More than 220,000 overseas buyers from 197 countries and regions have pre-registered for the 140th Canton Fair, one month before the major sourcing event opens in Guangzhou.
The autumn edition of the China Import and Export Fair will run across three phases from October 15 to November 4, 2026, at the China Import and Export Fair Complex. According to the organiser’s announcement, professional buyers account for nearly 80% of current overseas registrations.
Pre-registration figures do not necessarily translate directly into final onsite attendance. However, the number indicates strong international interest before the fair begins and gives exhibitors a substantial potential audience across the three sourcing phases.
Three phases cover different sourcing industries
The Canton Fair divides its extensive product range into three five-day phases, with several days between them for exhibitors and exhibition areas to change.
Canton Fair Phase 1 runs from October 15–19 under the theme “Advanced Manufacturing.” It covers electronics, industrial automation, machinery, vehicles, automotive parts, motorcycles, bicycles, new energy, lighting, electrical products, hardware and tools.
Canton Fair Phase 2 takes place from October 23–27 and focuses on “Quality Home Life.” Its sections include housewares, ceramics, furniture, building materials, sanitary products, gifts, decorations, gardening products, and other home-related goods.
Canton Fair Phase 3 follows from October 31 to November 4. The “Better Life” phase covers fashion, textiles, footwear, bags, food, healthcare, medical devices, baby products, toys, personal care, sports, recreation, office supplies and pet products.
Buyers should select their phase carefully because most product categories are only exhibited during their designated dates. Companies sourcing across unrelated industries may need to attend more than one phase or send separate purchasing teams.
More than 32,000 companies will exhibit
The organiser expects more than 32,000 exhibiting enterprises at the 140th Canton Fair. Over 11,000 are described as specialist innovative companies or industry-leading enterprises.
The fair says 64% of exhibitors currently apply industrial internet or artificial-intelligence technologies somewhere in their operations. This does not mean that all their products use AI; the figure may also include technologies used in manufacturing, quality control, logistics or business management.
New products are expected to represent 23.2% of the exhibits, while products classified by the organiser as green will account for 26%. Both are reported as the highest proportions recorded by the fair.
For international buyers, the figures indicate that the event is attempting to move beyond price-led commodity sourcing. The practical task will be to distinguish products with commercially useful improvements from minor model updates or unsupported environmental claims.
Buyers evaluating new or green products should request technical specifications, certification records, testing documentation and explanations of how environmental performance has been measured.
AI navigation will cover more than 75,000 booths
Finding individual suppliers is a significant challenge at an exhibition with more than 75,000 booths. The 140th Canton Fair plans to introduce 22 smart application scenarios and 16 AI-related features across the visitor and exhibitor journey.
One of the most useful additions should be booth-level indoor navigation covering all exhibition halls. The organiser says the system will provide metre-level positioning, helping visitors move directly between shortlisted exhibitors.
Augmented-reality information displays are also planned. Their usefulness will depend on the accuracy of booth, exhibitor and product information available through the system.
Buyers should still prepare their own sourcing schedule before arriving. Saving supplier names, booth numbers, product requirements and meeting times independently will reduce disruption if venue connectivity or navigation services become congested.
New-product programme expands to 700 launches
More than 700 New Collection events are planned for the 140th edition, representing a reported 15% increase in product-launch activities.
A new New Collection Gallery will provide a central area for viewing selected product introductions and identifying potential suppliers. This could be particularly valuable to retailers and distributors searching for products that have not yet reached wider international markets.
The programme will be supported by seven forums organised around four themes: international market development, risk management, industry trends and innovation.
Buyers interested in new products should ask suppliers whether the displayed models are already available for production. Launch events sometimes feature prototypes or early-stage products whose pricing, certification, minimum order quantities or delivery schedules have not been finalised.
Trade services extend beyond supplier discovery
The fair will also provide ten categories of producer services covering areas such as logistics, warehousing, design, research and development, overseas business support, cross-border investment and financing.
This expanded service coverage reflects the fact that completing a sourcing project requires more than meeting a manufacturer. International buyers may also need help with product development, inspection, certification, customs documentation, freight and payment arrangements.
Service providers should still be evaluated independently. Buyers should confirm company credentials, fee structures, insurance coverage and contractual responsibilities before appointing logistics, sourcing or financial partners.
Overseas buyers should register before travelling
International visitors can complete pre-registration through the official Canton Fair buyer registration system. The official platform also provides services for invitation applications, buyer badges and supplier searches.
Pre-registration can simplify badge collection and allow buyers to begin searching for exhibitors before arriving in Guangzhou. Visitors should also confirm visa requirements, accommodation and transport arrangements early because demand increases substantially during the fair.
The 140th Canton Fair combines an exceptionally broad supplier base with new tools intended to make the event easier to navigate. Its commercial value will ultimately depend on how effectively buyers choose the correct phase, research suppliers in advance, and verify products after initial meetings.
