Everything Australian buyers need to know about Canton Fair 2026. Includes dates for Phase 1, 2 and 3, registration tips, accommodation advice, supplier evaluation strategies, and how to maximise your visit.
The Canton Fair — officially the China Import and Export Fair — is the world's largest trade fair, held twice a year in Guangzhou, China. For Australian importers and e-commerce entrepreneurs, the Canton Fair is one of the best opportunities to meet verified Chinese manufacturers in person, compare products, negotiate pricing, and discover new categories.
The Canton Fair runs in two phases each year. Phase 1 (April–May 2026) typically covers electronics, machinery, hardware, and construction materials. Phase 2 covers consumer goods, gifts, home products, and toys. Phase 3 covers textiles, garments, footwear, and office supplies. Exact dates are confirmed by the Canton Fair organisers each season at cantonfair.org.cn.
The Canton Fair is ideal for Australian buyers who want to see products in person before ordering, who are looking for new suppliers across multiple categories, who want to compare factory pricing and MOQs in one location, or who are considering expanding their product range. It's also a great place to reconnect with existing Chinese suppliers.
International buyers can register online at cantonfair.org.cn. Registration is free for verified buyers. You'll need to provide business details and may be required to show proof of a registered business. Your badge allows access to the exhibition halls across all three phases.
Plan your visit around the Phase most relevant to your product categories. Arrive early in the week to avoid the busiest days. Bring business cards and a product brief. Don't commit to orders on the floor — take samples and quotations back to evaluate. Use a sourcing agent to pre-vet exhibitors before your visit and to provide translation support during negotiations.
The Canton Fair is ideal for discovery and comparison, but year-round factory visits allow deeper relationships and greater visibility into production capabilities. The best approach combines both — using the Fair to identify candidates, then following up with factory visits to vet the shortlist.
Planning to attend the Canton Fair with expert support? Epic's Canton Fair tours include guided sourcing days with our China-based team, factory pre-vetting, and negotiation support. We also offer year-round China factory sourcing tours outside of Canton Fair season.
