Participate in Canton Fair can be the differentiator that Brazilian companies need to expand suppliers, access new markets and anticipate global trends.
In its last edition, the 137th Canton Fair, which took place between April and May 2025, the fair featured almost 290,000 buyers from 219 countries and regions. In addition, it recorded an increase of 17.3% in international presence and US$ 25.44 billion in export intentions, and further consolidating its position as the largest multi-sector trade fair in the world.
This makes it clear that the Canton Fair is a true thermometer of the global economy, where companies identify opportunities, validate suppliers and close deals that change the market.
And to help you understand everything about the event, we've created this complete guide! In it, you'll understand:
- What the Canton Fair is and how it works;
- Why your business should take part;
- How to prepare to take advantage of opportunities;
- How Afianci's technical support turns your visit into concrete results.
Can you join us?
What is Canton Fair and how does it work?
The Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, takes place twice a year, in spring and fall, in Guangzhou. It is the largest international trade fair on the planet, bringing together thousands of Chinese exhibitors and buyers from all over the world.
The fair is organized in three phases, each dedicated to different segments:
- Phase 1electronics and household appliances, lighting, vehicles, machinery and equipment, building materials, chemical products, among others.
- Phase 2: consumer goods, household utensils, decorations, gifts, furniture, gardening materials, etc.
- Phase 3The main products include: clothing, textiles, footwear, handbags, food, toiletries, toys, sports and leisure articles, among others.
In its last edition, the event presented impressive numbers, with the highlight being more than 880,000 green products and 320,000 including an exclusive area called Service Robots Zone, which highlights the progress of automation and robotics.
These are just a few examples of why taking part in the Canton Fair means having access to a space where emerging trends are concentrated, with new players in the global market. What's more, it's a chance to negotiate directly with the manufacturers of these innovations, giving those who take the opportunity huge competitive advantages.
Let's take a closer look at these advantages below.
Why it's important for my business to take part in the Canton Fair
Being at the Canton Fair goes beyond simply visiting a fair. The event is a real opportunity for companies that want to compete on a global level. Here are the main reasons:
Direct contact with manufacturers
Negotiating without intermediaries gives you access to more advantageous conditions, differentiated terms and, often, exclusivity on certain products.
Networking opportunities
The Canton Fair connects professionals from different sectors and countries. It is the ideal environment for building long-term relationships.
Access to exclusive products
Many global launches are presented first at the Canton Fair. Being there guarantees early access to innovations that could be a differentiator in Brazil.
Supplier validation
Seeing the products up close, evaluating their quality and visiting stands gives you much more confidence before signing an international contract
Anticipating trends
With the presence of delegations from BRICS, the Middle East and Southeast Asia gaining ground on the US and Europe, the global purchasing landscape is changing, and those who take part in the fair are ahead of the game.
How to participate in the Canton Fair?
Taking part in an event like Canton Fair requires much more than a willingness to walk through the pavilions. You need to be clear about which sectors to prioritize, organized to register contacts and products, and efficient logistics to get around the city.
Communication can also become an obstacle, as the language and even the applications used in China, such as WeChat, require adaptation.
There are so many details that, without preparation, it's easy to get lost among the opportunities and challenges.
That's why having specialized technical support makes all the differenceIt is this guidance that transforms a complex scenario into a productive and safe experience. In the next topic, we'll show you how this support works in practice.
| The next edition of the Canton Fair will take place in the fall: Phase 1：October 15-19, 2025 Phase 2：October 23-27, 2025 Phase 3：From October 31 to November 4, 2025 |
Technical support for the Canton Fair and other fairs in China
In recent years, the number of companies offering travel packages to China has increased. Many of them sell the promise of access to great suppliers and opportunities, but deliver little more than a group tourist experience.
So, for participation in the Canton Fair to really turn into business, it is essential to have specialized technical support.
But before choosing an operator to conduct your business journey in China, it is essential to evaluate a few points that make all the difference.
How to choose technical support
Presence in China
A local presence of the company in China is indispensable, because without a structure in the country it becomes practically impossible to resolve unforeseen problems or offer real support. In addition, experience counts: companies with a track record in the Chinese market know the culture better and avoid mistakes that can be very costly.
Fluency in Mandarin and communication
Another fundamental aspect is communication. Having a companion who is fluent in Mandarin, English and Portuguese guarantees accuracy in technical translation, especially in complex business negotiations.
Likewise, it is essential that the company goes beyond simple visits to suppliers and has in-depth knowledge of international trade to integrate the import and internationalization process.
Ignoring these factors can turn the trip into a shallow experience, limited to photos and business cards from repeated suppliers, with no strategic analysis. Solid business requires much more: a well-defined strategy, local presence and real expertise in international trade.
Afianci Technical Support
In the case of Afianci's Technical Support, the focus is not on selling a trip. Our commitment is to help Brazilian companies close solid and sustainable deals with the Chinese market.
We have our own office in China for more than 10 years, a bilingual team and, above all, a track record of results in international trade.
And to ensure the success of the trip, we started with before boarding. In this initial stage, a detailed study of your company's segment is carried out, followed by a mapping of reliable suppliers that meet your profile. In addition, the entire agenda is prepared in advance, in line with the most relevant opportunities for your business.
In China, The support becomes even more strategic. Visits are targeted according to your objectives, ensuring focus and maximum enjoyment of the trip. During negotiations, there is specialized technical translation to ensure clarity and precision, as well as support in commercial and operational decisions.
Finally, you receive practical guidance on the next steps of the import, ensuring that the whole process is conducted efficiently and seamlessly.
Ready to turn your participation in the Canton Fair into real results? Talk to Afianci.
