As the dust settles on the historic 139th Canton Fair, all eyes are turning to Guangzhou, where the 140th session of the world's premier trade event is set to commence on October 15, 2026. This landmark edition promises to be more than just a trade show, it represents a new chapter, building on the momentum of its predecessor and navigating a complex global landscape.

A Fourth Era for the Fair

Over nearly seven decades, the Canton Fair has evolved through four distinct phases. The first, from its 1957 inception, was the historical phase, establishing it as China's vital window to the world. The second, the opening and reform phase beginning in the late 1970s, saw it transform into a truly global marketplace for Chinese manufacturing. The third, the post-WTO phase following China's 2001 accession, pushed it to its position as the world's largest trade event.

Now the fair has decisively entered its fourth phase, defined by pandemic recovery and a prolonged period of trade tension. The blockbuster 139th session, held this past spring, showed this new phase to be one of resilience, innovation and strategic realignment.

The 139th Session: A Resounding Success

The 139th Canton Fair, which closed on May 5, drew a record 314,000 overseas buyers from 220 countries and regions, a 1.1 percent increase on the previous session. That attendance was as much a signal of global demand for "Made in China" sourcing as it was a milestone in its own right.

Key Highlights of the 139th Fair

• A focus on the new: with over 4.65 million exhibits on display, products featuring new, green and smart elements each accounted for more than 20 percent of the total, alongside over 600 new product launch events.
• Technology takes the stage: autonomous robots, smart wearables and humanoid robots drew large crowds, while AI-driven scenarios such as drone flight demonstrations and robot inspections signalled a shift toward intelligent manufacturing.
• Global buyers, new markets: 407 leading sourcing enterprises and 154 overseas business institutions attended. Buyers from the US, Australia and Canada grew notably, while participation from Belt and Road partner countries held steady.
• Business and confidence: the fair generated an on-site intended export turnover of USD 25.7 billion, restoring confidence after weeks of tariff-related anxiety.

The tone of the 139th session was one of optimism, particularly at its close. After weeks of anxiety over US tariffs, a phased trade agreement brought relief to exhibitors and buyers alike, restoring a sense of stability that longer-term planning depends on. That renewed hope provides the backdrop for the upcoming 140th fair.

Previewing the 140th Fair: Innovation, Expansion and a New Era

The 140th Canton Fair is set to build on this success, with a total exhibition area of 1.55 million square metres and 75,700 booths across 54 specialised zones, the largest footprint in the fair's history. It will again host around 30,000 exporting enterprises, including a strong contingent of brand-name exhibitors and national high-tech, specialised small and medium enterprises.

The fair's thematic structure has been sharpened to reflect the new realities of global trade.

Phase Themes for the 140th Session

The 140th fair marks a pivotal moment. It is no longer only a reflection of China's manufacturing capacity, it has become a dynamic platform for innovation and a key indicator of global trade trends. As the event continues to enhance its digital services for efficient sourcing, its 70th anniversary session is shaping up to be one of the more closely watched in its history.

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