Canton Fair: A Global Stage for Confidence in China’s Foreign Trade

As tourists flood China’s scenic attractions this spring, another bustling scene has emerged at the 137th China Import and Export Fair—better known as the Canton Fair—held in Guangzhou from April 15 to May 5 in three phases. By April 27, at the end of the second phase, the fair had already welcomed a record-breaking 224,000 overseas buyers from 219 countries and regions.

While the U.S. government continues to wield tariffs as a trade weapon, buyers around the world are responding with purchase orders, expressing their enduring confidence in Chinese manufacturing. Through three standout products at the Canton Fair, we can better understand the resilience, innovation, and certainty that underpin China’s foreign trade success.

1.Optimized Sourcing Window. The 135th Canton Fair runs from April 15 to May 5, 2025, drawing over 25,000 exhibiting companies across 16 halls. While Guangzhou remains the centerpiece for large-scale order negotiations, Yiwu’s 75 million sq ft International Trade Market offers tens of thousands of value-priced consumer goods year-round. Chartered flights enable buyers to hop between the two in under two hours of flight time, rather than enduring long bus or train rides.

   Group Buying Power. Flying in as a consortium of 20–50 merchants lowers per-person airfare and unlocks larger credit lines with key suppliers. Delegations organized via charter flights often negotiate volume discounts, factory tours and exclusive product previews arranged in advance by their service provider.

   Time Efficiency. A tailored flight schedule avoids layovers and off-peak arrivals. Buyers can land in Yiwu early morning, join a breakfast-briefing with local sourcing experts, spend the afternoon visiting booths, then transfer to Guangzhou in time for evening receptions at the Canton Fair.

2. Resilience in Foreign Trade — Through Toys

In the toy exhibition area, many Chinese manufacturers combined artificial intelligence with creative design, offering eye-catching and intelligent products. One plush toy, for example, integrated AI and LED displays to mimic expressive eyes and speak multiple languages—catering to children in diverse countries. It quickly became a hit, with one exhibitor saying, “We haven’t even had time to sit down all day.”

While Chinese toys fly off the shelves, a different story is unfolding in the U.S. Recently, former U.S. President Donald Trump admitted that his tariff policies might lead to emptier shelves and higher prices, especially in toy stores. “Maybe kids will only have two dolls instead of thirty—and those two might cost more,” he remarked.

But toys are just the tip of the iceberg. Gary Cohn, former economic adviser to the White House, stated that many essential goods Americans rely on actually come from China. Recently, several major U.S. retailers resumed imports from China. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also urged the government to exempt small businesses from tariffs, while footwear giants like Nike and Under Armour requested tariff relief.

Despite the political tug-of-war, American buyers still showed up at the Canton Fair. “We need Chinese manufacturing,” one said. “If we need a capacitor, we can get it in a day.” Another added, “We’ve worked with our Chinese partners for years. We can’t just stop overnight.”

In contrast to the hesitation from some U.S. buyers, others from around the world were eager to buy. A Brazilian buyer noted, “We have to wake up early just to see all the new products. When Americans buy them first, there’s less opportunity for us.”

The crowds on the automated walkways connecting exhibition halls—dubbed the “CEO conveyor belts”—reflect the ongoing vibrancy of international trade and the enduring appeal of Chinese products.

3. Innovation in Smart Manufacturing — Through Coffee Robots

A robot-operated coffee booth became a viral sensation at the fair. Able to make a cup in just 50 seconds, it attracted long lines, with some foreign visitors waiting up to two hours just to taste a cup of this high-tech brew. Within two days, the product generated over 10 million yuan in orders and is already exported to over 40 developed countries.

The founder of the company confidently stated, “When your technology is so advanced that the world needs your products, tariffs become irrelevant.”

Another robotics company specializing in delivery robots also secured over 20 contracts on the first day, totaling nearly $1 million in orders—including some from the U.S.

To highlight the appeal of “Made in China” tech, the fair introduced a new Service Robot Zone, covering 4,200 square meters and showcasing innovations from 46 companies. Products ranged from educational robots to entertainment and embodied robots, representing the latest advances in China’s robotics ecosystem.

Beyond robots, other smart innovations also drew attention. An AI-powered lawn mower with 3D LiDAR can maintain a 2,000-square-meter lawn in a day without human supervision. A 3D ceramic printer produces intricate hollow vases in under 30 minutes, eliminating the need for molds.

China’s rise in innovation is reflected in global rankings. In 2024, China reached 11th place in the Global Innovation Index. It remains second in the world for total R&D spending and has over 463,000 high-tech enterprises. With more high-value, irreplaceable products entering global markets, “Smart Made in China” is rapidly reshaping competitive advantages and opening new growth frontiers.

4. Certainty in the Supply Chain — Through Bags

Smart backpacks with GPS trackers, wireless charging, and gaming compartments were on display at this year’s Canton Fair. One Guangzhou-based bag exporter brought over 200 models—half of them newly developed for the fair—and received over 4.5 million yuan in intended orders, a 12% increase from the previous session.

This success is rooted in China’s robust industrial foundation. More than 270 booths this phase came from Shiling Town in Guangzhou, a key hub for bags and leather goods. With a dense network of suppliers, talent, and sales platforms, the town produces over 700 million bags annually, exporting to over 140 countries.

The efficient and scalable supply chains in places like Shiling are a microcosm of China’s larger manufacturing ecosystem. At the fair, overseas buyers often followed up product discoveries with on-site factory visits, enabling deeper collaboration.

One Greek buyer who was drawn to diamond painting kits traveled to Yiwu in Zhejiang to explore factory partnerships. “This could open new markets for us in Europe,” he said.

British buyer Edward summed up the sentiment: “Despite global uncertainty, China’s complete and reliable supply chain gives us confidence in its trade future.”

China’s manufacturing industry has ranked No.1 globally for 15 consecutive years and remains unmatched in its scope and completeness. This solid base not only supports trade resilience but also injects stability into the global economy.

According to China Customs, the country’s foreign trade in goods reached 10.3 trillion yuan in Q1 2024—a record high for that time of year and the eighth consecutive quarter above 10 trillion yuan.

From vivid scenes to robust data, the Canton Fair paints a clear picture: global buyers are still eager to do business with China. In handshake after handshake, order after order, a powerful message emerges—to connect with the world is to share prosperity with the world.