The 140th China Import and Export Fair, better known as the Canton Fair, will take place in Guangzhou from 15 October to 4 November 2026. Held twice a year since 1957, the Canton Fair remains one of the most important meeting points for companies looking to source products, identify manufacturers and build supplier relationships in China.
For European companies already sourcing from China, or considering new suppliers, the fair offers an opportunity to meet a large number of potential partners in a relatively short period of time. It can also provide a useful overview of new products, manufacturing capabilities and developments across different industries.
Three phases for different industries
The fair is divided into three phases, so choosing the right dates is important.
Phase 1, 15–19 October, focuses primarily on electronics, electrical appliances, industrial and manufacturing equipment, machinery, vehicles, new energy products, hardware and tools.
Phase 2, 23–27 October, covers areas such as housewares, furniture, gifts and decorations, building materials and other home-related products.
Phase 3, 31 October–4 November, includes textiles and garments, footwear, bags, toys, food, personal care products, medical products and a broad range of consumer goods.
The fair is held at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Pazhou, Guangzhou, with exhibition hours from 9:30 to 18:00. Overseas buyers can pre-register, apply for invitation documents and arrange their buyer badge through the official Canton Fair system.
Preparation matters more than simply attending
With thousands of exhibitors spread across a very large exhibition area, arriving without a plan can quickly become overwhelming.
Companies should ideally determine their product requirements in advance, identify relevant exhibitors and prepare the questions they want answered. Beyond pricing, buyers should consider minimum order quantities, production capacity, lead times, materials, certifications, quality requirements, payment terms and the manufacturer’s ability to meet European requirements.
It is also worth remembering that a strong exhibition stand does not necessarily tell you everything you need to know about a supplier. The company exhibiting at the fair may be a manufacturer, a trading company or part of a more complicated supply chain. Before placing significant orders, it is therefore important to understand who you are actually doing business with and where the products will be manufactured.
The real work often starts after the Canton Fair
The Canton Fair is particularly effective for creating an initial supplier shortlist. The next step is usually to compare suppliers in more detail and verify the most promising candidates.
Where possible, a sourcing trip to Guangzhou can also be combined with factory visits after the exhibition. Meeting a supplier at its actual production facility gives a very different level of visibility into its capabilities, production processes and quality-control systems.
For new supplier relationships, further due diligence may include checking the Chinese legal entity behind the supplier, reviewing relevant certifications, assessing production capacity and conducting a factory audit. Samples and specifications should also be carefully compared before committing to larger production volumes.
This is where local follow-up can be particularly valuable. A successful sourcing project does not end when the fair closes. Supplier communication, negotiations, sample development, production monitoring and quality inspections can continue for weeks or months afterwards.
Visiting China for the fair
International visitors should also check current entry requirements well before travelling. China currently operates several visa-free arrangements, including a 240-hour visa-free transit policy for eligible nationalities travelling onward to a third country or region. The exact rules depend on nationality and itinerary, so travellers should always check the latest official requirements before booking.
Hotels and transport around Pazhou also become considerably busier during the fair, so accommodation and meetings are best arranged early.
Need support with your Canton Fair visit or sourcing in China?
PRD Group supports European companies throughout the sourcing process in China, from identifying and evaluating potential suppliers to factory visits, supplier verification, negotiations, production follow-up and quality inspections. Our role is not only to help you find potential suppliers, but to help determine whether they are the right suppliers to work with.
If you are planning to attend the Canton Fair in Guangzhou this October, contact us to discuss how we can support your visit, arrange supplier or factory meetings, investigate potential partners and follow up locally after the fair.
