Attending trade fairs in China may appear daunting for foreign brands attempting to break into the local business scene.
However, with key industry players in attendance, these exhibitions can generate organic interest in your company and even lead you to find potential domestic partners.
With over 1.1 billion foreign companies already registered in the local market, trade shows in China open new opportunities for your business to stand out and get ahead of the competition.
Let us walk you through some important events you wouldn’t want to miss next year.
Who Typically Attends China Trade Fairs?
Most Chinese trade fairs are typically attended by big and small buyers, local government officials, media institutions, and hundreds of thousands of business representatives.
The type of attendees may vary at each trade fair, mainly because these events often happen in different regions. If you’re attending an internationally renowned trade fair, the event’s expected participants will likely come from major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.
(Source: Thatsmags )
Meanwhile, regional fairs may attract a more rural audience from lower-tier cities. However, this doesn’t mean they lack business opportunities for new brands trying to enter the Chinese market. In fact, these events are an ideal platform to connect with more nuanced buyers and companies.
Unlike international trade shows in the West, these events have an overwhelming number of domestic speakers. So, if you want to connect with potential business partners more effectively, we suggest bringing or sending a representative who’s also proficient in speaking Chinese.
9 Trade Fairs in China Every Foreign Brand Should Attend in 2025
1. The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair)
Most people know the Canton Fair as the China Import and Export Fair. It’s an exhibition that occurs in three phases throughout the year and features consumer goods such as electronics, household items, fashion clothing, and more.
It’s widely known to be the largest trade fair in the Chinese market, which happens twice a year. In 2023, this China import and export fair attracted around 660,000 visitors during the concurrent events in the Spring and Fall seasons.
Post-event reports show approximately 35,000 exhibitors are at the China Import and Export Fair. Over 73% of the foreign companies participating in this trade show are from Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries like Italy and El Salvador.
Nearly 58,000 participants of this event are foreign buyers. The presence of major companies from different industries has led the event to amass $25.1 billion in transaction agreements.
What date is the Canton Fair in 2024 and 2025?
It was announced that the 136th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) will commence on October 15, 2024. As always, this exhibition will occur in three phases. The first one is from October 15 to 19, the second event is from October 23 to 27, and the last schedule is around October 31 to November 4.
This international trade fair will also include an online exhibition, which will run from September 16, 2024 to March 15, 2025. Meanwhile, the 137th installment of the Canton Fair has a tentative schedule of April 15th to April 19, 2025.
Where is the location of the Canton Fair?
According to the event website, the largest trade fair will happen in Guangzhou, Canton Fair Complex, China. This venue has been a traditional location for the Canton Fair, known for its extensive facilities and capacity to host many exhibitors and attendees from around the globe.
2. Yiwu International Commodities Fair
The Yiwu International Commodities Fair is typically hosted by several prominent Chinese government bodies, such as the Ministry of Commerce and the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province.
Since its inception in 1995, the trade fair has continuously grown in scale, exhibitors, and products. It’s considered a primary platform for overseas daily consumer goods to enter the Chinese market.
Last October 2023, the Yiwu International Commodities Fair recorded a visitor count of around 200,000 people. Among the trade fair participants, 3,600 of them are international businesses. These foreign brands come from 81 different countries.
While the numbers for this year’s international trade fair haven’t been released yet, the business activities within this event helped sell $70 billion worth of goods in 2022.
What is Yiwu China famous for?
This event is particularly significant as it’s China’s first UFI-certified trade fair for imported consumer goods. It encompasses various products such as household articles, beauty and personal care products, food and beverages, etc.
In addition, the Yiwu fair has received awards for being one of the “Best Management Fairs in China” and “Most Influential Brand Fairs.”
When and Where is the Yiwu Fair happening?
The 2024 export commodity fair is scheduled for October 21 to 24 at the Yiwu International Expo Center in Yiwu, China. This year’s theme will focus on the message: “Cultivating New Momentum of Foreign Trade and Shaping New Advantages of Openness.”
3. East China Import and Export Commodity Fair
For over ten years, many industry players and businesses have considered ECF the most extensive regional international economic and trade show in China.
It’s organized by nine provinces and municipalities, including Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, etc. Given its reach beyond typical local cities, it’s a perfect venue to generate leads and tap into regional audiences.
When attending the East China Fair, you can expect to find business partners and buyers from sectors offering commodities like home appliances, textiles, cosmetics, art materials, and furniture.
This exhibition is mainly sponsored by the local government, allowing it to attract more than 37,000 professional buyers from different industries. Like most trade fairs in China, this crowd includes people from 119 foreign countries and regional areas.
Of the 4,000 exhibitors in this year’s East China Fair, 234 companies are from the international market. The exhibition was an enormous success, garnering $2.3 billion in trade volume.
What date is the East China Import and Export Commodity Fair in 2024?
