Canton Fair 2026: 220,000 pre-registered buyers and what the fair offers companies

The 140th Canton Fair opened in Guangzhou on 15 October with more than 220,000 overseas buyers pre-registered from 197 countries — about 80% of them trade professionals, according to the organizer's opening release. It runs until 4 November.

What the fair is. Held twice a year since 1957 and now marking its 70th anniversary, it is the largest general trade exhibition in the world: 1.55 million m², 75,700 booths, 54 product sections and more than 30,000 exhibitors, split into three five-day phases.

What it offers companies. Each phase is a different market. Phase 1 (15–19 Oct) covers electronics, appliances, machinery, vehicles, hardware and energy. Phase 2 (23–27 Oct) moves to housewares, gifts, furniture, ceramics and building materials. Phase 3 (31 Oct–4 Nov) covers fashion, textiles, shoes, toys, health, medical and food. Around the aisles, the organizer runs "Trade Bridge" matchmaking — buyers post a sourcing request and get one-on-one meetings with exhibitors — alongside 700+ "New Collection" launch events, up 15% on the previous session, and the new Canton Fair Buyers Alliance, whose first cohort of 58 companies from 32 countries includes Fortune Global 500 buyers and top-250 retailers.

Why it matters. For an importer or exporter, this is where next year's supplier shortlist and launch calendar get set — and where a first-time buyer can compare 54 categories in one trip instead of ten.

This week. Check which phase matches your catalogue, pre-register for an overseas-buyer badge before booking flights, and if you buy, post your sourcing request now so matchmaking meetings can be scheduled.

Sources

• Canton Fair / PR Newswire — Canton Fair Buyers Alliance Launched as the 140th Edition Opens
• Canton Fair — Trade Bridge matchmaking
• Trip.com — Canton Fair 2026 dates and phase categories

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Three phases, five days each: keep selling after the halls close

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