The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, is China’s largest and most influential trade exhibition. Held every spring and autumn in Guangzhou since 1957, the Canton Fair plays a central role in connecting international buyers with Chinese manufacturers across nearly every industry.
Last Updated on October 15, 2025 by Gentle Packing Team
As a long-standing sourcing destination for global businesses, the fair attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees, offering a unique opportunity to discover products, build relationships, and understand evolving supply chain trends. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why the Canton Fair matters, how it’s structured, and what you need to know to attend successfully in 2025.
Background of the Canton Fair
Launched more than six decades ago, the Canton Fair was created to boost China’s international trade. Over time, it has evolved into a highly respected and far-reaching global trade platform. Hosted at the massive China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, the fair covers more than 1.18 million square meters and accommodates over 60,000 booths during each session.
Buyers attending the fair can expect to find direct access to Chinese manufacturers offering both OEM and ODM services. Exhibitors range from large-scale factories to innovative niche producers. For many businesses, it is the most efficient way to compare suppliers, evaluate product quality, and start new sourcing partnerships.
With both online and offline participation formats available, this fair typically attracts:
- Over 25,000 exhibitors
- More than 200,000 buyers from 200+ countries
- Thousands of product categories
Why the Canton Fair Matters
For International Buyers
The Canton Fair is one of the most practical and trusted ways to source from China. Unlike online platforms where communication may be delayed or unclear, meeting face-to-face with suppliers allows buyers to evaluate reliability, product quality, and service capabilities in real-time.
Buyers attend the fair to:
- Discover new products and trends in their industry
- Meet verified factories and avoid middlemen
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, and customization details directly
- Compare multiple suppliers in a single trip, reducing sourcing costs
Accessing Trade Credits and Credit Insurance for Imports
For international buyers sourcing from China, managing cash flow and minimizing financial risk are key priorities, especially when placing large orders or building new supplier relationships. This is where trade credits and credit insurance tools, like those provided by Sinosure, become invaluable.
How does it work?
Credit insurance programs allow importers to purchase goods from Chinese suppliers and defer payment for an agreed period, typically 90 to 120 days—rather than paying upfront or on delivery. This flexibility can make it easier to manage working capital, especially for growing businesses or those making seasonal purchases.
Steps to Secure Trade Credits with Credit Insurance
- Register with a credit insurance provider: Importers start by registering their company with a provider like Sinosure, which assesses the buyer’s credibility and qualifies them for coverage.
- Apply for a credit limit: Once registered, buyers can request a trade credit limit tailored to their purchasing needs. This limit determines how much they can order from suppliers on deferred terms.
- Negotiate with suppliers: With the credit insurance in place, buyers can negotiate more favorable payment terms with suppliers. The supplier is protected in case of non-payment, and the buyer gains additional flexibility in settling invoices.
- Increase your credit line as you grow: Businesses importing on a larger scale can request to raise their credit limit, supporting higher-value purchases or new supplier partnerships as their needs evolve.
By tapping into these tools, international buyers not only unlock longer payment windows but also build trust with suppliers, reduce upfront costs, and lower the risks associated with cross-border trade.
For Chinese Manufacturers
For suppliers, the Canton Fair is a gateway to global markets. It provides a platform to launch new products, meet international clients, and gather feedback from overseas buyers. Many manufacturers also use the fair to expand into new sectors or test new packaging and design strategies.
- A chance to showcase products to a global audience
- Connect directly with verified international buyers
- Test new designs and ideas with real-time market feedback
- Build export channels and expand international trade networks
Canton Fair Dates for 2025
The Canton Fair is held twice a year: once in spring and once in autumn. The spring session of the 2025 137th Canton Fair is divided into three phases:
- Phase 1: April 15–19, 2025, 9:30-18:00
- Phase 2: April 23–27, 2025, 9:30-18:00
- Phase 3: May 1–5, 2025, 9:30-18:00
The 138th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) will be held in October 2025 in Guangzhou.
- Phase 1: October 15–19, 2025
- Phase 2: October 23–27, 2025 (Gentle Packing exhibiting at Booth 18.2L31)
- Phase 3: October 31–November 4, 2025
Each phase covers different industries and product categories. Understanding which phase to attend is essential for efficient sourcing.
Canton Fair 2025 Autumn Session: Dates and Phase Structure
Following its well-established format, the Canton Fair’s autumn edition in 2025 is also divided into three distinct phases—each tailored to showcase specific industries. This phased approach makes planning your visit easier and ensures you’ll connect with suppliers offering the exact products you’re sourcing.
The autumn session will be held in Guangzhou from mid-October to early November. Each phase lasts five days and features dedicated product categories, so timing your attendance with the relevant phase is key for a productive trip.
Here’s the breakdown of the 2025 Autumn Canton Fair phases:
- Phase 1: October 15–19, 2025
- Phase 2: October 23–27, 2025
- Phase 3: October 31–November 4, 2025
By mapping out your sourcing needs and aligning them with the appropriate phase, you can maximize your opportunities to meet qualified manufacturers and explore targeted product selections.
