The 138th Canton Fair is just around the corner! In anticipation, FC2 Export Trading Company is excited to share a detailed guide based on our firsthand experience attending the record-breaking 137th session. Whether you’re a seasoned importer or visiting the Canton Fair for the first time, this comprehensive overview will help you navigate Asia’s largest trade show with confidence.
We at FC2 Export regularly attend the Canton Fair as part of our business tours, helping clients source innovative products, establish direct supplier contacts, and gain deep market insights. Our recent visit to the 137th fair was no exception—filled with valuable discoveries and powerful networking.
We are now opening registration for our Fall 2025 business tour to the 138th Canton Fair. Additionally, we are offering an online virtual tour option, so you can still benefit even if you’re unable to attend in person.
Highlights from the 137th Canton Fair- Record-Breaking Attendance:
- 246,000 international buyers—a 25% increase over the Fall 2023 session.
- Attendees from Belt and Road Initiative countries reached 160,000.
- 52,000 BRICS country participants.
- 50,000 buyers from Europe, the U.S., and Canada—a 10.7% rise.
- Major Global Participants:
- Over 119 major trade organizations took part, including the US-China Chamber of Commerce, 48 Group Club (UK), and others.
- Buyers from corporations like Wal-Mart, Tesco, Metro, IKEA, and NITORI were present.
- Export Deals:
- Total export contracts reached $24.7 billion, up 10.7%.
- Online deals hit $3.03 billion, a 33% jump.
- Over 408,000 foreign online visitors and 3.41 million booth visits.
- 1291 live demos and 264 “Trade Bridge” promotional events led to $340 million in purchasing intentions.
What Is the Canton Fair?
The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) is the largest trade fair in the world, hosted twice a year in Guangzhou—each spring and fall. First held in 1957, it is organized by China Foreign Trade Centre under the Ministry of Commerce and enjoys full governmental support.
- Exhibition space: 1.18 million square meters
- 100,000+ exhibitors
- 246,000+ global visitors
- Resumed in-person events in April 2024, with enhanced digital platforms for remote participation.
- Phase 1: October 15–19 Electronics, home appliances, machinery, vehicles, tools, lighting, and energy solutions
- Phase 2: October 23–27 Furniture, decor, household goods, building materials, plumbing, kitchenware, and gifts
- Phase 3: October 31–November 4 Textiles, clothing, shoes, bags, toys, medical products, office supplies, food, cosmetics, and pet products
FC2 Export helps you plan which phase aligns with your sourcing needs—and assists with registration, logistics, and on-site interpretation.
Key Updates and Improvements
- Restructured sections: 55 sections now include expanded categories like “Home Decor” and renamed ones like “Fashion & Accessories”.
- Brand Booth Expansion: Over 14,500 booths now dedicated to global and local brands.
- On-site amenities: 68 food outlets, improved badge pickup (including at hotels and Guangzhou airport), and customs fast-track lanes.
- 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit: Reinstated for travelers from 53 countries transiting through Guangdong.
FC2 Export’s Business Tour to the 138th Canton Fair (October 15–25, 2025)
If you’ve dreamed of sourcing directly from China but don’t know where to begin, our guided business tour is the ideal solution. With 11 successful group tours already behind us, FC2 Export offers a tried-and-tested program that combines business with rich cultural experiences.
What’s Included in the FC2 Export Business Tour:- Pre-arranged registration and hotel booking
- Entry badges and translation services
- Supplier and factory visits
- Access to wholesale markets in Guangzhou and Shenzhen
- Cultural and networking events
- Personal guidance from seasoned experts
- Optional extension to the Hong Kong Electronics and Gifts Fairs
“Our Spring 2025 tour was an unforgettable blend of business and exploration. We met ambitious entrepreneurs, sourced winning products, and enjoyed immersive cultural programs. Everyone left China inspired and full of ideas!”
Spaces for the Fall 2025 Canton Fair Tour are limited. If you’re serious about scaling your business through direct imports, this is your chance.
Virtual Canton Fair Tour (Remote Option)Can’t attend in person? Join our FC2 Export Virtual Tour, where you’ll get:
- Live booth walkthroughs with a dedicated team
- Factory introductions via Zoom
- Product sourcing assistance
- Catalog and quote collection from verified suppliers
Contact us at info@fc2export.com to reserve your spot or ask questions.
Let FC2 Export be your trusted partner at the world’s largest trade fair.
