Today, China is the largest exporter in the world. This means that it has become one of the leaders in global trade, and this growth is expected to continue.
There are many ways to source from China, and one of the best options is to visit a major China trade fair. Visiting trade fairs helps you meet a wide range of suppliers, discuss needs face-to-face and build the beginnings of a successful business relationship.
In this guide, we provide complete information on the top 8 best China trade fairs. It includes dates, locations, and attendance of the trade fairs.
What Is a China Trade Fair?
China is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and its leading trade fairs provide the best access to the market. China trade fairs allow suppliers to present their product catalogs to potential buyers.
It is a valuable tool for beginners who intend to import from China to explore the Chinese market. If all goes well, trade fairs can have a lasting impact on attendees.
In short, China trade fairs are the perfect place to showcase suppliers’ production potential and buyers’ buying power.
Why Should I Visit China Trade Fairs?
China trade fairs are the perfect place for buyers and suppliers to meet. People from all over the world travel to China to showcase their company’s products or buy the products they need.
The advantage of having a trade fair in China is that you don’t have to worry about whether the supplier is reliable. Most trade fair organizers verify each supplier before attending the fair.
China trade fair provides a platform for suppliers to compete for your (attendees’) business.
By simply walking around, attendees can immediately compare numerous companies’ products, prices, and services. It’s also a quick and effective way to discover current market trends that interest them.
Attendees can also gain experience in negotiating, as well as gain confidence in their purchases. At China trade fairs, attendees can see products and solutions firsthand, touch and use various products while comparing and contrasting them throughout the day.
How Do China Trade Fairs Work?
The China trade fair function works in a variety of ways. For example:
- Reliable suppliers are found through China trade fairs.
- Business people can establish relationships with suppliers immediately.
- You can reduce the quality risk by visiting China trade fairs.
- You can choose the right directories by observing the displays.
- You can talk directly with the manufacturer and get answers to all your questions.
Top 5 Best China Trade Fairs
1. Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair)
The China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, is the largest trade fair in China. It is held in Guangzhou and takes place twice a year in three phases: every spring and autumn. The fair exhibits almost all types of products.
Featured Categories
Electronics & household appliances, lighting equipment, vehicles & parts, machinery, hardware & tools, energy + resources, chemicals, construction materials, consumer goods, gifts.
Home decorations, office supplies, luggage & entertainment products, medical devices & health care products, food, footwear, textiles & apparel.
Exhibition Dates
Spring (mid-April to early May), autumn (mid-October to early November)
Exhibitors
Approximately 24,000 exhibitors per session with 60,000 booths.
Attendance
Approximately 204,000 buyers per session. Usually, the number of attendees in the spring is a few thousand more than in the fall. More than half of the attendees are from other Asian countries.
Address: (China Import and Export Fair Hall) No. 380, Yuejiang Middle Road, Guangzhou, China
You may learn more on our blog for Canton Fair for details below:
How to Attend the Canton Fair? | The Best Guide for Beginners
2. Yiwu International Commodity Fair
Yiwu Commodity Fair is the largest consumer goods fair in China, and the fair is held in Yiwu. Unlike other fairs, Yiwu Commodity Fair is a permanent fair for small buyers worldwide, featuring almost all kinds of consumer goods.
Featured Categories
Hardware, electromechanical, electronic and electrical appliances, daily necessities, knitted textiles, craft accessories, cultural and office supplies, toys, sports, and outdoor leisure goods, etc.
Exhibition Dates
Every year, from October 21 to 25.
Exhibitors
There are about 2,500 booths at the Yiwu International Commodity Fair. There are hundreds of thousands of other sellers in main market areas.
Attendance
There are about 200,000 buyers at the fair. About 24,000 of these buyers are foreign buyers from almost all countries.
Address: (Yiwu International Expo Center) No. 59, Zongze Road, Yiwu, China
You may learn more on our blog for Yiwu Market for details below:
Ultimate Guide 2022: How to Buy Wholesale from Yiwu Market?
3. East China Fair (ECF)
East China Fair is a major event for China’s exports, which has been held in Shanghai for a long time and is now one of the world’s top five import and export trade fairs. It is the best platform for foreign trade enterprises to meet Chinese suppliers, make business deals, and import/export products.
Featured Categories
Apparel, textiles, consumer goods, gifts, artwork, etc.
Exhibition Dates
Every year, from March 1 to 4.
Exhibitors
There are nearly 6,500 standard booths and 4,000 exhibitors at the East China Import and Export Fair.
Attendance
Nearly 20,000 people attend this trade fair every year.
Address: (Shanghai New International Expo Center) No. 2345, Longyang Road, Shanghai, China
4. Hong Kong Electronics Fair
Hong Kong Electronics Fair is known as one of the world’s largest electronics fairs, co-organized by authoritative organizations such as the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Hong Kong Exporters’ Association, Hong Kong Electronic Industries Association, etc.
The Hong Kong Electronics Fair is held in May and October every year at the famous Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.
