The 139th edition of the Canton Fair concluded on May 5 with a record level of overseas buyer participation, reflecting continued international demand for Chinese manufacturing and export products, prominently including robots. According to the China Foreign Trade Centre, the 15-day exhibition attracted more than 314,000 overseas buyers from 220 countries and regions, representing the highest international attendance recorded in the fair’s history.
Held in Guangzhou across three phases, the event hosted more than 32,000 exhibitors and 75,700 booths covering approximately 1.55 million square meters. Nearly 3,900 companies participated in the fair for the first time. Organizers said more than 4.65 million products were displayed during the exhibition, with increased representation from green technologies, smart products and goods supported by proprietary intellectual property. The fair also featured more than 600 product launch events, while exhibits related to future industries increased by 30% compared with the previous session.
Artificial intelligence applications and automation technologies were among the areas highlighted during the exhibition. Demonstrations included robotic patrol systems, drone technologies and the “PHYBOT C2” humanoid robot, designed to play badminton and interact with visitors. Nine new specialized exhibition zones were introduced during the session, covering categories including consumer and agricultural drones, smart wearables, display technologies, integrated housing systems, outdoor facilities and functional fabrics. Nearly 670 companies participated in the dedicated zones.
The event coincided with continued foreign trade growth in Guangdong Province, one of China’s largest export-oriented regions. In the first quarter of 2026, Guangdong recorded the country’s highest total import-export volume and contribution to national trade growth. Provincial exports totaled 1.53 trillion yuan, equivalent to about US$211 billion, representing a 14.3% increase year on year, while imports rose 27.8% to 1.01 trillion yuan. Technology-related exports including 3D printers, drones and digital cameras recorded strong growth during the period.
Exports under self-owned Chinese brands also increased, rising 38% year on year and accounting for 26.6% of Guangdong’s total exports during the first quarter. First launched in 1957, the Canton Fair is regarded as a major indicator of China’s foreign trade activity and international commercial engagement. Provincial authorities said the event continues to function as a platform linking Chinese manufacturers with overseas buyers amid changes in global trade patterns and supply chains.