Canton Fair 2025 Autumn Session Dates
Looking ahead to the autumn edition, the 2025 Canton Fair is set to take place from October 15 through November 4. As with previous sessions, the autumn fair will be organized into three phases, each focusing on different product categories and industries. Mark your calendar if you’re planning to attend the fall session to explore new sourcing opportunities or meet with suppliers ahead of the holiday season.
Overview of the 3 Phases of the Canton Fair
The Canton Fair is held every two years, with the same categories of products on display in each edition. Each canton fair phase is classified for specific industries:
Phase 1: Industrial and Technological Products
Phase 1 focuses on machinery, electronics, building materials, lighting, vehicles, and hardware. This phase typically attracts buyers in construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, and high-tech sectors.
Phase 2: Consumer Goods, Gifts, and Home Products
Phase 2 is especially popular with retailers, wholesalers, and gift companies. Exhibits include kitchenware, personal care items, home décor, toys, and a wide range of gifts and premiums. This is also the key phase for sourcing promotional products such as custom bags, branded giveaways, and corporate gift items.
If you’re looking for high-volume consumer goods or custom-branded eco-friendly packaging, this is the phase to focus on.
Phase 3: Textiles, Fashion, Health, and Food
This phase covers clothing, footwear, office supplies, sportswear, bags, health products, and food. Buyers in the fashion, healthcare, and general merchandise industries often attend this phase to connect with textile and apparel suppliers.
How to Attend the Canton Fair
Attending in Person
To attend the fair in Guangzhou, buyers must register in advance through the official Canton Fair website and apply for a Buyer Badge. The badge allows access to the venue and exhibitor zones. Once registration is complete, buyers should arrange visas, flights, and accommodations early, as hotels near the exhibition center tend to book quickly.
Most suppliers display their best products and latest innovations during the event, so bringing physical product samples or specifications can help accelerate discussions.
Attending Online
The Canton Fair also offers a robust digital platform that enables buyers to:
- Search for exhibitors by category
- Watch product presentations and factory videos
- Schedule virtual meetings and request samples
This is particularly helpful for buyers who cannot travel but still want to explore suppliers and maintain sourcing continuity.
Who Should Attend?
The Canton Fair is ideal for:
- Distributors and wholesalers seeking new product lines
- Importers looking for reliable manufacturing partners
- Learn about new trends in specific types of products and find ideas for their business.
- Companies looking for differentiated products to expand their product categories
The fair offers excellent opportunities for businesses to find customizable, scalable product solutions directly from factories.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
- Identify which phase(s) match your product categories and attend accordingly.
- Prepare a sourcing list and product specifications before arriving.
- Use the Canton Fair app to navigate the venue efficiently.
- Prioritize meeting suppliers who align with your MOQ, quality expectations, and branding needs.
- Collect brochures, samples, and price lists, and take notes during discussions.
- Follow up quickly after the fair, as top suppliers may receive many inquiries.
Our Journey at the Canton Fair
Gentle Packing is a premium gift bag manufacturer. We’ve worked with global retailers, promotional agencies, and lifestyle brands to create packaging that aligns with their sustainability values while maintaining quality and aesthetics. We specialize in sustainable packaging products such as:
- RPET shopping bags made from recycled bottles
- Non-woven and laminated PP woven tote bags
- Cotton and canvas drawstring pouches
- Custom gift and promotional bags for branding
Meet Us at the 138th Canton Fair – Phase 2
Gentle Packing is excited to participate in Phase 2 of the 138th Canton Fair this October. Join us in Guangzhou from October 23rd to 27th, where we’ll be showcasing our latest custom packaging solutions and reusable bags at:
- Our: Booth No. 18.2L31
- Gifts & Premium Packaging Hall
- Phase 2 | October 23–27, 2025
FAQ
How big is the Canton Fair?
The fair spans more than 1.18 million square meters and hosts over 60,000 booths across three phases. It is considered the largest trade fair in Asia.
Are there any entry fees associated with the Canton Fair?
No, there is not. International buyers are free to enter but must register to receive a buyer’s badge.
How many times a year is the Canton Fair held?
The Canton Fair takes place twice annually — in spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November).
Final Thoughts
The Canton Fair remains one of the most reliable and efficient ways to source directly from Chinese factories. Whether you’re looking for innovative consumer products, scalable manufacturing partners, or customizable eco-packaging, the fair offers real-time access to trusted suppliers and market insights.
If you’re planning to attend Phase 2 of the 2025 Canton Fair, we invite you to visit Gentle Packing at booth 18.2K07. Our team will be there to present our latest eco-friendly bag designs and help you find the right solution for your brand.
If you would like to make an appointment, request a catalog, or make an advance inquiry, please contact us before the fair.