By Jin Lu

The 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) is kicking off its spring session in Guangzhou, held in three phases from April 15 to May 5. Spanning 1.55 million square meters and hosting nearly 74,000 booths and more than 31,000 exhibitors, the event reaffirms its position as a cornerstone of global trade.

This year's fair has drawn nearly 170,000 pre-registered overseas buyers from 210 countries and regions, underscoring strong international demand. Among the most prominent delegations is Ningbo, which contributed over 4,000 booths—a new record and one of the largest regional showings in the country.

Nearly 1,600 Ningbo-based enterprises are participating across all three phases, sending over 20,000 business representatives to showcase the city's manufacturing capabilities and commitment to innovation.

"In response to AI becoming increasingly mainstream, we introduced smart products like the high-speed AI-powered shaver," said Li Lizhong, Marketing Director of Yueli Group. "It features a digital motor and facial contour-sensing technology that adjusts pressure automatically. Innovation is what continues to drive Ningbo's manufacturing sector forward."

In a year marked by economic uncertainty and mounting global trade pressures, the Canton Fair offers Ningbo firms a key platform to reach new markets.

"We attend every year, but this time it's more crucial than ever," said Chen Qiaoli, General Manager of Ningbo Meilian International Trade Service Co., Ltd. "It helps reduce our dependence on any single market and brings us in contact with new global buyers."

Other companies are using the fair to reposition their offerings. "We redesigned our safety products—originally tailored for North America—to better meet the needs of consumers in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa," said Hu Chenjie, General Manager of Ningbo Xindajie Electric Co., Ltd.

For younger professionals, the fair also provides a chance to refine their business skills. "With such a diverse buyer base, it is the ideal environment for our Gen Z team members to hone their negotiation skills," Hu added.

The strong showing by Ningbo companies at this year's Canton Fair highlights the city's ongoing focus on innovation, market diversification, and deepening global engagement.