China’s Canton Fair Draws More Global Buyers Despite U.S. Trade Strain
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Held from Oct. 15 to 19 in Guangzhou, the first phase of the 138th Canton Fair drew 157,900 buyers from 222 countries and regions
The 138th Canton Fair, a closely watched gauge of China’s foreign trade health, attracted nearly 158,000 overseas visitors during its first phase, marking a 6.3% increase from the spring session — even as fresh trade friction with the U.S. looms.
Held from Oct. 15 to 19 in Guangzhou, the event drew 157,900 buyers from 222 countries and regions, according to official figures released Sunday. Pre-registrations had already surged 14.1% year-on-year to 207,000, with notable increases from the European Union, the U.S., and nations along the Belt and Road, an official said earlier this month.
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- The 138th Canton Fair’s first phase saw 157,900 overseas buyers, up 6.3% from spring, signaling rising trade with regions outside the U.S.
- Despite a 26.9% fall in exports to the U.S., China’s total exports grew 8.4% in September 2025, with major gains to Africa (56.6%), Latin America (15.3%), and the EU (14.2%).
- Chinese investment and export focus are shifting toward Belt and Road, Africa, and Latin America, especially in mechanical and electrical goods.
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Who’s Who
- Foshan Suoer Electronic Industry Co. Ltd.
- Foshan Suoer Electronic Industry Co. Ltd. manufactures inverters and car audio gear. The company has shifted its focus away from the U.S. and Europe, prioritizing Belt and Road markets, particularly Africa, since early 2025. They anticipate significant growth in orders from European and South American buyers, despite declining U.S. client presence.
- Zheshang Securities Co. Ltd.
- Zheshang Securities Co. Ltd. published a report on October 13, 2025. This report highlighted that the shift of Chinese companies toward non-U.S. markets is due to ongoing trade friction and their expanding manufacturing presence in emerging economies, especially in Africa. The report also indicated a significant increase in Chinese direct investment and new construction contracts in Belt and Road countries during the first eight months of 2025.
- Maersk
- Maersk, a shipping giant, noted that Chinese exports constituted 38% of Latin America's total imports in the first half of 2025. This represents an 11-point increase from the previous year. The growth was primarily driven by shipments of mining, chemical, and technology equipment from China.
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What Happened When
- Early 2025：
- Foshan Suoer Electronic Industry Co. Ltd. began a major push into African markets.
- First half of 2025：
- Chinese exports accounted for 38% of Latin America’s total imports, up 11 points from a year earlier.
- April 2025：
- U.S.-China trade war escalated, as referenced by exhibitors noticing a shift in their overseas orders.
- January - August 2025：
- Chinese firms signed new construction contracts worth 1.1 trillion yuan in Belt and Road countries, up 20.4%.
- January - August 2025：
- Shipments of mechanical and electrical goods from China to Africa jumped 74.3% year-on-year.
- First eight months of 2025：
- Chinese direct investment in Belt and Road countries surged 26.9% year-on-year.
- First nine months of 2025：
- China's total goods exports rose 7.1% to 20 trillion yuan; exports of mechanical and electrical products rose 9.6% to 12.1 trillion yuan.
- September 2025：
- China’s exports rose 8.4% year-on-year to 2.3 trillion yuan, with significant increases to Africa, Latin America, and the EU.
- Earlier in October 2025：
- An official stated that pre-registrations for the Canton Fair had surged 14.1% year-on-year to 207,000.
- Oct. 13, 2025：
- Zheshang Securities Co. Ltd. released a report attributing export shifts to non-U.S. markets.
- Oct. 15, 2025 to Oct. 19, 2025：
- The 138th Canton Fair was held in Guangzhou.
- Sunday, Oct. 20, 2025：
- Official figures for attendance at the 138th Canton Fair were released.
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