Featured Categories
Audio-visual products, 3D printing, wireless technology, computers and peripherals, telecommunication products, electronic accessories, security products, medical electronics, robotics and unmanned technology, home appliances, etc.
Exhibition Dates
The fair is held twice a year, in May and October.
Exhibitors
According to a rough estimate, the number of companies is 9,600.
Attendance
Nearly 195,000 people attended this trade fair.
Address: (Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre) No. 1, Expo Drive, Wanchai, Hong Kong, China
5. bauma China
bauma China is the largest construction machinery fair in Asia. It is held every two years in Shanghai, China. It showcases all the latest products from the leading construction and mining equipment manufacturers.
It is widely regarded as the best place to promote and showcase products for the construction industry in Asia and has become a major industry event since its inception in 2002.
Featured Categories
Construction machinery, building material machinery, mining machinery, construction vehicles, and parts and service providers.
Exhibition Dates
The fair is held twice a year; the next will be held from November 22 to 25, 2022.
Exhibitors
Nearly 2,867 companies exhibited at bauma CHINA 2020.
Attendance
Nearly 200,000 people from 150 countries attend this important exhibition.
Address: (Shanghai New International Expo Center) No. 2345, Longyang Road , Shanghai, China
How to Find The Best China Trade Fair For Your Business?
Many China trade fairs vary greatly in size and scope. Making the right choice for your trade fair in China can help you save time and money.
Here are some questions to help you determine the best China trade fair to attend:
- What do you want to import?
- How much will you order?
- How many orders do you expect to place each year?
- Determine the market demand for your goods.
- Do you want to work with a supplier, or do you want to buy directly from the factory?
Once you have the answers to these questions, you can research relevant trade fairs online and select the one that best suits your business in China.
You may learn more about Sourcing Products from China for details below:
5 Tips on Sourcing Products from China
7 Tips for Visiting China Trade Fairs
When you buy from China, you have a lot of decisions to make. There are several factors to consider, such as product quality, company profile, import conditions, etc.
Here are some tips to help you find the right supplier at a China trade fair:
1. Register in advance
Visiting China trade fairs can be busy and tired, so do yourself a favor and register online in advance. For example, online registration for the Canton Fair is free, but registering in person at the fair can cost as much as $200 per person.
2. Decide what products you want to purchase
If you already have a product and need a manufacturing partner, consider keeping information about your design, specifications, and business model on hand so you can have detailed conversations with the right potential customers.
3. Plan your day at the fair
The China trade fair website provides a map you can view in advance. This is a good idea because you can find your current suppliers and those you want to meet and make a route plan.
4. Collect as much information as possible
Your goal at the china trade fair should be to collect business cards, catalogs, and any other information that will help you make a decision. In addition, you need to ask potential suppliers to make sure they are a good match for you.
5. Prepare your questions
Now that you know what type of products you are targeting and have a good idea of the suppliers you will be visiting, you also need to plan for the questions you will be asking.
The basic questions are as follows:
- What is the unit price?
- What is the MOQ?
- Are there sample and molding fees?
- What packaging options are offered?
- What is the estimated delivery time?
- What are the payment terms?
6. Distinguish traders and manufacturers
Many trading companies pretend to be manufacturers to attract foreign buyers to work with them. What importers don’t realize is that they are paying an intermediary extra profit to deal with the factory on their behalf.
7. Protect your intellectual property
At China trade fairs, regarding product design and your business model, only give suppliers enough information to make an offer. In the follow-up stage, you can check them more deeply and, if satisfied, give them full product details.
China Trade Fairs FAQ
1. Where is Canton Fair held?
The Canton Fair is held in Guangzhou City, where millions of suppliers and buyers meet and do business every year. The Canton Fair is held at the Canton Fair Hall, located in the Guangzhou Exhibition Center (Pazhou).
2. When does Canton Fair open?
The China Import and Export Fair, or Canton Fair, is held twice a year, in the spring and the autumn (April and October). The fair is open from 9:30 to 18:00, and the opening period will go through the weekend.
3. Is Canton Fair still being held?
China has held the Canton Fair annually and will do so in 2022. However, there are some changes this time. It is the same as after Covid19 in 2020, the fair will be held online, which means you can attend the fair at home.
You may learn more on our blog for Online Canton Fair for details below:
Online Canton Fair 2022: The Ultimate Guide
4. Can I buy the products displayed at China trade fair?
At the China trade fair, sample products are not for selling, but sometimes, if you are lucky enough, exhibitors may give you a free sample.
5. Is there Wi-Fi at China trade fair?
Yes, there is free Wi-Fi at the China trade fair, but it is not very dependable. If you plan to use the Internet in China, set up a VPN before you go.
China Trade Fairs Conclusion
The trade fairs in China are becoming increasingly important as the economy grows and technology improves. These top trade fairs can give you a competitive edge and help you access a new catalog from manufacturers.
If you are planning to attend a China trade fair and want to find an ideal, verified supplier, Yansourcing can help you.
We are the best sourcing company in China for product sourcing and other import/export-related services. If you have any questions about the above or are interested in importing products from China, please feel free to contact us.
