Canton Fair 2026 – Detailed Guide for Buyers and Exhibitors

In the year 2025, the event welcomed more than 31,000 exhibitors and approximately 190,000 visitors per session, which itself is enough to show the prominence of this trade fair.

In this blog, we’ll thoroughly discuss every essential point about the Canton Fair 2026, including dates, phases, venue, registration process (for both buyers and suppliers), and some other important tips. So, let’s get into it!

What is the Canton Fair 2026?

The Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, began in 1957 and has now become one of the largest trade events on the global trading calendar.

This event is organized by the “China Foreign Trade Centre” (CFTC) and jointly hosted by the “Ministry of Commerce of China” and the Guangdong government.

The Canton Fair is consistently the highest revenue-generating trade event in China, compared to other trade fairs in the country. Along with other exhibitions held in cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou, the China Foreign Trade Centre (CFTC) manages spacious exhibition facilities.

Altogether, these venues cover approximately 10.7 million square meters, which makes them some of the largest exhibition facilities worldwide.

This event is biannual (takes place twice every year) and held in April & October.

It exhibits more than sixteen major product categories, covering both industrial and consumer goods. The fair is organized into three phases, each of which focuses on specific types of products.

Canton Fair 2026: Timing and Dates

Phase Dates and Timing of the 139th Canton Fair (Spring 2026):

Phase Dates and Timing of the 140th Canton Fair (Autumn 2026):

Overview: 3 Phases of the Canton Fair 2026

The Canton Fair 2026 runs in three separate phases, with each phase dedicated to different industries and product types. Understanding these phases ensures you attend the right dates for your business goals.

Who Should Attend the Canton Fair?

The Canton Fair is open to all, but it is primarily designed for business professionals involved in international trade, including

• Exporters and manufacturers aiming to showcase products to global buyers
• Importers and sourcing professionals seeking verified suppliers and new products
• Distributors and wholesalers looking to expand their product range and partnerships
• Entrepreneurs and startups exploring market trends and manufacturing opportunities
• Industry professionals from sectors such as electronics, machinery, textiles, consumer goods, and related fields

How to Attend or Register for the Canton Fair 2026?

To attend the Canton Fair 2026, buyers and exhibitors must register through the official Canton Fair platform and obtain the required entry credentials.

For Buyers/Importers:

1. Online Registration: Visit the official website of the Canton Fair and fill out the pre-registration form. You’ll receive a confirmation or invitation that you can use to enter the fair.
2. Get a Badge: With your registration or invitation, you can collect your buyer’s badge at the fair. This badge grants you access to all exhibition halls.
3. Plan Your Visit: The fair is held in three phases, each displaying different types of goods. Check which phase matches your interests and plan your visit accordingly.
4. Travel & Accommodation: Many visitors travel from abroad. You can book flights to Guangzhou and reserve accommodation near the Canton Fair venue. Some hotels even offer shuttle services to the exhibition center.
5. Attend & Explore: Once you are at the fair, you can attend product exhibitions, meet suppliers, bargain for deals, and explore the latest innovations in your industry.

For Suppliers/Exhibitors/Manufacturers

1. Apply for Exhibition Space: Register on the Canton Fair official website to book a booth. You will be asked to provide product details and business information. The Canton Fair organizers review your application to check if your company and goods meet the requirements.

Remember that suppliers cannot freely choose any phase. You must apply for the phase that matches your product category.

• Approval Notification: If approved, you’ll receive confirmation from the Canton Fair authority.
• Prepare Materials: Get ready catalogs, samples, and displays for visitors.
• Travel & Accommodation: Book flights and hotels.
• Set Up Booth: Arrive a few days early to set up your exhibition area.
• Interact with Visitors: Showcase products, meet buyers, negotiate deals, and attend networking events.
• Follow Up: Contact interested buyers and maintain business connections after the fair.

Why Should You Attend the Canton Fair 2026?

