designed for personal, household, and professional use, reflecting China's latest advancements in AI and smart manufacturing.

A New Zealand businessman expressed that the Canton Fair had helped him turn his vision into reality. He mentioned, "I've been involved in a project back home that revolves around applying an insulation coating to the interior of steel buildings. A few years ago, I had this idea: what if there was a robot that could magnetize onto the building and do the job? These guys have created it!"

As he explored the exhibits, he was also impressed by advancements in household robotic technology. "I'm really interested to see the actual home assistance robots that can move around the house and help with household activities. I'd love to take one home in my suitcase."

"Our bipedal humanoid robot boasts a payload capacity of up to 42 kilograms, a benchmark that ranks among the highest globally for similar products," introduced Mr. Xie, the Overseas Business Development Director of Guangzhou LiGong Industry Co., Ltd.

Designed specifically for heavy-duty applications, this model is well-suited for tasks such as heavy material handling and precision assembly in industrial settings. Its human-like bipedal structure enhances adaptability in complex terrains.

"We have established a customer base in South American countries like Argentina and Brazil," Xie revealed. The company is leveraging platforms such as the Canton Fair to strengthen partnerships with global clients, with plans to commence mass delivery of the wheeled robot models by mid-year.