About this Event
The 2026 Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) will be held in Guangzhou, China, with thespring edition running from April 15 to May 5, 2026, and the autumn edition taking place in October and November. Each session is divided into three phases, with different product categories featured in each phase.
Autumn 2026 (140th Session)
- Phase 1: October 15–19, 2026 (Electronics, lighting, machinery, etc.)
- Phase 2: October 23–27, 2026 (Consumer goods, ceramics, etc.)
- Phase 3: October 31–November 4, 2026 (Textiles, medical products, etc.)
The Canton Fair is held at the China Import and Export Fair Complex (also known as the Canton Fair Complex), located on Pazhou Island in the Haizhu District of Guangzhou, China. It is one of the world's largest, most modern exhibition centers, spanning over 1.55 million square meters as of 2026, featuring three main areas (A, B, and C) and hosting thousands of exhibitors and hundreds of thousands of international buyers. Hotels are abundant in Guangzhou. However during the Canton Fairs, rooms can easily be sold out and we recommend that you book early through the Asia Chamber.
The Asia Chamber of America supports members accessing the Canton Fair by facilitating official, free, and expedited registration, and arranging trade missions to bridge U.S. businesses with Chinese suppliers. We offer logistical support to secure Chinese visas and provide networking opportunities to navigate the fair effectively. Side tours with factory visits and suppliers business matching can be arranged upon requests or invitation.
American buyers going direct to factories at the Canton Fair can save an average of 10% to 30% on product costs compared to sourcing from US distributors or using trading companies. For bulk orders, these savings can cover the entire cost of the trip for importers buying over $50,000 annually.
Key Savings Breakdown
- Factory Direct Advantage: By eliminating middlemen, importers typically see a 10%–30% drop in price, as trading companies often markup products by this margin.
- Negotiated Savings: Serious buyers can find factories that beat current market prices by as much as 30% through face-to-face negotiation.
- Typical Savings Range: While 30% is possible on specific items, consistent savings on initial, direct-from-factory orders generally range between 10% and 18% compared to online quotes, such as those found on Alibaba.
- Shipping & Logistics: By finding their own freight forwarder rather than using the supplier's, buyers can save an additional 10–20% on shipping costs.
Maximizing Savings at Canton Fair
- Identify True Factories: Approximately 60% of exhibitors can be trading companies. Ask for daily production capacity and offer to pay for a factory visit to verify a direct manufacturer.
- Negotiate Later: Experienced buyers often use the fair to identify potential partners and negotiate the best prices 1-2 weeks after the fair, when factories are back to work and competing for orders.
- Compare 3–5 Suppliers: Get quotes from multiple vendors and pit them against each other to achieve the lowest possible price.
Important Considerations for 2026
- Tariff Impact: US importers must account for tariffs, which are paid by the US importer, not the Chinese manufacturer.
Disclaimer: Savings can vary widely based on product category and negotiation skills.
The Asia Chamber of America (ACA) offers tiered participation packages for the Canton Fair that range from self-guided entry to all-inclusive guided tours with luxury amenities. Canton Fair Participation TiersThe pricing structure is designed to accommodate different levels of professional support, ranging from basic registration assistance to high-end delegation management.
- DIY (Members Only) – $200 per person
This entry-level option is essentially a service fee for the Chamber to handle your official registration and invitation letter, which is required for a Chinese business visa. It does not include travel, lodging, or on-ground support. - Savors Basic (Members Only) – $5,000 per person
A member-exclusive "bridge" package that typically includes group-rate accommodation and access to some shared resources or networking events, providing a more structured experience than the DIY option. - Savors Basic – $6,500 per person
The standard rate for non-members for the basic guided package. This premium over the member price often reflects the added value of membership discounts for major events. - Standard – $8,000 per person
A comprehensive delegation package. It generally covers international airfare, mid-to-high-range hotel stays, daily transportation to the Canton Fair Complex, and guided tours of the fairgrounds. - Delux (GICC Membership) – $11,999 per person
The highest-tier offering, which typically requires a Gateway International Commerce Center (GICC) membership. This package includes five-star luxury accommodations, private translators, specialized factory tours outside of Guangzhou, and VIP networking sessions with high-level Chinese officials and industry leaders.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Canton Fair Complex, Zhan Chang Xi Lu, Guang Zhou Shi, China
USD 215.26 to USD 12805.65