The 33rd East China Import and Export Commodity Fair (ECF) will be held from March 1 to 4, 2025. According to the trade fair management, the event will host approximately 6,500 booths on a venue area of 126,000 square meters.
Where is the location of the 2025 East China Import and Export Commodity Fair?
The 2025 East China Import and Export Commodity Fair (ECF) will be held at the New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) in Shanghai, China.
4. China Electronics Exhibition (Electronica China)
Among the China trade fairs on this list, this is the sole event mainly focused on the ICT industry. Companies worldwide attend these shows to showcase the latest advancements and products in the electronics field.
In addition to electronics, the trade show highlights modern technological advancements, such as 5G, the Industrial Internet, intelligent manufacturing, new energy vehicles, big data, artificial intelligence, and information security.
Through this trade fair, you’ll be able to connect with over 1,671 participating exhibitors and 75,423 visitors from different industries and countries.
This highly specialized trade show allows professional buyers to find their niche directly in the exhibition. It’s beneficial for foreign marketers targeting specific electronics market segments and audiences.
What date is the 2025 China Electronics Exhibition?
The Shanghai edition of the China Electronics Fair will be held from April 15 to 17, 2025. Meanwhile, the upcoming CEF Shenzhen event will commence on October 14 to 16, 2024.
Where is the location of the 2025 China Electronics Exhibition?
Trade fair participants can attend CEF Shenzhen 2025 at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, while CEF Shanghai will be at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.
5. Bauma China Exhibition
The Bauma China Exhibition is one of the country’s longest-running and most influential automotive fairs. In addition to business activities, many foreigners head to this event because it is an excellent place to source vehicles.
Unlike most trade fairs, which highlight typical consumer goods, the Bauma Fair is officially known as the go-to source for construction machinery, building material machines, mining equipment, construction vehicles, and more.
It also focuses on inviting Chinese industry leaders and pooling innovations in the construction machinery industry all at one event.
Over the years that this trade fair has been active in China, more buyers have become interested in it. Although it has been postponed to 2024, the previous shows have garnered 212,500 visitors and helped 3,350 exhibitors reach their target market.
The participants attending this construction machinery trade fair are primarily from 38 different countries and regions. Besides China, the top foreign markets searching for building materials for construction vehicles at Bauma Fair are Korea, Russia, Singapore, and Japan.
What date is the Bauma Trade Shows in 2024?
The Bauma Trade Show in 2024 will commence from November 26 to November 29 after its postponement in 2022. It’s worth noting that trade shows like these only happen once every two years.
Where is the location of the 2024 Bauma China Fair?
Like most major trade fairs, the 2024 Bauma China Exhibition will be held at the New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) in Shanghai.
6. China-ASEAN Expo
The China-ASEAN Expo is not like typical trade fairs in the local market. It marks the anniversary of the strategic partnership between China and ASEAN and serves as a key platform for enhancing bilateral economic ties.
Typically, high-level officials from China and ASEAN countries attend the fair, which signifies its diplomatic and economic significance.
The Expo has evolved beyond traditional trade and investment into sectors such as digital goods, health, tourism, and education.
This expo presents an important business opportunity, regardless of your target industry. With more than 40 participating countries and nearly 1,700 exhibitors, foreign marketers will not only find potential business partners but also gain insights into regional market trends and consumer preferences.
What date is the China-ASEAN Expo in 2024?
The 22nd China-ASEAN Expo, which the CAEXPO Secretariat organizes annually, is scheduled from September 17 to 25, 2025.
Where is the location of the 2024 China-ASEAN Expo?
The 2025 China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) will be held outside China next year, with Myanmar as the chosen host.
7. China International Industry Fair (CIIF)
Established in 1999, CIIF has become one of China’s most influential industrial fairs. It provides foreign brands a platform to showcase their products and technologies to a large and diverse audience, including potential partners, customers, and investors.
Although CIIF is known for highlighting innovation, these types of trade fairs often involve discussions on regulatory frameworks and policies in the local market. In fact, the theme for 2023 was “Digital Economy & Industrial Decarbonization.”
The 2023 edition of the China International Industry Fair (CIIF) showcased an impressive participation of over 2,600 exhibitors from over 27 countries and regions. This expansive event attracted a significant number of trade visitors, totaling around 200,000, reflecting its status as a central hub for international industry and trade.
When and where will the China International Industry Fair (CIIF) be held in 2025?
The 2025 China International Industry Fair (CIIF) will be held from September 23 to 27 in Shanghai, China.
8. China International Import Expo
Another international event happening in one of the most major cities in the Chinese market that foreign brands must not miss is the China International Import Expo. It facilitates direct interactions with potential partners, which is crucial for establishing business relationships and striking deals.
Rather than the typical trade fair setting, CIIE opens doors for a blend of exhibition, policy insights, networking, and market intelligence.
