Essential Tips for International Buyers at Canton Fair 2025

·April 23, 2025

·11 min read

Essential Tips for International Buyers at Canton Fair 2025

Canton Fair 2025 is not just any trade show. It’s a big chance to grow your business worldwide. The fair has 1.55 million square meters of space. There are 55 sections filled with suppliers from many countries. Since it started, it has helped export $1.5 trillion in goods. Millions of buyers from other countries have attended. You can find products, make partnerships, and grow your network. Want to get the best out of it? Let’s look at some useful tips to help you win.

Key Takeaways

Sign up early to get your buyer badge. This badge is needed to meet sellers and find opportunities.
Arrange your trip and place to stay early. Booking early saves money and helps you stay near the fair.
Download the Canton Fair App to move around easily. The app has maps, chat tools, and planners to help you.

Overview of Canton Fair 2025

Key Dates and Location

Canton Fair 2025 will happen at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, China. This huge place, on Yuejiangzhong Road, is built for one of the biggest trade fairs in the world. If you plan to go, save these dates:

Phase 1: April 15–19, 2025
Phase 2: April 23–27, 2025
Phase 3: May 1–5, 2025

There’s also a Fall Edition in October with similar dates. The fair runs daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. You’ll have lots of time to look around and meet exhibitors.

This event has been key to global trade since 1957. It has grown into a major meeting place for buyers and sellers worldwide. In 2021, over 200,000 visitors from 210+ countries attended. Its reputation as a top event keeps growing.

Phases and Product Categories

Canton Fair 2025 has three phases, each focusing on different products. This setup helps you find industries that match your needs. Here’s a simple guide:

Phase 1: Electronics, machines, vehicles, and building materials.
Phase 2: Home goods, decorations, gifts, and toys.
Phase 3: Clothes, fabrics, medical tools, and food items.

Each phase is full of chances to see new products and meet suppliers. For example, if you want home goods or gifts, Canton Fair Phase 2 is perfect for you.

In 2023, about 35,000 exhibitors joined, and nearly 660,000 visitors came. These numbers show how big and important this fair is. Whether you’re looking for products or new trade deals, this event offers great opportunities.

Preparation Tips for Canton Fair 2025

Registering and Securing Your Buyer Entry Badge

Getting a buyer badge is your first step to attend. Without it, you can’t enter the fair. Follow these steps to get yours:

Go to the Canton Fair website and find the "Buyer" section.
Choose "Overseas Buyer" and fill in your name, email, and company info.
Check your email for a link to verify your account. Click it.
Log in and apply for a badge by selecting "I don’t have a buyer badge." Fill out the form and submit it.
Once approved, your badge works for multiple sessions and lasts for years.

Tip: Start early to avoid delays. This badge is your key to meeting suppliers and exploring the fair.

Understanding Visa Requirements and Invitations

You’ll need a Chinese visa to attend the fair. It might seem hard, but planning helps. Here’s what to do:

Apply for a business visa (M visa), which is best for trade events.
Get an invitation letter from the Canton Fair website. This is needed for your visa.
Gather your passport, visa form, and the invitation letter.
Submit everything to the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.

Visa processing times vary, so don’t wait too long. If you’re unsure, ask your local Chinese embassy for help.

Booking Travel and Accommodation

Good travel plans make your trip easier. Use these tips to prepare:

Book early: Flights and hotels fill up fast during the fair. Early booking saves money and gives better choices.
Stay nearby: Pick a hotel close to the fair venue to save time.
Look for convenience: Choose hotels with shuttle buses to the fairgrounds.

Planning ahead gives you more time to meet suppliers and explore products.

Researching Exhibitors and Creating a Game Plan

The fair is huge, with many exhibitors and products. A good plan helps you make the most of it. Here’s how to prepare:

Research exhibitors online before you go. Find suppliers that match your needs.
Make a list of booths to visit based on your priorities.
Set aside time for networking and finding new opportunities.
Download apps like Alipay and WeChat for easy payments and chats.

A clear plan helps you stay organized and reach your business goals.

Packing Essentials for a Productive Visit

Packing smartly makes your trip easier. Use this checklist:

Item	Quantity	Purpose
Business cards	Many	To share with suppliers and contacts.
Comfortable shoes	1 pair	For walking around the large fair area.
Portable charger	1	To keep your phone charged all day.
Notebook and pen	1 each	For writing notes during meetings.
Translation app/device	1	To help with language differences.

Bring samples and business cards to show your brand. Packing well ensures you’re ready for anything at the fair.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Canton Fair 2025

Finding Your Way Around the Fairgrounds

The Canton Fair 2025 is huge, covering over 1.55 million square meters. To save time, learn how the fair is organized. It has three phases, each showing different product types. These phases are split into zones by industry, making it easier to find suppliers.

Grab a map at the entrance or use the Canton Fair App. The app has a digital map to locate booths, rest areas, and food spots. Focus on zones that match your business needs. For instance, if you need electronics, go to Phase 1 zones. Planning your route helps you save energy and see more.

Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes! You’ll walk a lot, and the fair is big.

