China Canton Fair (Import & Export Fair) – Complete Guide with Phases, Dates & Categories
The China Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, is one of the largest trade exhibitions in the world. Held in Guangzhou, China, it connects global buyers with Chinese manufacturers across thousands of product categories.
The fair is organized into two sessions every year (Spring and Autumn) and each session is divided into three phases, making it easier for buyers to source products based on industry type.
Canton Fair Schedule
🌸 Spring Session
- Phase 1: April 15 – April 19
- Phase 2: April 23 – April 27
- Phase 3: May 1 – May 5
🍂 Autumn Session
- Phase 1: October 15 – October 19
- Phase 2: October 23 – October 27
- Phase 3: October 31 – November 4
Phase 1 – Industrial & High-Tech Products
Phase 1 focuses on heavy industry, electronics, and advanced technology products.
Main Categories:
- Electronics & Home Appliances
- Machinery & Industrial Equipment
- New Energy Products & Vehicles
- Lighting Products
- Electrical Products
- Hardware & Tools
- Construction Materials
- Automotive Parts & Vehicles
Best for: Importers in engineering, electronics, industrial supply, and machinery businesses.
Phase 2 – Consumer Goods & Lifestyle Products
Phase 2 covers home, decoration, gifts, and general consumer products.
Main Categories:
- Home Decorations & Furniture
- Kitchenware & Household Products
- Gifts & Premium Items
- Ceramics & Glassware
- Clocks & Watches
- Optical Products
- Toys & Festival Products
- Gardening & Outdoor Products
- Pet Products
Best for: Retailers, wholesalers, e-commerce sellers, and lifestyle product importers.
Phase 3 – Fashion, Health & Daily Use Products
Phase 3 is focused on fashion, textiles, and health-related products.
Main Categories:
- Clothing (Men, Women, Children)
- Shoes & Bags
- Textile Materials & Fabrics
- Home Textiles & Carpets
- Office Supplies
- Sports & Leisure Products
- Food Products
- Medicines & Health Products
- Medical Devices
Best for: Fashion brands, textile importers, health product distributors, and retail traders.
Why the Canton Fair is Important
- One of the largest trade fairs in the world
- More than 25,000+ exhibitors
- Thousands of product categories under one roof
- Direct sourcing from manufacturers
- Ideal for global import/export business growth
- Held twice a year (Spring & Autumn sessions)
Conclusion
The Canton Fair is divided into three structured phases to help international buyers source products more efficiently:
- Phase 1: Industrial & Technology Products
- Phase 2: Consumer Goods & Home Products
- Phase 3: Fashion, Textiles & Health Products