The 135th edition of the Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair), held from April 15 to May 5, 2024 in Guangzhou, was one of the busiest in recent years. With more than 28,500 exhibitors and a record exhibition area of 1.55 million square metres, the fair reflected the innovation capacity of Chinese industry at a moment of global transformation.
Key trends: energy and sustainability
The renewable energy sector dominated the first phase of the fair. Latest-generation solar panels with efficiencies above 22%, residential energy storage systems and LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries with life cycles exceeding 6,000 charges took centre stage. We also saw a proliferation of household products manufactured with recycled materials and verifiable environmental certifications, reflecting pressure from European and North American markets for sustainable supply chains.
Consumer electronics and smart home
Smart home IoT devices have become highly sophisticated. We saw smart locks with facial recognition, AI-driven HVAC systems that learn usage patterns, and connected kitchen appliances. A notable data point: prices for these products have dropped between 15% and 25% compared to the previous edition, making them very competitive for European and Latin American importers.
What our clients were looking for
Our team accompanied several clients during the fair across multiple sectors. In each case we identified several potential suppliers that, after the fair, move on to verification and sampling.
Tips for the next edition
If you plan to attend the October Canton Fair (phase 136), we recommend registering at least one month in advance on the official portal and booking a hotel in the Pazhou district. Our trade fair accompaniment service includes a professional interpreter, transport logistics, a pre-arranged agenda of meetings with selected exhibitors and post-fair follow-up. More information here.