China fair showcases tech innovation

The 138th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou debuted about 794,000 innovative products and drew buyers from more than 200 markets, with organizers reporting over 32,000 exhibitors and roughly 240,000 pre-registered buyers. Divided into three five-day phases, the fair’s first phase concentrated on advanced manufacturing, including electronic appliances and industrial equipment, while dedicated zones showcased service robots, smart medical devices and consumer electronics.

The service-robot section featured robotic arms, humanoid robots and robot dogs performing tasks from precise assembly to obstacle navigation; one exhibit demonstrated a flexible robotic arm threading a needle via a VR joystick, attracting heavy interest. Organizers highlighted a surge in high-tech participants: over 10,000 exhibiting firms hold national innovation credentials such as “high-tech enterprise” or “little giant” status. The smart medical area displayed surgical robots, intelligent monitoring systems and wearable diagnostic tools; elsewhere, robot-enabled consumer appliances and automated solutions targeted hospitality, retail and logistics applications.

Exhibitors and buyers said product diversity and rapid iteration cycles defined the edition. Overseas attendees noted stronger offerings in premium home appliances, coffee machines and climate-resilient air-conditioning systems, with several firms entering negotiations or signing cooperation intents on site. Organizers also reported increased buyer participation from the European Union, the United States and Belt and Road markets, along with deeper engagement from large global purchasing companies.

Sustainability and digital transformation were recurring themes: exhibitors presented energy-efficient products, circular-design packaging and IoT-enabled devices designed to integrate with e-commerce and after-sales platforms. Many suppliers emphasized cross-border trade facilitation, promoting integrated logistics, financing and export services to shorten time-to-market for foreign buyers.

The fair is expected to present 1.07 million products developed in the past year and 1.098 million products with independent Chinese intellectual property rights, according to organizers. Established in 1957 and held twice a year, the Canton Fair remains a major barometer of China’s foreign trade.

Overall, the 138th Canton Fair combined mass-market trade opportunities with a technology showcase, positioning the event as a platform for promoting China’s industrial upgrades and matching global buyers with thousands of newly introduced products.