If you want to start importing from China or grow your existing product range, there is one event that should be at the top of your list: the Canton Fair in Guangzhou. Officially called the China Import and Export Fair, this biannual event is the largest trade exhibition in the world. Each session attracts more than 25,000 exhibitors and hundreds of thousands of buyers from across the globe.
If you want to start importing from China or grow your existing product range, there is one event that should be at the top of your list: the Canton Fair in Guangzhou.
Officially called the China Import and Export Fair, this biannual event is the largest trade exhibition in the world. Each session attracts more than 25,000 exhibitors and hundreds of thousands of buyers from across the globe. Since its establishment in 1957, the fair has become a cornerstone of international trade, serving as a bridge between China’s manufacturers and global businesses.
For Australian retailers, wholesalers, procurement managers and e-commerce entrepreneurs, attending the Canton Fair offers unparalleled access to suppliers, innovations and competitive deals. More importantly, it provides the human connections and trust that are hard to establish through online platforms alone.
Learn more about the Canton Fair here.
The official Canton Fair website describes it as the world’s most comprehensive trade exhibition. Held twice a year, every spring (April) and autumn (October/November) in Guangzhou, it spans over 1.18 million square metres and covers almost every product category imaginable.
The fair operates across three distinct phases, each focusing on different industries:
This phased structure allows buyers to target their industry with precision while also exploring emerging product categories. For example, a retailer sourcing home furniture may attend Phase 1 but also find inspiration in the décor and lifestyle sections of Phase 2.
The Canton Fair delivers value across industries and business models. Whether you are established or just starting, you will benefit if you:
Even businesses outside traditional retail can benefit. Hospitality companies sourcing furniture for hotels or construction firms requiring building materials will find a wide range of options in Guangzhou.
Recent developments mean you can attend in person or virtually, with the help of a sourcing agent that has an experienced team on the ground.
The Canton Fair covers almost every consumer and industrial category imaginable. If a product is made in China, you will find it here.
Examples include:
For instance, Australian furniture retailers attending Phase 1 can not only connect with Chinese furniture manufacturers but also discover eco-friendly materials that appeal to sustainability-conscious customers.
Unlike online marketplaces, where supplier verification can be challenging, Canton Fair exhibitors undergo a rigorous qualification process. This reduces the risks of scams or unreliable manufacturers.
Face-to-face meetings matter in Chinese business culture. At the fair, you can evaluate professionalism, discuss customisation needs and start building long-term partnerships.
Thousands of suppliers compete under one roof, which creates natural pressure to offer attractive deals. Direct negotiation often yields better terms than online communication.
The fair acts as a live showcase of what is next in global trade. You will discover new materials, innovative technologies and design innovations before they hit broader markets.
Instead of travelling across China to visit factories, you can meet hundreds of potential suppliers in just a few days. This efficiency saves both time and travel expenses.
Can’t make it in person? Send a representative and see things through their eyes.
If you do plan to attend, these tips will help you get the most out of the experience:
Attending the Canton Fair independently is possible, but navigating thousands of booths, language barriers and cultural nuances can be overwhelming.
That is where a professional sourcing partner like Epic Sourcing makes the difference:
At Epic Sourcing, we combine local Australian market knowledge with deep, on-the-ground experience in China and Vietnam.
We offer:
✓ A dedicated Australian-based team that understands your business context
✓ Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
✓ Established supplier networks across multiple industries
✓ Full supply chain solutions from sourcing to delivery
✓ Rigorous quality assurance with factory visits and inspections
Whether you are a first-time importer or an established retailer, our goal is to help you make confident and profitable sourcing decisions.
The Canton Fair in Guangzhou is more than just a trade show; it is a significant event. It is a gateway to the world’s most dynamic manufacturing ecosystem. By attending, you can:
Success at the Canton Fair requires preparation, cultural awareness and timely follow-up. With Epic Sourcing as your partner, you gain the expertise, support and local knowledge needed to turn your visit into lasting business success.
Ready to future-proof your supply chain? Contact Epic Sourcing today to start planning your Canton Fair strategy.
