The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, is a globally recognized trade event and a vital sourcing destination for international buyers. Held twice a year in Guangzhou, the fair is divided into three distinct phases, each focusing on different product categories and industries.
Last Updated on October 15, 2025 by Gentle Packing Team
Understanding the structure and highlights of each phase helps buyers plan their visit efficiently, align with relevant suppliers, and make the most of their time in China. Whether you’re sourcing industrial machinery or eco-friendly consumer goods, this guide will help you determine which phase best fits your sourcing goals.
Canton Fair Overview: What It Is and When It Happens
Established in 1957, the Canton Fair has grown into the largest comprehensive trade exhibition in China, attracting more than 200,000 international buyers and hosting over 60,000 booths each session. The event is held at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, a sprawling venue that covers more than 1.18 million square meters.
The Spring 2025 Canton Fair is scheduled as follows:
- Phase 1: April 15–19, 2025
- Phase 2: April 23–27, 2025
- Phase 3: May 1–5, 2025
The 138th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) will be held in October 2025 in Guangzhou. As always, the event is divided into three phases, with each phase focused on specific industries and product categories.
- 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 runs for five days and is separated by a short break. Attendees are encouraged to participate in the phase that aligns with their business interests, as product categories do not overlap between phases.
Canton Fair Phase 1: The Largest Selection of Industrial and Technological Products
Canton Fair Phase 1 is focused on technology, machinery, and industrial goods. It is best suited for buyers operating in the manufacturing, infrastructure, construction, and energy sectors.
Electronics and Home Appliances
This area showcases the latest innovations in smart home technology, entertainment electronics, energy-saving devices, and large-scale appliances. Buyers from consumer electronics chains or distributors often use this section to source bulk-ready products or develop private-label brands.
Popular products include:
- Smart TVs and IoT-enabled appliances
- Kitchen and household electrical items
- Batteries, chargers, LED lighting systems
Machinery and Industrial Equipment
Covering heavy-duty machinery, industrial tools, production automation, and energy equipment, this section attracts procurement teams from factories, government infrastructure projects, and equipment distributors.
Typical visitors include:
- Construction firms sourcing cement mixers and cranes
- Industrial engineers sourcing automation equipment
- National-level procurement teams scouting new manufacturing technology
Construction Materials
This subcategory includes building supplies, doors, windows, tiles, sanitaryware, and coatings. It’s a go-to for real estate developers, construction material importers, and architects involved in mid to large-scale projects.
Canton Fair Phase 2: Gifts and Premiums, Consumer Goods, and Home Products
Phase 2 is widely regarded as the most buyer-friendly phase — it features a broad spectrum of finished consumer products, ideal for retail and promotional markets. The exhibitors here are more focused on flexible order volumes, custom printing, packaging solutions, and trend-forward designs.
Consumer Goods and Home Décor
This section includes daily-use household items such as storage containers, cleaning tools, kitchen utensils, decorative items, and small furniture. Most products here are already retail-ready and customizable with logos or branding.
Buyers who benefit most:
- Supermarket chains sourcing own-brand home products
- Amazon FBA businesses developing seasonal product bundles
- Lifestyle brands looking for new design ideas
Home Products
Focused on comfort and convenience, this area includes bedding, lighting, furniture, rugs, and other home accessories. With global demand rising for functional yet aesthetic living spaces, this section offers products that blend utility with design.
Gifts and Premium
One of the most vibrant and creative areas of Phase 2, the gifts section is filled with promotional products, novelty items, event merchandise, and custom-printed reusable bags.
Trends for 2025:
- Sustainable packaging for corporate gifting
- RPET and cotton shopping bags for promotional events
- Seasonal gift bundles with localized design themes
Canton Fair Phase 3: Textiles, Apparel, Office Supplies, and Wellness Products
Phase 3 turns the spotlight on soft goods, personal-use products, and lifestyle categories. It is the top choice for businesses involved in fashion retail, beauty, stationery, and personal care.
Apparel and Accessories
This massive section covers everything from mass-market fashion to niche apparel like sportswear, children’s clothing, lingerie, and accessories. Many suppliers offer OEM and ODM services, catering to buyers looking to create custom lines.
Buyers often include:
- Boutique fashion brands developing private labels
- Chain retailers sourcing seasonal apparel lines
- B2B clothing wholesalers looking for mid-volume production partners
Office Supplies and Stationery
Perfect for back-to-school, corporate gifting, and distribution. Products include notebooks, pens, organizers, file folders, and craft supplies.
