Canton Fair 2026 once again becomes a crucial moment for international business players to import products directly from China. This largest and oldest trade exhibition is held twice a year in Guangzhou and serves as one of the main platforms to meet suppliers, discover new products, and establish direct business partnerships.
What Is the Canton Fair and Why Is It Important for Importers
The Canton Fair, or China Import and Export Fair, is an international trade exhibition that has been held since 1957 in Guangzhou, southern China. The event takes place twice a year—during the spring and autumn seasons—serving as a global meeting point for buyers from around the world and Chinese manufacturers and suppliers. The scale of this event is massive, attracting tens of thousands of buyers from various countries and thousands of companies showcasing a wide range of product categories.
Key advantages of the Canton Fair as an import platform include:
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Direct access to Chinese manufacturers and suppliers without intermediaries.
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Thousands of product categories, from consumer goods to industrial machinery.
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Opportunities for price negotiation, OEM/ODM orders, and building long-term business relationships.
For these reasons, many importers take advantage of the Canton Fair 2026 to source quality products at competitive prices and open up opportunities for market expansion.
Complete Schedule of Canton Fair 2026
Canton Fair 2026 consists of several phases, each focusing on different product categories, allowing participants to tailor their visits according to their business needs.
Canton Fair 2026 Spring
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Phase 1: April 15–19, 2026
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Phase 2: April 23–27, 2026
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Phase 3: May 1–5, 2026
The spring session usually serves as an early momentum for importers to explore new product trends and begin supply negotiations for the middle to the end of the year.
Canton Fair Autumn 2026
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Phase 1: October 15–19, 2026
Main categories: Electronics & Lighting -
Phase 2: October 23–27, 2026
Main categories: Consumer Goods & Ceramics -
Phase 3: October 31 – November 4, 2026
Main categories: Textiles & Medical Products
The autumn session is generally utilized by importers for year-end stock preparation, long-term contracts, and strengthening supply chains for the following year.
Tips for Canton Fair 2026 Participants
To get the most out of your visit to Canton Fair 2026, consider the following:
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Research products and suppliers in advance to make your time at the venue more effective.
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Prepare a phase visit schedule according to the product categories you need.
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Register and collect your buyer badge through the official Canton Fair website to gain access to the exhibition.
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Plan accommodation in Guangzhou early, as the city becomes a major trading hub and hotels tend to fill up quickly during the fair.
Canton Fair 2026 is a golden opportunity for businesses to import products directly from China at the source, with access to a wide range of suppliers and product lines. With a structured schedule and clear industry focus, this exhibition is an ideal choice for companies and importers to expand their product portfolios, reduce production costs, and build strategic partnerships in the global market—all taking place in Guangzhou, China’s international trade hub.
