137th Canton Fair Phase I Wraps with Record Breaking Turnout

By Billy Jiang, April 22, 2025

As talk of new tariffs dominates headlines and global supply chains brace for turbulence, you’d expect international trade to be on edge.

But walk through the sprawling halls of the 137th Canton Fair, and a different narrative unfolds.

The first phase, held from April 15–19 in Guangzhou, didn’t just beat expectations—it smashed records, sending a clear signal that global businesses still see 'Made in China' as a non-negotiable in their sourcing strategies.

And while policymakers debate trade policies, buyers and sellers are still showing up—in bigger numbers than ever.

A Strong Opening for the Spring Fair

This year’s Phase One focused on 'Advanced Manufacturing,' featuring cutting-edge innovations and high-tech goods.

Here’s what the numbers tell us:

52,000 square meters of exhibition space
25,064 booths representing
11,304 companies
Over 5,100 of these exhibitors are recognized as national-level high-tech enterprises, ‘little giants,' or manufacturing champions
Around 3,700 exhibitors focused on the 'new trio' (EVs, solar products, and lithium batteries), digital technology, and intelligent manufacturing

The newly launched Service Robots Zone at the 137th Canton Fair. Images by Gareth Cookson

Among the biggest hits? The newly launched Service Robots Zone, which drew wide international attention and proved that Chinese innovation isn’t just catching up—it’s leading the conversation.

Foreign Buyer Attendance Breaks Records

If the energy inside the exhibition center was any indication, trade optimism is still alive and well.

As of April 19, the fair welcomed 148,585 foreign buyers from 216 countries and regions—a 20.2% increase over the same phase of the 135th Canton Fair.

Here’s the breakdown:

From Belt and Road Initiative countries: 101,863 buyers, up 20.2%
From BRICS nations: 38,434 buyers, up 23.9%
From RCEP member countries: 29,530 buyers, up 4.1%
From Europe and North America: 23,731 buyers, up 6.8%

This is certainly a vote of confidence, but what does it all mean?

In the middle of tariff tension and global uncertainty, the Canton Fair is having a moment—with its focus on innovation, support for SMEs, and commitment to global partnerships, China’s largest trade fair continues to adapt, evolve, and deliver.

As the remaining phases of the fair unfold over the coming weeks, one question lingers:
Can business outpace politics?

Stay tuned as we continue to cover the 137th Canton Fair, and don’t forget to follow our WeChat official account ThatsGBA for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and trade insights from South China.

[Cover image by Billy Jiang/That's]