Canton Fair 2021 – Autumn Edition

Well-known among importers of Chinese products, Canton Fair is coming back in its 130th edition. In 2020 the coronavirus epidemic forced organizers to launch an online version of the event. As a result, the fair, which previously hosted around 200,000 visitors in Guangzhou, was held online three times. The upcoming edition of this famous event will take place both online and offline for the first time. What the Canton Fair 2021 – Autumn Edition will look like?

Canton Fair

Canton Fair, or China Import and Export Fair, is organized by China Foreign Trade Centre. It takes place two times a year, in two editions – spring and autumn. It’s visited by up to 200,000 people from all around the world. There they have an opportunity to get familiar with the wide offer from Chinese suppliers on the spot. During Canton Fair, not only the biggest Chinese exporters present their goods but also international companies.

The traditional version of Canton Fair is divided into three parts, and each one covers different industries.

Canton Fair Online

Three editions of the fair, which was organized online, completely changed their form. Organizers had to adjust to restrictions related to the pandemic and cope with an enormous challenge to enable attending the fair.

The event held on the internet wasn’t divided into three parts. Thanks to that, importers had access to offers from various industries throughout its duration. Innovative solutions allow for easy contact with the sellers, arranging conversations, and online negotiation meetings. Participants of the online fair could also take part in live presentations held in different languages and VR exhibitions.

Canton Fair let international entrepreneurs attend such a significant event without planning a trip to China. The first Canton Fair Online edition’s success resulted in the next two also being held online.

Canton Fair 2021 – Autumn Edition Online & Offline

In 2021, the spring edition of the Canton Fair took place online. When it comes to the upcoming autumn edition, the event’s organizers can finally organize it in the offline version in China. However, this year they’ve decided to merge both forms – online and offline. What this autumn’s Canton Fair is going to look like?

The event held in Guangzhou will keep its previous traditional structure. It will begin on October 15th and end on November 3rd and will be divided into three parts as before. The first one will contain mainly electronics, lighting, and machinery, the second – consumer goods, decorations, and gifts, and the third – textiles, footwear, office supplies, and all kinds of medical equipment. Each phase will last four days.

The fair will occupy an area of 1.185 million m2 and approximately 60,000 stands. During all the phases, the participants will be able to get familiar with products from 16 different categories and 51 sections. Moreover, in the scope of the Canton Fair, an exhibition, “Special Products for Rural Revitalization,” will also be held. It’ll take place in both online and offline versions.

Attention! Because of the epidemical situation, trips to China are still restricted. Those authorized to arrive are obliged to undergo 14 or even 21-day quarantine. Furthermore, traveling around the country and receiving foreigners in hotels are also limited. As a result, although the autumn edition of the Canton Fair will be held in China, it won’t be accessible to international visitors. Entry for the offline event is possible only for those who’re currently in China.

Is Canton Fair worth attending?

Canton Fair is an excellent occasion for international importers to get acquainted with Chinese exporters’ vast offer of goods. The main advantage of such events is the possibility to see and check the quality of products on the spot and face-to-face contact with sellers. This way, you can talk to a supplier and negotiate the price. Therefore, we encourage you to attend Canton Fair and check what local suppliers have to offer. Even if you’re unable to visit the fair, fortunately, you can still meet trade partners online.

Remember to always verify your Chinese partner before importing their goods!

Check out our guide for Canton Fair!