The Ultimate Business Guide to the 138th Canton Fair: Sourcing Smarter in 2025

As the global trade landscape continues to evolve, one event remains a constant powerhouse for businesses worldwide: the China Import and Export Fair, universally known as the Canton Fair. The upcoming 138th Canton Fair in October 2025 is poised to be the most innovative and comprehensive yet. For importers, exporters, and sourcing professionals, this is not just a trade show; it's a strategic imperative.

This ultimate guide from LYXU will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a highly productive and successful trip to Guangzhou.

Why the Canton Fair is a Non-Negotiable in Your Sourcing Calendar

Before we dive into the specifics of the 138th edition, let's recap why this fair is unparalleled:

• Scale & Diversity: With over 32,000 exhibiting companies and 74,600+ booths across 1.55 million square meters, it offers an unmatched variety of products under one roof.

• Direct Manufacturer Access: Meet face-to-face with top Chinese manufacturers, including national-level "Little Giant" enterprises and Manufacturing Champions, cutting out intermediaries and negotiating better prices.

• Trendspotting: The fair is a crystal ball for global consumer and industrial trends. It's the premier venue to discover the latest innovations in smart technology, green energy, and home goods.

• Networking Hub: Connect with thousands of international buyers, industry experts, and potential partners from every corner of the globe.

138th Canton Fair at a Glance: Key Details

• Dates: October 15 - November 4, 2025

• Venue: China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou

• Theme: "New, Smart, and Green" – a focus on innovation, intelligent manufacturing, and sustainable development.

• Official Website: https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/

A Three-Phase Deep Dive: What to Source and When

Planning your visit around the phases is crucial for efficiency. The fair is strategically divided into three phases, each focusing on specific industries.

Phase 1: October 15 - 19, 2025 - "Advanced Manufacturing & Electronics"
This phase is for those in heavy industries, tech, and automotive. Key categories include:

• Electronics & Household Electrical Appliances

• Industrial Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing

• Machinery & Hardware & Tools

• New Energy & Energy Storage – A massively growing section.

• Service Robotics & AI – Featuring humanoid robots and smart solutions.

• Vehicles & Spare Parts, including New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).

Phase 2: October 23 - 27, 2025 - "Quality Home & Lifestyle"
This is the phase for consumer goods, home decor, and gift retailers.

• Consumer Goods, Gifts & Home Decorations

• Kitchenware & Tableware

• Building & Construction Materials

• Home Furniture & Outdoor Living Products

• Ceramics & Sanitary Ware

Phase 3: October 31 - November 4, 2025 - "Fashion, Textiles & Better Living"
Focusing on textiles, fashion, and health, this phase caters to a different set of industries.

• Textiles & Garments, Men's & Women's Wear

• Home Textiles, Carpets & Rugs

• Medicines, Health Products & Medical Devices

• Smart Healthcare Zone – A new highlight featuring surgical robots and fitness tech.

• Sports, Travel & Leisure Products

• Foodstuffs & Toys, Maternity & Infant Products

Top 5 Highlights You Can't Miss at the 138th Edition

1. The "Smart & Green" Core: Look for the "Green Low-Carbon" labels on exhibitor booths. Over 1 million green and low-carbon products and 350,000 smart products will be on display, reflecting China's shift towards high-value, sustainable manufacturing.

2. New Product Launches: Attend over 600 new product launch events scattered throughout the complex. This is where companies debut their flagship products for the coming year.

3. Enhanced Digital Experience: The fair's app and digital platforms are more robust than ever. Use features like indoor Bluetooth/Beidou navigation to find exact booths and schedule meetings in advance.

4. Focus on High-Quality Suppliers: The fair actively curates top-tier suppliers. Seek out exhibitors with badges like "National High-tech Enterprise" and "Specialized, Refined, Peculiar, and New SME" – these represent the best in innovation and quality.

5. Improved Buyer Convenience: From in-venue tax refund services to the ability to use foreign bank cards for the Guangzhou metro, the fair is making it increasingly easier for international visitors to navigate and enjoy their stay.

LYXU's Pro-Tips for a Successful Canton Fair 2025

• Pre-Fair Prep is Key:

  • Register Online Early: Avoid long queues by pre-registering on the official website and getting your digital buyer's card.

  • Plan Your Attack: Use the online exhibitor directory to mark must-visit suppliers and map your route. Schedule appointments if possible.

  • Prepare Your Documents: Bring plenty of business cards, product catalogs, and even sample import documents.

• On the Ground in Guangzhou:

  • Wear Comfortable Shoes: This cannot be overstated. You will be walking for miles each day.

  • Engage Deeply: Don't just collect catalogs. Ask critical questions about MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity), pricing tiers, lead times, and OEM/ODM capabilities.

  • Network Actively: Some of the best opportunities come from conversations in lounges or during coffee breaks.

Conclusion: Your Next Sourcing Advantage Awaits

The 138th Canton Fair is more than just a sourcing trip; it's an investment in your business's future. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen your supply chain, discover profitable new products, and gain a competitive edge in your market.

Feeling overwhelmed? Let LYXU be your guide. We specialize in connecting global buyers with trusted suppliers and can help you navigate the vastness of the Canton Fair. Contact us today for a pre-fair consultation and a personalized supplier shortlist!

Tags: #CantonFair #138thCantonFair #GlobalSourcing #ChinaManufacturing #B2B #ImportExport #Guangzhou #TradeShow #SmartManufacturing #GreenEnergy #SupplierDiscovery #LYXU