canton fair phase 1

Canton Fair Phase 1 Guide: Dates, Tips, and Expert Support.

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Obikoya Jeremiah

Last updated: 30th October, 2024

The China Canton Fair is a big trade fair; with each phase comes something new: different products, different exhibitors, different layouts, and more.

This article covers everything you should expect in the first phase of the Canton Fair, from the products to tips to navigating the show venues in Phase 1.

Do you need expert assistance in sourcing and procuring goods from China? Contact our team with details of the products you're looking for, and we'll handle the rest.

When is Canton Fair Phase 1?

Canton Fair Phase 1 Schedule:

The China Foreign Trade Centre organises the Canton Fair twice every year and the show kicks off with Phase 1 which is always scheduled to last for 5 days. During these 5 days, you get to see the same set of products and exhibitors [Details on the specific products are listed later in this article].

Tip: To avoid crowds, try not to attend Canton Fair Phase 1 on the first or last day. These days draw large numbers of visitors, causing traffic congestion, long waiting times, and additional inconveniences.

Canton Fair Phase 1 Dates:

The 1st phase of the Canton Fair is usually held on the following days:

  • Canton Fair Phase 1 in Spring: April 15 to April 19.
  • Canton Fair Phase 1 in Autumn: October 15 to October 19.

The dates for Phase 1 of the Canton Fair are consistent each year, so you can confidently plan for the next event.

What to Expect at Canton Fair Phase 1

The first phase of the carton fair is the home for the top manufactured and industrial goods made generally to serve both individual consumers and businesses at the fair.

Here is the breakdown of the Canton Fair Phase 1 product list:

  • Consumer electronics and information products
  • Household electrical appliances
  • Vehicle spare parts
  • Vehicles
  • Motorcycle
  • Lighting equipment 
  • Electronic and electrical products
  • Construction and agricultural machinery
  • Hardware
  • Energy and resources
  • Chemical products
  • Building materials
  • Tools and so on.

Canton Fair Phase 1 Layout and Map.

The Canton Fair venue in Guangzhou is organised into four main areas, with each area dedicated to specific product categories. This organised layout makes it easy for you to locate the products you are interested in quickly without needing to navigate the entire exhibition area.

canton fair phase 1 map

Canton Fair Phase 1 Map

Canton Fair Phase 1 - Area A Products:

  • Consumer Electronics and Information Products
  • Household Electrical Appliances
  • New Energy Vehicles and Smart Mobility
  • Construction Machinery
  • Agricultural Machinery
  • International Pavilion.

Canton Fair Phase 1 - Area B Products:

  • Hardware
  • Tools
  • Vehicle Spare Parts
  • Agricultural Machinery
  • Construction Machinery
  • Vehicles
  • International Pavilion

Canton Fair Phase 1 - Area C Products:

  • Motorcycles
  • Electronic and Electrical Products
  • Bicycles
  • Lighting Equipment
  • New Energy Resources

Canton Fair Phase 1 - Area D Products:

  • Power Machinery and Electric Power
  • Processing Machinery Equipment
  • Industrial Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing
  • New Materials and Chemical
  • General Machinery and Mechanical Basic Parts

You can get a physical copy of these layouts along with other important information in the Canton Fair Buyer’s Guide. Get a copy of this in the Information Booth when you arrive at the venue.

Top Reasons to Attend Canton Fair Phase 1

1. Opportunity to Network with Top Manufacturers: 

The Canton Fair is a show that hosts the best manufacturers and innovative products in China. Visiting the fair gives you the opportunity to network with suppliers and manufacturers of your products. 

Having multiple suppliers for your product can significantly reduce procurement risks, especially as customer demand grows. This approach provides flexibility and security in your supply chain, helping you meet increased demand with confidence.

2. Quality Assurance and Direct Supplier Interactions:

At the trade fair, the products are displayed in every booth and the manufacturers allow visitors to try out the products. 

This allows you to check the quality of the product and also interact with the brand representative on the manufacturing process of the product.

3. Access to a Vast Range of Products:

Imagine you’re in search of a specific agricultural machine; let’s say a new harvester. At Canton Fair Phase 1, you head over to Area B, where agricultural machinery is displayed. Not only will you find the exact harvester you’ve been researching, but you'll also see versions from multiple leading brands side-by-side. 

You’ll also find inspiration for complementary products your customers may need, opening up new opportunities to expand your business offerings.

4. Competitive Pricing and Negotiation Potential:

With multiple manufacturers in one location, you can maximise your sourcing efforts by speaking with various suppliers, negotiating terms, building relationships, and then comparing key factors like price, quality, and Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) to find options that best align with your business needs.

Key Tips for First-Time Visitors To The Canton Fair

  • Avoid going to the Canton Fair Phase 1 on the first and last day,  as these days tend to be especially crowded.
  • Get the Buyer’s Guide as soon as you get to the venue; it has all the information you need.
  • Take note of a manufacturer booth number when negotiating in case you would like to come back later.
  • Request the manufacturer's business card or reliable contact information in case you want to follow up after the fair.
  • Language can be a barrier, so consider hiring a translator or using translation apps; although you might rarely need this as most brand representatives can communicate in English.

Get Support From Our Team at Canton Fair

Attending the Canton Fair, interacting with suppliers/manufacturers, and getting your desired product are just one part of the procurement process. 

You need someone to inspect the factories you are procuring from, check for compliance issues, consolidate your products, handle customs clearance, and ship the products to your country.

This is where our team at SARA comes in. With over 20 years of experience helping businesses ship various products from China to the UK, USA, Nigeria and other countries, we’ve built a strong network of agents throughout China.

Once you are done at the fair, send us details of the product and the supplier and we will take it up from them.

Contact our expert today.


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Obikoya Jeremiah

Jeremiah Obikoya is a dedicated content writer at SARA, where he engages in daily research and development to craft innovative solutions for the procurement challenges you encounter.


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