The first phase of the 139th Canton Fair, themed "Advanced Manufacturing," concluded on April 19 in Guangzhou. By 5:00 PM that day, the event had attracted 167,000 overseas buyers from 216 countries and regions, marking a 5.9% increase compared to the previous session. A senior official from the Ministry of Commerce stated that Chinese foreign trade products are rapidly upgrading towards innovation, green technology, and smart features, with electromechanical products accounting for over 60% of exports for the first time. High-end intelligent and green low-carbon products have become new hallmarks of China's foreign trade.
Intelligent upgrades were a major highlight. A humanoid robot capable of playing badminton, developed by a Guangzhou-based AI company, drew significant attention, with inquiries from buyers in over 20 countries on the first day. The service robotics zone was exceptionally popular, featuring products like an AI patrol robot dog that can autonomously extinguish fires, a dexterous robotic hand, and a coffee-making robot. A new drone exhibition area was also established this year, showcasing technologies for both industrial and personal consumer use, highlighting China's leading drone technology and complete supply chain.
In the newly created smart wearables zone, AR translation glasses enabled real-time subtitle display, significantly improving communication efficiency between international buyers and local exhibitors. Various smartwatches and AI-powered translation earbuds supporting 52 languages also attracted considerable interest. The number of exhibition zones dedicated to emerging and future industries increased to 18, with 61% of participating companies utilizing new technologies like industrial internet, AI, 5G, and green solutions in their production or services.
The push for green and shared solutions was another key trend. At a forum on new energy storage, experts emphasized the global need for energy diversification and resilience, urging support for Chinese new energy companies expanding internationally. Customs data showed strong export growth in the first quarter for green products like electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and wind turbines. The new energy section featured various wind, solar, and storage products, with many companies offering customized service solutions instead of just single products. Companies showcased solar panels and solar-powered lighting products popular in European, American, and other international markets. Industry representatives noted that energy storage has become a new growth point in the new energy sector, with leading Chinese firms shifting from simple product exports to providing integrated systems, technology licensing, and localized cooperation.
Service enhancements were a focal point. The fair launched a three-year digitalization plan, introducing 26 features on its official app, including 14 new AI applications for generating personalized tour routes, providing precise hall navigation, facilitating digital business card exchanges, and auto-generating meeting notes. A first-time one-stop service center for buyers was established, along with a special recognition program for repeat attendees. Year-round pre-registration was introduced, and plans are underway for a membership points system and a buyers' alliance to optimize the entire trade process. Officials stated the fair aims to integrate traditional services with innovative digital tools to create a comprehensive trade promotion ecosystem.
As a window for global merchants to learn about Guangzhou, the city organized tours for buyers to visit local advanced manufacturing clusters, production lines, and innovation centers. The city also published a guide to essential professional and time-honored markets for foreign visitors, offered free shuttle bus services from the fairgrounds, and set up international service centers with support for translation, legal, and foreign exchange services.
Widely regarded as a barometer of China's foreign trade, the Canton Fair will continue to adapt its exhibition themes based on new foreign trade trends and industry advancements, ensuring more new companies, products, and technologies can reach the global market.
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