Sourcing glossary
Canton Fair
Also known as: China Import and Export Fair, 广交会
China's largest general trade fair, held every spring and autumn at the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou, where overseas buyers meet Chinese exporters across three product-based phases.
The Canton Fair has run since 1957 and is organized by the China Foreign Trade Centre. Each session is split into three phases of about five days, and each phase shows different product categories, from electronics and machinery to home goods, apparel and toys. The autumn 2026 (140th) session runs October 15–19, October 23–27 and October 31–November 4.
Overseas buyers pre-register online and collect a buyer badge in Guangzhou with their original passport. Exhibitors include both manufacturers and trading companies, so verify who you are dealing with before ordering.
See the full Canton Fair guide.
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Guides that use this term
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Fairs
Canton Fair Guide: Autumn 2026 Dates, Registration and Tips
The 140th Canton Fair runs in three phases from October 15 to November 4, 2026. What each phase covers, how the buyer badge works, and how to prepare and follow up.
Updated 2026-09-13 · 6 min read
Part of Trade Fairs & Trips.