138th Canton Fair Closes with Record Highs: USD 25.65 Billion in Intentional Export Deals, Over 60% with Belt and Road Partners

Title: 138th Canton Fair Closes with Record Highs: USD 25.65 Billion in Intentional Export Deals, Over 60% with Belt and Road Partners

GUANGZHOU, China – Nov. 5, 2025 – The 138th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) concluded on November 4 in Guangzhou, achieving groundbreaking milestones that underscore its pivotal role in global trade. The event attracted over 310,000 overseas buyers from 223 countries and regions, a 7.5% increase from the previous session, setting a new attendance record. Intentional export deals reached USD 25.65 billion, with more than 60% of transactions coming from Belt and Road partner countries.

Key Highlights of the Fair

1.Record-Breaking Global Participation

***Overseas buyer attendance surged to 310,000+, with significant growth from the EU (+32.7%), the Middle East (+13.9%), the U.S. (+14%), and Brazil (+33.2%).

***158 industrial and commercial delegations and 406 top multinationals—including Target (U.S.), Carrefour (France), and Nitori (Japan)—participated, highlighting global confidence in Chinese supply chains.

2.Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Drives Growth

***BRI partner countries contributed 69% of overseas buyers (214,000 attendees, up 9.4%).

***Transactions with BRI nations exceeded 60% of total intentional export value, reinforcing deepening South-South trade ties.

3.Innovation and Green Transition Take Center Stage

***Among 4.6 million exhibited products, 23.3% were new releases, 23.5% were green products, and 23.9% featured independent intellectual property.

***Cutting-edge technologies like embodied robots, brain-computer interface devices, bio-based materials, and AI-powered rehabilitation equipment drew widespread attention.

4.Digital and Service Upgrades Enhance Experience

***The fair introduced QR-code credentials enabling 30-second registration (6x faster than before) and booth-level navigation via Bluetooth-5G-Beidou integration.

***AI-guided tours, smart wayfinding, and the Canton Fair app served 477,000 users, streamlining matchmaking and deal closures.

Quotes from Stakeholders

1.Ms. Li, a Chinese Exhibitor: "The fair’s focus on innovation and sustainability helped us secure long-term partners from Latin America and Southeast Asia. Buyers now value our eco-friendly designs as much as pricing."

2.Mr. López, an Argentine Buyer: "For 16 years, I’ve attended the Canton Fair. It’s not just a sourcing hub—it’s a window into China’s evolving manufacturing prowess. This year, we’re closing deals on smart packaging machinery."

Economic and Strategic Implications

The record turnout and transaction value signal robust global demand for Chinese goods despite geopolitical headwinds. The BRI’s growing share in exports highlights China’s success in diversifying markets and fostering South-South cooperation. Meanwhile, the fair’s emphasis on digitalization (e.g., AI-assisted inspections) and green products aligns with China’s broader push for "high-quality development."

Looking Ahead

The 139th Canton Fair will be held from April 15 to May 5, 2026, in Guangzhou. Organizers plan to expand platforms for SMEs and digital trade, further bridging global businesses with China’s supply chain ecosystem.About the Canton Fair

Established in 1957, the Canton Fair is China’s longest-running and most comprehensive international trade event. It serves as a barometer of Chinese foreign trade and a gateway to global partnerships.