The 139th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, kicked off on April 15. As of April 9, pre-registered overseas buyers exceeded 210,000.

This photo taken on April 15, 2026 shows a scene during the 139th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province. (Photo: Xinhua)

A Ministry of Commerce spokesperson noted that despite an uncertain external environment, buyers are crossing continents to attend, voting with their feet to show trust in Chinese products and confidence in China's economy.

Known as the "barometer" and "weathervane" of China's foreign trade, the Canton Fair reflects the country's trade trajectory. The 210,000 buyers provide compelling evidence of that resilience, revealing its long-term drivers.

Complete supply chain as anchor

Beyond numbers, this year's "quality" stands out.

A total of 290 leading purchasers -- Walmart of the United States, Sainsbury's of the United Kingdom, and Samsung of the Republic of Korea -- confirmed attendance, up 30 percent year on year.

Meanwhile, 148 overseas business organizations, such as the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Switzerland Global Enterprise, will gather in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province -- a 17.5 percent rise.

People visit the booth of Hisense during the 139th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province, April 15, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

From retail giants to tech leaders and trade bodies, the presence of global supply chain players underscores confidence in China's comprehensive industrial system and stable supply chains.

China boasts the world's most complete industrial system -- from basic components to high-end equipment, and from daily consumer goods to smart tech products -- meeting diverse global demand.

This year's Canton Fair covers an exhibition area of 1.55 million square meters, with 75,700 booths and over 32,000 participating companies, topping prior editions for one-stop chain access.

Market diversification drives growth

New buyers are mainly from Belt and Road partner countries, with sustained demand from emerging markets such as ASEAN, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Latin America, complementing traditional markets in Europe and the US.

This structure offsets risks, steadying China's trade amid headwinds.

An overseas buyer learns about a product during the 139th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province, April 15, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

Participants include not only the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry and German Association for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses, but also the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Peru's Lima Chamber of Commerce and Nigeria's Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, showing a diversifying partner network.

Innovation fuels upgrade

The fair tracks "innovation, green development and intelligence" trends, expanding to 179 zones. Beyond service robots and smart healthcare, nine new zones debut: smart wearables, display tech, consumer drones, agricultural drones and functional high-tech textiles.

The drone zone -- first at the Canton Fair -- features consumer and agricultural drones: from "eyes in the sky" capturing life to urban "air couriers" to "smart farm experts." Low-altitude economy apps in entertainment, logistics and agriculture take vivid center stage.

Over 11,000 specialized high-quality enterprises exhibit -- a 5.1 percent rise topping priors -- with 61 percent using industrial internet, AI, 5G and green low-carbon tech.

Exhibits top 4.65 million, with new, green and IP-protected products at 23, 22 and 25 percent respectively.

Buyers and exhibitors talk at the booth of Midea Group during the 139th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province, April 15, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

The fair's momentum mirrors China's economic vitality. Some 210,000 buyers signal recognition of its opening-up and hopes for global trade ties.

As global recovery falters amid rising protectionism and unilateralism, China continues to embrace the world with openness. The event hosts more than 600 new product launches, nine thematic forums, 15 "Trade Bridge" supply-demand matchmaking events, and 15 "Discover Canton Fair with Bee and Honey" activities -- platforms for exchange, market growth and deeper cooperation.

With 210,000 buyers and 32,000 Chinese firms, it's more than an order fair -- it's a cooperation hub.

Amid global trade shifts, China's foreign trade shows stronger resilience and openness, sharing opportunities worldwide.