The 2023 CIIE witnessed substantial business deals. In the first two days alone, deals worth RMB 10 billion (approximately US$1.38 billion) were closed. On top of that, the expo attracted 289 Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders from around the world, with about 3,400 participating exhibitors.
These brands are from 128 countries and regions, showcasing 442 new products, technologies, and services during the trading fair.
When and where will the CIIE happen in 2024?
The 2024 CIIE is set for November 5 to 10. You’ll find this trade show at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in the vibrant city of Shanghai, China.
Meanwhile, its 2025 exhibition has already opened its doors for registration last July. While no exact date has been set as of today, it’s likely to occur again around November of next year.
9. Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China)
If your brand involves vehicle-related products and services, you wouldn’t want to skip one of the most important automotive fairs in China.
Not only is the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition an excellent place to source vehicles, but you can also use this opportunity to exchange information about the latest market trends and consumer preferences with other industry players.
The exhibition has taken place every other year since 1990, switching between Beijing and Shanghai each time.
Many people refer to the event as Auto China. It typically attracts a large audience, with a minimum attendance of up to 56,000 people.
Although the pandemic may have impacted this trade show at some point, it still managed to gather more than 1,200 exhibitors from 14 countries in 2020. Beyond that, the Beijing International Auto Trade Show attracted over 530,000 visitors in the same year.
What date is the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition?
This highly anticipated trade show took place from April 25th to May 4th, 2024. It offered an extensive ten-day window for automotive enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. The 2025 schedule was not yet announced but will likely happen in the same period next year.
Where is the location of the 2024 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition?
The venue for Auto China 2024 is the renowned China International Exhibition Center (CIEC) in Beijing. It’s expected to draw a diverse and urbanized crowd eager to witness the latest advancements and trends in the automotive world.
Why Should You Attend Trade Shows in China?
● Keeping up with the Latest Trends
Admit it or not, many foreigners head to local China trade fairs to receive and exchange information about the field you plan to enter. It’s also a chance to discover new technologies, understand emerging manufacturing processes, and explore recent product developments in your niche.
You can also use this opportunity to observe your competitors. This dual benefit of gaining knowledge and understanding competitive strategies can significantly enhance your position in the market, giving you a distinct advantage.
● Networking with other Businesses
These trade fairs are a great way to connect with key players in your target market. These events bring together potential manufacturers, suppliers, and business partners under one roof.
Thanks to this setting, you can forge new connections, which can be instrumental in growing your business and boosting your profits.
● Marketing Your Offerings
Foreign marketers like you can use these trade shows as the perfect stage to present your products and services to a local audience. Most fairs allow you to exhibit your offerings, hand out samples, and share promotional materials.
Additionally, they provide an excellent opportunity to debut new products, gather leads, and receive valuable feedback on your offerings.
(Source: CHINA TODAY)
How To Prepare When Attending Top China Trade Fairs
Before heading to China, it’s crucial to plan your visit thoroughly. Check the dates and venue of the fair, and sort out your travel details like accommodation and transportation early, as they tend to fill up fast. If you’re attending multiple fairs, allocate enough time for each. Do a quick research in advance and draft a visit schedule for the booths you’re interested in.
Familiarize yourself with the local business culture. Learn the nuances of exchanging business cards, negotiation tactics, and other professional interactions.
While English is common in large cities, knowing basic Mandarin can be a huge advantage. Simple greetings and expressions of gratitude can enhance your interactions and relationship-building efforts with those who may not be fluent in English.
Quick Q&A
How many people go to the China trade fairs every year?
The top 5 trading events in China, which include the Canton Fair, Yiwu Trade Fair, Beijing Auto Show, the Bauma Fair, and the Shanghai Import and Export Commodity Fair, typically attract over 200,000 people each session.
What are China’s major import commodities?
China is the top global importer of soybeans and meat and ranks prominently in importing dairy products, wine, and other food and beverages.
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Local trade events are often the gateway for global brands to engage with the rapidly growing Chinese marketplace. With the country’s increasing favor for international commerce and collaboration, foreign businesses now have a better avenue to connect with their potential target market.
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References
Top 10 China Trade Fairs You Must Attend In 2023
China Fairs: Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
The best export and import trade shows in China
I am very interesting to receive dates of events in China like fairs
Canton fair please send more information about the fair. I am from zimbabwe and am coming with delegates for all 3 stages of the fair
Bonjour, je suis très intéressé de participer aux salons expo en Chine
J’évolue dans le domaine de l’agroalimentaire notamment la commercialisation des noix de cajou , les graines d’arachides, et le sésame.
Je suis au sanegal précisément en Casamance et j’aimerais participer à ces expo ,afin de trouver des partenaires Commerciaux pour les fournir des matières premières
Hello i want to visit china electrical trade fair i want to know when where and time please i need updates Thanks.