Important Zones and Exhibitor Areas to Visit

With nearly 48,000 exhibitors and 3.75 million products, there’s so much to see. Some zones are popular with international buyers for their quality and creativity. Here’s a quick look at key stats to help you decide:

Metric	Number
Overseas buyers attending	20,000
Percentage of new buyers	40%
Total pre-registered overseas buyers	144,000
Increase in US buyers	21.4%
Increase in OECD countries	13%
Increase in Middle Eastern countries	24.7%
Increase in Belt and Road countries	45.9%
Increase in RCEP countries	15.5%
Confirmed exhibitors	288
Increase in exhibitors from last year	21.5%

Bar chart showing attendance and engagement metrics at Canton Fair 2025 across different zones

Visit zones with many exhibitors and visitors. These areas often have the best products and trusted suppliers. Whether you need electronics, home goods, or fabrics, these zones are worth your time.

Using the Canton Fair App to Make Things Easier

The Canton Fair App is super helpful for getting around. Over 87,000 buyers already use it, showing how useful it is. The app offers:

A digital map to find your way.
Messaging to talk with suppliers instantly.
Image search to match products quickly.
A planner to organize your day better.

With 13 categories and 55 sections, the app helps you find products faster. Download it before you go to save time and focus on meeting suppliers.

Tips for Negotiating and Talking with Suppliers

Negotiation is important at the Canton Fair. To do it well, prepare ahead. Research suppliers and learn about their products and prices. This helps you feel confident during talks.

When meeting suppliers, be polite but clear. Explain what you need and your budget. If language is a problem, use a translation app or bring someone who speaks both languages. Many suppliers are used to working with international buyers and will value your effort.

Quick Tip: Start with a friendly chat before talking business. It helps build trust for better deals.

The fair’s phases make it easy to find the right suppliers. With so many exhibitors, you can spot popular products and trusted manufacturers. Tools like the Canton Fair App also make sharing details faster.

Managing Your Time and Planning Meetings

Time is precious at such a big event. First, set clear goals. Are you looking for new products, meeting suppliers, or forming partnerships? Once you know, make a plan.

Schedule time for each zone and stick to it. Use the Canton Fair App to set reminders for meetings. If you have back-to-back appointments, plan your route to avoid wasting time walking. Leave some free time for surprises. You might find a product or supplier that’s perfect for your business.

Remember: Quality matters more than quantity. It’s better to have good talks with a few suppliers than rush through many booths.

Post-Fair Actions to Build Long-Term Success

Sorting Information and Contacts

After Canton Fair 2025, you’ll have many business cards and notes. Organizing them is key to keeping track of suppliers. Sort your contacts into three groups: top leads, possible partners, and general contacts. This helps you know who to contact first.

Follow-up Plan	Why It’s Important
Grouping Leads	Helps focus on the most important contacts first.
Custom Messages	Sends personal notes to top leads to build interest.
Staying in Touch	Use apps like WeChat to keep communication open and build trust.

Use a digital tool or app to save this information. Write down details about each supplier, like their products, prices, or special deals. This makes it easy to find what you need when following up.

Planning Follow-Ups with Suppliers

Following up quickly shows you’re serious about working together. Contact your best leads within a week after the fair. Share pictures or product details to explain your needs. A short call or video chat can also help clear up questions.

Send pictures to explain your needs better.
Use calls or video chats to answer questions.
Be clear about what you want to avoid confusion.
Talk to decision-makers for faster results.

Clear communication is very important. Suppliers like buyers who are direct and professional.

Checking Supplier Partnerships

Not all suppliers will fit your business. Take time to review them carefully. Look at their product quality, ability to meet your needs, and prices. Think about risks like late deliveries or price changes.

Quality: Check their certifications and how they ensure good quality.
Capacity: Make sure they can handle your order size.
Risks: Watch for problems like delays or market changes.
Costs: Compare their prices and financial stability.

Choose suppliers with a good history to avoid problems and build strong partnerships.

Keeping in Touch and Building Trust

Staying connected with suppliers is as important as finding them. Use apps like WeChat to share updates and stay in contact. Bring lots of business cards to the fair and write notes about your talks. This makes follow-ups more personal.

Over 130,000 buyers from 211 countries attended the Canton Fair.
Attendance grew by 4.6% compared to past events.
69.7% of visitors came from Belt and Road Initiative countries.

Good relationships lead to better deals and smoother work. Keep talking to turn new contacts into long-term partners.

Going to the Canton Fair can greatly help your business. To succeed, plan ahead, know your way around, and follow up later. Set clear goals and aim to meet the best exhibitors. Visit booths in your industry and request samples to check quality. Making strong connections will lead to special products and long-term partnerships. Use these tips to leave the fair with new ideas and chances to expand your business.

FAQ

What is the best time to visit the Canton Fair?

The best time depends on your product needs. Each phase focuses on specific categories. Check the schedule and plan accordingly to maximize your visit.

How can I communicate with suppliers who don’t speak English?

Use translation apps like Google Translate or WeChat. These tools help bridge language gaps and make communication smoother during your meetings.

Is there Wi-Fi available at the Canton Fair?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available at the venue. However, it can get slow during peak hours. A portable hotspot is a great backup option.