The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) remains the world's largest trade exhibition, drawing over 25,000 exhibitors and 200,000 visitors per session. For international buyers and trade professionals, it is the single most important sourcing event on the global calendar. Here is everything you need to know for 2026.
What is the Canton Fair?
Established in 1957, the Canton Fair is held twice a year in Guangzhou, China. It covers 1.2 million square meters of exhibition space across the China Import and Export Fair Complex on Pazhou Island. Entry is free for registered international buyers, making it one of the most accessible large-scale trade events in the world.
The fair is split into three phases, each lasting five days, with a break between them. This structure allows buyers to focus on specific product categories rather than trying to cover everything at once.
2026 Spring Session: Three Phases
Phase 1
April 15-19Electronics, household appliances, machinery, hardware, tools, vehicles, new energy products, and building materials.
Phase 2
April 23-27Consumer goods, gifts, home decor, furniture, garden products, ceramics, kitchenware, and packaging materials.
Phase 3
May 1-5Textiles, garments, shoes, bags, medical devices, health products, food, and children's items.
Why AGTS Attends the Canton Fair
As a global trade services company, the Canton Fair is our primary sourcing event. It allows us to:
- Meet verified manufacturers face-to-face across all product categories
- Discover new suppliers for sports equipment, packaging, food products, and construction materials
- Negotiate pricing and MOQs directly with factory representatives
- Verify product quality through on-site samples and demonstrations
- Strengthen relationships with existing supplier partners
AGTS Focus Categories
Sports Equipment & Apparel
Custom sportswear, team wear, and athletic equipment. Phase 2 and Phase 3 are key for these categories.
Packaging Solutions
Packaging machinery, materials, and food-grade containers. Primarily Phase 1 and Phase 2.
Food & Beverage
Halal products, specialty foods, and food-grade packaging. Phase 3 focus.
Construction Materials
Building materials, wall panels, and industrial equipment. Phase 1 and Phase 2.
Travel & Logistics Tips
Planning your Canton Fair trip requires advance preparation:
- Flights: Fly into Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN). Book well in advance as demand surges during fair dates.
- Hotels: Stay in Pazhou, Tianhe, or Haizhu districts. Book at least 2 months ahead as accommodation fills up fast.
- Transport: Metro Line 8 goes directly to Pazhou Station (the exhibition complex). This is the fastest way to get to the venue.
- Visa: A Chinese Business Visa (M visa) is required for most nationalities. Apply early.
- Registration: Register online at cantonfair.org.cn before arrival. It's free for international buyers.
Sourcing Strategy for First-Time Visitors
The Canton Fair can be overwhelming. Here is a practical approach:
- Pre-select suppliers: Use the Canton Fair online platform to identify booths before you arrive. Mark the halls and booth numbers you want to visit.
- Focus on one phase: Unless you have multiple product interests, pick the phase most relevant to your business and go deep rather than wide.
- Bring business cards: Chinese suppliers expect physical cards. Bring plenty, ideally with a QR code linking to your company profile.
- Collect samples: Request samples from promising suppliers. Arrange shipping in advance if you expect to collect many.
- Follow up within 48 hours: Send follow-up emails or WeChat messages while the conversations are fresh.
How AGTS Can Help
AGTS offers sourcing support before, during, and after the Canton Fair. Whether you need help identifying the right suppliers, arranging factory visits in Guangdong province, or managing logistics for sample shipments, our China-based team can support your sourcing journey.
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Attending Canton Fair 2026?
Let AGTS support your sourcing trip with supplier matching, factory visits, and logistics coordination.