Guangzhou Trade Fair Preps, Canton 2026

Key Points

• The 139th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) Spring Session opens on 15 April 2026 in Guangzhou at the China Import and Export Fair Complex on Pazhou Island, No. 382 Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District.
• Divided into three phases: Phase 1 (15-19 April): electronics, appliances, machinery, vehicles, new energy; Phase 2 (23-27 April): consumer goods, gifts, home decor, furniture; Phase 3 (1-5 May): textiles, health products, toys, stationery.
• Features 55 exhibitions across 13 categories with over 30,000 enterprises, including SMEs and high-tech firms.
• Around 30 Canton Fair Global Cooperative Partners, such as United States of America–China Chamber of Commerce and China–Britain Business Council, have confirmed buyer delegations.​
• Mandatory online pre-registration for overseas buyers to obtain E-badge, linked to immigration and health platforms; 24-hour approval for 30-day visa-free scheme (45 countries).
• Expected foreign attendance over 160,000, double 2025’s figure, driven by supply-chain diversification.​
• Canton Fair Hotels Group: 23 hotels 70% booked, rates up 25%; airlines like Emirates and Cathay Pacific increasing flights.​
• New “Smart Matching” system for one-to-one meetings and factory tours; pilot e-CNY digital wallet.​
• Previous fall edition drew over 310,000 attendees.​
• Opening hours: 09:30–18:00 daily.
• Hosts: Ministry of Commerce of China and Guangdong Province People’s Government; organiser: China Foreign Trade Centre.​
• Exhibition area: 1.55 million sqm; 32,000+ exhibitors typically.​

Canton (Cardiff Daily) March 09, 2026 – Preparations are accelerating for the 139th China Import and Export Fair, widely known as the Canton Fair, set to commence on 15 April in Guangzhou’s Pazhou Complex. As reported by Staff Reporter of Macao News, with more than a month remaining, around 30 Canton Fair Global Cooperative Partners have confirmed plans to organise buyer delegations. The event promises a vast array of products from high-end electronics to toys, drawing tens of thousands of international sourcing professionals to the Greater Bay Area hub.

What Are the Dates for Canton Fair 2026?

The spring session of the 139th Canton Fair spans three phases in April and May 2026. Phase 1 runs from 15 to 19 April, focusing on electronics, household appliances, consumer electronics, information products, manufacturing machinery, vehicles, new energy, lighting, hardware, and international pavilions. Phase 2 occurs 23 to 27 April, showcasing houseware like ceramics and kitchenware, gifts and decorations including glass artware and festival products, building materials, furniture, and more international exhibits. Phase 3 takes place from 1 to 5 May, covering toys, children’s products, fashion accessories, home textiles, stationery, health and recreation items such as medicines and sports gear, plus traditional Chinese specialties.

As detailed by Hugo of Chilat.com, opening hours are approximately 09:30 to 18:00 each day, allowing ample time for networking amid the 1.55 million square metres of exhibition space. The official Canton Fair site confirms onsite exhibitions precisely align with these dates, hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, organised by China Foreign Trade Centre.

Where Is Canton Fair 2026 Held?

The venue remains the China Import and Export Fair Complex on Pazhou Island in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. The address is No. 382 Yuejiang Zhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou 510335, China. This sprawling site accommodates over 32,000 exhibitors and hundreds of thousands of buyers annually.

Staff Reporter of Macao News highlights the complex’s role as a premier sourcing platform, where member companies from partners like the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry plan to source smartphones, computers, and household appliances to meet demands in markets such as Australia. Travel guides from Chilat.com recommend staying within 5-10 km of Pazhou, in Haizhu or Tianhe districts, for convenience.​

Who Will Exhibit at Canton Fair 2026?

More than 30,000 enterprises are expected, ranging from specialised SMEs to national high-tech companies across 55 exhibitions in 13 categories. As per the official site, categories include electronics & appliances, manufacturing, vehicles & two wheels, light & electrical, hardware, houseware, gifts & decorations, building & furniture, toys, fashion, home textiles, stationery, health & recreation, and traditional Chinese specialties.

Macao News Staff Reporter notes participants will display everything from high-end electronics and stationery to toys. Chilat.com’s Hugo emphasises approximately 15% new exhibitors and 85% returning ones, including direct manufacturers ideal for custom orders and bulk pricing. International pavilions feature in all phases.

Which Partners Are Organising Buyer Delegations?

Around 30 Canton Fair Global Cooperative Partners have confirmed delegations. Named partners include the United States of America–China Chamber of Commerce, China–Britain Business Council, Pura China Chamber of Commerce, and Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.​

The Canton Fair maintains ties with 227 business associations, multinationals, and trade organisations across 110 countries and regions, aiding promotional events and connections. Staff Reporter of Macao News reports these groups equip buyers with company profiles, catalogues, and samples for meetings. Member companies from the Victorian Chamber seek consumer tech amid rising Australian demand.​

What Is New for Overseas Buyers in 2026?

Pre-registration for the E-badge is now mandatory for all foreign buyers via the official online portal. As covered by VisaHQ news, the system integrates with China’s immigration and health platforms, granting 24-hour approval for those under the expanded 30-day visa-free scheme covering 45 countries; exhibitors can issue multiple-entry invitations for faster visas.

Early registration unlocks fast-track entry and the “Smart Matching” system for supplier meetings and Greater Bay Area factory tours. VisaHQ warns of queues and overflow halls 8 km away for on-site badges. A pilot digital Renminbi (e-CNY) wallet accepts Visa/Mastercard top-ups eases payments. Organisers predict 160,000+ foreign attendees, doubling 2025.​

How to Register and Attend Canton Fair 2026?

Buyers must pre-register online at the official Canton Fair website, submitting business credentials for badge approval. Hugo of Chilat.com outlines steps: select phase by category, review exhibitors, book travel to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (Metro Line 3 to Line 8 for Pazhou), bring business cards, inquire on MOQ/lead times, and follow up post-fair.

Epic Sourcing advises strategic research: prioritise booths using exhibitor lists and apps, research trends and competitors. Macao News urges early action, especially for visa-free buyers.

What Were the Results from the Last Canton Fair?

The previous autumn edition attracted over 310,000 attendees from 223 countries, with 310,000 overseas buyers onsite. Macao News Staff Reporter links this success to in-person sourcing trends amid supply-chain shifts, setting expectations high for spring 2026.

Why Is Canton Fair 2026 Significant for Global Trade?

As a biannual powerhouse since 1957, Canton Fair facilitates diversification, with hotels 70% booked and rates up 25%, airlines upgrading to wide-bodies. VisaHQ reports Canton Fair Hotels Group anticipates booming demand. Chilat.com positions it as essential for sourcing reliable suppliers via structured phases.

Partners like China–Britain Business Council underscore its role in connecting global buyers to China’s production ramp-up post-Spring Festival. OPPEIN Home notes 25,000+ exhibitors segmented by category, maximising efficiency.