THE 139th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, better known as the Canton Fair, opened Wednesday in Guangzhou, hosting a record number of over 32,000 participating enterprises. The event offers a glimpse into new dynamics of the country’s trade landscape in the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).

First held in 1957, the Canton Fair takes place twice a year in Guangzhou. It is the longest-running comprehensive international trade event in China and has long been seen as a barometer of the country’s foreign trade.

As of April 9, 290 leading purchasing enterprises had confirmed their attendance in the latest edition, marking a 30% year-on-year increase.

Zhu Yong, head of the China Foreign Trade Center, said the new buyers come mainly from Belt and Road partner countries, with notable growth from Latin America and Africa.

The number of exhibition zones has risen to 179, including nine new sections covering smart wearables, display technologies, consumer drones, modular houses and garden facilities, according to the organizers.

Drone zone debuts

The fair’s first phase includes five major sections — electronics and appliances, industrial manufacturing, lighting and electrical, hardware tools, and vehicles and two-wheelers — spread across 19 exhibition zones.

A dedicated zone for agricultural and consumer-grade drones has been established at the Canton Fair for the first time, showcasing achievements in the country’s low-altitude industry.

The drone zone, scheduled for the fair’s first phase, highlights diverse drone applications, from entertainment to smart agriculture, according to the organizers.

Technological breakthroughs in consumer-grade and smart agricultural drones are being displayed, including advancements in flight control systems, communication and navigation, AI obstacle avoidance, and new energy propulsion.

Flight platforms designed for logistics and delivery are also being highlighted, alongside real-time kinematic navigation, tethered hovering, and intelligent spraying for high-precision operations.

Application scenarios for China’s consumer-grade drones have expanded in recent years to cover cultural and tourism displays, passenger experiences, aerial photography, lighting, broadcasting, communication relays, transportation and firefighting.

At the drone zone, a variety of Chinese companies are demonstrating their technologies and products, showcasing the rapid development of the country’s low-altitude industry.

Guangdong Yufei Aviation is showcasing its ultra-lightweight, foldable, single-passenger eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft at the exhibition, which boasts a maximum payload of 110 kilograms and a top flight speed of 72 kilometers per hour, with impressive power endurance capabilities.

Guangzhou Chengzhi Intelligent Machinery Technology Co is exhibiting its firefighting drones during the exhibition. They are designed to respond quickly to forest and high-rise building fires and extinguish them with water, effectively controlling the spread of the fire and saving time for internal firefighting efforts.

The company’s emergency drones are also being featured, capable of providing long-duration, wide-area applications such as lighting, broadcasting and video surveillance, even in harsh operating environments.

The zone for agricultural and consumer-grade drones is one of the nine new dedicated exhibition zones during the fair. It also covers smart wearables, display technologies, modular housing and garden solutions, consumer electronics, new materials and industrial automation, according to the organizers.

Zhejiang RongQe Technology Co. Ltd. brought heavy-lift and multi-rotor drones suitable for agricultural spraying, logistics delivery, urban management and emergency rescue.

Liu Junjie, vice president of the company, said it expects to find more clients beyond its traditional export markets of Europe and West Asia.

“Chinese drone manufacturers stand out globally thanks to the most complete supply chain, relatively low costs and high quality,” said Liu, adding that when customers need customized solutions for specific industries, Chinese manufacturers are a compelling choice.

A window into trade dynamics

Last year, the 138th edition of the fair recorded on-site intended export deals worth a total of US$25.65 billion.

Since the start of this year, foreign trade companies have actively expanded markets, showing strong resilience and vitality. According to the General Administration of Customs, China’s foreign trade in goods surged 15% year on year to 11.84 trillion yuan (US$1.73 trillion) in the first quarter of 2026.

The 15th Five-Year Plan calls for strengthening the functions of trade promotion platforms and continuing to host major events such as the China International Import Expo, the Canton Fair and the China International Fair for Trade in Services.

Pierre Petitdemange, a sourcing director from the French retail group Auchan Retail, first attended the Canton Fair in 2019.

“The moment I stepped into the exhibition hall, I was amazed by the dazzling array of products — from exquisite home goods to smart appliances, from playful toys to practical personal care accessories ...” Petitdemange recalled. “Each item told a story of the upgrading of ‘Made in China’.”

He also noted that Auchan’s annual non-food procurement volume in China has exceeded 300 million euros (US$354 million).

“Every visit to the Canton Fair has brought new surprises. It’s not just a trading platform. It’s a source of inspiration,” he said.

Wang Zhihua, an official with the Ministry of Commerce, said nearly 20% of the over 32,000 enterprises at this year’s Canton Fair have made outbound investments, creating over 200,000 local jobs and contributing positively to local economic and social development. (Xinhua)

A guide to Canton Fair 2026

● Increased focus on smart technologies, new energy vehicles, and sustainable products across all phases.

● Enhanced digital platforms for virtual participation and business matchmaking.

Event details

The 139th Canton Fair will be held in three phases:

Phase 1: April 15-19

Phase 2: April 23-27

Phase 3: May 1-5

Venue: Canton Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China

Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, including weekends

Exhibitor list

Each phase of the Canton Fair focuses on specific product categories. To find the Canton Fair exhibitor list, scan the QR code to visit the official website.