According to Xinhua, the 137th Session of China Import and Export Fair, which concluded in Guangzhou on May 5, achieved two historic milestones: 288,938 overseas buyers attended the event, and 376 leading multinational purchasing enterprises participated. According to the China Foreign Trade Centre, this figure, as of May 4, represents a 17.3% increase compared to the 135th Fair held in the same period last year.
Mao Yanhua, Dean of the Institute of Regional Openness and Cooperation at Sun Yat-sen University, remarked that the robust attendance amidst a complex global trade environment demonstrates the high recognition of high-quality "Made in China" products by overseas buyers. It also highlights China's crucial role in the global supply chain, with international companies eager to explore more mutually beneficial cooperation opportunities.
Buyers from 219 countries and regions attended the event, with 187,450 coming from Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, a 17.4% increase, accounting for 64.9% of total attendees. Buyers from Europe and the US numbered 51,862, reflecting a 3.4% growth.
"This is our first time attending the fair, focusing on processing machinery and equipment," said the purchasing manager of Vietnam's DF Import and Export Company. "Leveraging China's 'technology toolbox,' more Southeast Asian countries are accelerating their transformation from assembly workshops to manufacturing hubs."
On-site export deals reach US$25.44 billion
On-site export deals at this year's Fair reached US$25.44 billion, marking a 3% increase. Many exhibitors reported that products with superior quality, innovative features, and strong brand recognition were in high demand, with overseas buyers enthusiastically placing orders. This has further bolstered exhibitors' confidence in expanding into diversified markets.
After ordering 100 units of mobile smart screens, one overseas buyer couldn't resist wanting to take home the exhibition samples from Shenzhen KTC Technology Co., Ltd. as well. "Although the prices are relatively high, these innovative products are well-received by clients," said Liu Feng, General Manager of the company's Commercial Sales Department. "We have made ample technological preparations, ready to adapt and deploy products into markets as opportunities arise, attracting more customers from emerging markets in Central Asia, the Middle East, and South America."
As China's largest and most comprehensive international trade fair, the China Import and Export Fair is dubbed "China's No. 1 Exhibition." The 137th session, which opened on April 15, hosted over 30,000 companies showcasing more than 4.55 million products on-site, including 1.02 million new products, 880,000 eco-friendly products, and 320,000 smart products.
A total of 736 companies from 50 countries and regions participated in the import exhibition, with 67% of them coming from Belt and Road Initiative countries. Corporate representatives from Russia, Thailand, Turkey, and other countries expressed satisfaction with the event, having reached cooperation intentions with several domestic buyers, paving the way for their products to quickly enter the Chinese market.
Traditional industries embrace innovation and secure orders
According to China News Service, the 137th Fair featured high-quality products from traditional industries such as toys, textiles, footwear, and luggage, winning the approval of overseas buyers and securing foreign trade orders. Last year, China exported 9.2 billion pairs of shoes with a total value of RMB 333.57 billion, maintaining its position as the world's largest shoe exporter. At the fair's footwear section, a wide variety of shoes, including leather shoes, sandals, and casual shoes, impressed attendees with their unique patterns and creative designs.
3D foot scanning ensures customized fit
Some Chinese shoe manufacturers have turned to digital transformation and technological innovation to revolutionize their craftsmanship. Guanghe County Jiming Shoes Co., Ltd. introduced intelligent production equipment and digital management systems, achieving a fully digitalized upgrade from design to production. "With 3D foot scanning technology, it's like giving shoes a 'smart brain,' ensuring the shoe lasts fit precisely," said a company representative. Automated cutting systems and intelligent quality control equipment have increased order fulfillment efficiency by 30%, with product qualification rates stabilized above 98%.
Chinese luggage companies also showcased their technical strengths at the fair. Xuzhou Weijia Light Industry Co., Ltd. has been investing heavily in product materials and processes, collaborating with top-tier material suppliers to ensure clients always have new options. During the fair's third phase, buyers from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and other countries flocked to the company's booth, resulting in a batch of successful orders.
Traditional aesthetics inspire educational toys
Chinese toy manufacturers have also tapped into product design innovation, blending fun with cultural heritage. At the booth of Shaanxi Chengling Yongdao Trading Co., Ltd., a series of educational building block models infused with traditional Chinese architectural aesthetics, such as flying eaves and winding corridors, attracted widespread attention. "We've launched a range of Chinese-style educational toys that not only enhance children's coordination skills but also incorporate traditional architectural beauty into the building process," said company representative Yang Hancheng.
For the first time, the Fair's rural revitalization specialty products section waived booth fees, bringing together specialty products from China's poverty alleviation regions, such as Xinjiang honey wine, Yunnan ancient tree tea, and Ningxia sheepskin coats. These products leveraged foreign trade policies to enter international markets.
Linyi Qinglang Handicrafts Co., Ltd. displayed over 2,000 items, including handwoven baskets and fabric products, in the specialty area. The handcrafted items, which combine traditional craftsmanship with modern design, were well-received by overseas buyers.
The food and agricultural products section featured 1,147 companies exhibiting food, carpets, hides, feathers, and pet products. A representative from the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce, and Animal By-products noted that attendance by overseas buyers exceeded expectations, with higher visitor traffic and transaction intentions compared to the previous autumn session.
(Source: Wen Wei Po)
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