The Canton Fair is one of the few events where buyers can evaluate suppliers, inspect products, and negotiate terms face-to-face—all within a single sourcing trip.

1. Easy Supplier Finding and Verification

The Canton Fair helps you find reliable suppliers and factories from China and other countries, all in one place. Rather than traveling to different countries and regions, buyers can meet many suppliers under one roof, which saves both time and effort.

At the fair, you can directly talk with suppliers to see their communication skills, explore their product catalogs, and view samples or showroom offerings.

You can also gather important details about their company, which helps later during factory visits for verification. These face-to-face meetings give you a clear first impression and help you decide which suppliers are worth working with in the future.

2. Price Negotiation and Better Deals

This event is a great chance for buyers to discuss and negotiate prices directly with suppliers. Buyers can discuss product prices, payment terms and conditions, and minimum order quantities (MOQs) directly on the spot.

This immediate negotiation is helpful because decisions can be made instantly, unlike online platforms, where communications may take many days or even weeks to get a response.

Additionally, meeting suppliers in person enables buyers to assess how flexible and committed a supplier is to doing business.

Many matters can be cleared immediately, which saves time and avoids confusion later.

However, it is essential to document all discussions (agreed terms) and request written confirmation to avoid any future problems, such as a supplier later changing the price or denying what was decided during the discussion.

3. Innovative Products and Market Trends

At the China Import and Export Fair, some suppliers display their latest products, which gives buyers a great chance to see new ideas and innovations before they appear on the market.

This can be a big advantage for businesses that want to stay ahead of their competitors. However, not all supplier shows their latest designs. Many of them prefer not to showcase new products because they fear that competitors may copy their innovations, which is a common concern in China’s highly competitive manufacturing industry.

Even if the newest products are not always on display, meeting suppliers face-to-face is still very valuable. These conversations help buyers learn about new materials, innovations, modern technologies, upcoming product trends, and changes in market demand.

This information is very useful for making sourcing decisions in Asia and for developing product development strategies.

4. In-Person Product Inspection

Unlike online platforms, the Canton Fair allows buyers to physically inspect products, such as material testing.

This direct interaction helps with product judgment and lowers sourcing risks.

Important Tips for First-Time Attendees

For first-time attendees, advance planning and on-site organization are essential to maximize sourcing results at the Canton Fair.

• Plan ahead by selecting the phases that match your sourcing goals, and book flights and accommodation early to avoid higher costs and limited availability.
• Research exhibitors in advance using the official Canton Fair website to identify relevant suppliers and prioritize meetings.
• Expect large crowds and long walking distances—wear comfortable footwear to move efficiently across the exhibition halls.
• While many exhibitors speak English, hiring a translator can help prevent misunderstandings and support smoother negotiations.
• Keep detailed records of each exhibitor, including booth numbers, product details, pricing, and contact information, for effective follow-ups after the fair.

FAQS

1. What is the location of the Canton Fair 2026?

Ans: The Canton Fair 2026 will be held at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province (Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou 510335, China)

2. Can you attend the Canton Fair for free?

Ans: The registration at the China Import and Export Fair is approximately 100 RMB (around $15 USD) for first-time buyers (if you don’t register in advance). Enrolling online beforehand saves this fee and provides you with an official invitation, which is needed for a business visa to attend the fair in China.

3. What currency is used at the Canton Fair?

Ans: The currency used at the Canton Fair is commonly the Chinese Yuan (also known as Renminbi, RMB), US Dollars (USD), and Euros (EUR). Many exhibitors also accept other major international currencies, especially from international buyers.

Conclusion

The Canton Fair 2026 remains a key sourcing and networking platform for global buyers and exhibitors. With its structured three-phase format, wide product coverage, and direct access to manufacturers, the fair enables informed sourcing decisions and meaningful business connections.

Whether you are attending to find suppliers, evaluate products, or negotiate deals, the fair offers a practical and efficient environment to support international trade goal