The first phase of the 139th Canton Fair was successfully held from April 15th to 19th. Serving as a pivotal trade event at the start of the new five-year plan period, this phase was themed around "Advanced Manufacturing," acting as a bridge connecting Chinese manufacturing with the global market. It championed the development of foreign trade towards innovation, sustainability, and intelligence. Through smarter products, higher-quality services, and a more inclusive approach, the fair showcased the new strengths of Chinese intelligent manufacturing and presented a fresh image of China's openness to the world.
The fair unveiled a new chapter for Chinese smart manufacturing with a focus on novelty. A total of 74,000 new, green, and intelligent products were showcased. Four new specialized zones were established for consumer-grade drones, agricultural drones, display technology, and smart wearables, creating a comprehensive showcase of new quality productive forces. New products, smart products, green low-carbon products, and products with independent intellectual property accounted for 16%, 14%, 24%, and 33% of the exhibits, respectively. The service robot zone, featuring products like embodied intelligence, dexterous hands, and exoskeletons, attracted 120,000 visits, with long queues of buyers eagerly observing. Two live drone flight demonstrations were innovatively held within the exhibition halls. AI glasses, smart interactive displays, and amphibious aircraft were among the most popular attractions of the first phase. Media outlets praised the Canton Fair as "not just a marketplace for goods, but an innovation hub where Chinese smart manufacturing and the global market collaboratively chart new partnerships."
Momentum gathered as new quality productive forces pointed the way to the future. Evolving from following trends to setting them, exhibitors are winning the market through innovation and craftsmanship. Among the 12,000 exhibitors in the first phase, over 5,900 were high-quality enterprises recognized as high-tech firms, specialized and sophisticated SMEs, or manufacturing champions, representing a 6.1% increase and hitting a new record. Sixty-seven percent of enterprises adopted new technologies and models like industrial internet, artificial intelligence, 5G, and green low-carbon solutions, with over one-third offering integrated "goods + services" system solutions. Buyers noted that "the Canton Fair allows the world to see the innovative vitality and manufacturing strength of Chinese enterprises," and that they "witnessed China's transition from a follower to a definer in production and supply chains."
Trust drew a global gathering of merchants to share open opportunities. Buyers traveled great distances to attend the fair, demonstrating their confidence in China's future. Over 167,000 buyers from 216 countries and regions attended, a 5.9% increase. Notably, attendance from the United States saw significant growth, while numbers from the European Union and Belt and Road partner countries remained stable. Many Middle Eastern buyers made special trips to attend despite major flight reductions and scarce tickets. Special live-streamed tours of the fair attracted 832,000 views and 74,000 interactions from the region. Participation from 197 major multinational companies and 123 overseas business associations increased by 6.5% and 4.2%, respectively. Buyers stated that their "confidence in China's production and supply chain has strengthened," while exhibitors remarked that "the bustling crowds at the Canton Fair are a warm current in global trade." The more uncertain the external environment, the more vibrant the Canton Fair becomes, reflecting firm confidence in China's comprehensive industrial chain and stable supply network—a veritable "vote of confidence" in the Chinese economy.
Intelligent and warm services guided every participant's journey with care. Attention to detail ensured a experience that was both smart and heartfelt. The fair provided full lifecycle services for exhibitors, featuring a 4,400-square-meter trade services exhibition area with 210 institutions offering comprehensive support including R&D design, logistics, information, finance, and business services. A total of 324 new product launch events and the Canton Fair Design and Innovation Awards served as a premier debut platform for innovation, a trendsetter for new products, and an essential procurement destination. Five thematic forums focused on cutting-edge topics like green energy storage, helping companies identify trends and expand their markets. The Canton Fair app was used by 470,000 people, with exhibitor and product searches increasing by 52%, and booth-level navigation was utilized 152,000 times. Empowered by intelligent technology and delivered with genuine care—from robot consultants and robotic patrol dogs to drone deliveries—the fair ensured every participant gained substantial value from their visit.
The second phase of the Canton Fair is scheduled for April 23rd to 27th. Centered on the theme "Quality Home Living," it will cover an exhibition area of 515,000 square meters with 25,000 booths. It will focus on three major sectors—household items, gifts and decorations, and building materials and furniture—comprising 14 exhibition areas. Over 10,000 enterprises will participate, including more than 3,100 high-quality companies. Global buyers are sincerely invited to attend, discover exquisite craftsmanship, and share in abundant business opportunities at the Canton Fair.
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