New additions in recent years:
- Eco-friendly paper-based alternatives
- Custom packaging and branded stationery kits
Healthcare and Wellness Products
This fast-growing section includes personal hygiene products, cosmetics, fitness gear, massage tools, supplements, and medical consumables. Especially post-pandemic, global buyers are looking for reliable suppliers in this field.
How Can You Get the Most Out of Each Phase?
Each phase of the Canton Fair is distinct in focus, product categories, and supplier types — which is why preparation is key. Before you attend, take time to understand what each phase offers, and align it with your sourcing needs.
If you’re new to the Canton Fair or want a more complete understanding of the event’s structure, buyer advantages, and how to attend, be sure to read our Complete Guide for Canton Fair.
Here are a few key strategies to make your Canton Fair visit productive:
- Do pre-show research: Review product categories by phase and prioritize which booths to visit.
- Use the official app: It includes hall maps, exhibitor lists, and route planning tools to save time.
- Book appointments in advance: Many top suppliers schedule private meetings with key buyers.
- Bring printed materials: Product specs, previous order photos, or packaging samples help suppliers quote accurately.
- Follow up quickly post-fair: The best suppliers often receive hundreds of leads. Early follow-up secures priority.
How to Choose Which Phase to Attend
The most efficient approach is to attend only the phase(s) that match your product sourcing categories. This saves both time and travel costs.
| Business Type | Recommended Phase |
| Industrial procurement (tools, machinery) | Phase 1 |
| Retail/e-commerce (home goods, gifts) | Phase 2 |
| Fashion and beauty importers | Phase 3 |
| Promotional products & packaging buyers | Phase 2 |
| Office & educational supply distributors | Phase 3 |
If you’re sourcing custom-printed gift bags, reusable shopping totes, or eco-packaging solutions, Phase 2 is by far the most relevant.
Gifts & Premium Products at the Canton Fair: What to Look for in 2025
The gifts and premiums section at the Canton Fair, mainly featured in Phase 2, is one of the most dynamic and diverse areas of the exhibition. It caters to businesses from sectors such as corporate marketing, retail, tourism, hospitality, education, and events — all of which need custom-branded, high-utility products to promote their identity and engage their audience.
Industry Trends to Watch
1. Sustainability as a Selling Point
With increasing environmental awareness, buyers are shifting toward eco-friendly gift options. Products made from recycled, biodegradable, or natural materials are becoming mainstream.
2. Functional Design Meets Branding
Gifts are no longer just decorative. Buyers are prioritizing useful and brandable products— such as tech gadgets, reusable bags, drinkware, and travel gear.
3. Customization & Low MOQs
Suppliers offering flexible customization (logos, colors, packaging) and low minimum order quantities are in high demand, especially for startups and SME buyers.
4. Hybrid Lifestyle Products
With remote work, travel, and wellness merging into daily life, multi-purpose gifts — such as foldable shopping bags, insulated drinkware, or work-from-home accessories — are trending.
Popular Product Categories
- Promotional tote bags and drawstring pouches
- USB drives, wireless chargers, power banks
- Notebooks, pens, office organizers
- Insulated drink bottles and mugs
- Keychains, lanyards, and pins
- Wellness kits (sleep masks, sanitizer packs)
- Travel accessories and tech sleeves
- Customized packaging and gift boxes
These products are commonly used as giveaways at trade shows, customer appreciation gifts, new product launches, or seasonal brand campaigns.
Meeting You at the 138th Canton Fair, Phase 2
Gentle Packing will be exhibiting at Phase 2 of the 138th Canton Fair, presenting our newest line of custom gift packaging solutions. We help brands around the world elevate their packaging and promotional strategies with:
- RPET shopping bags made from recycled plastic bottles
- Laminated PP woven totes ideal for bold printing
- Canvas and cotton drawstring bags for gifting or retail
- Foldable shopping bags for events and giveaways
- Custom-branded gift bags and pouches
Whether you’re sourcing for a corporate campaign, event activation, or sustainable retail launch, we help brands create high-impact packaging that aligns with both marketing goals and environmental values.
- Booth No. 18.2L31
- Gifts & Premium Packaging Hall
- Phase 2 | October 23–27, 2025