Canton Fair sees surge in purchases

The 123rd China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, concluded in Guangzhou on May 5.

According to the press conference held at the end, this year’s fair attracted a total of 203,346 international purchasers, the highest in the past five years, and produced a total export value of $30.08 billion, the highest in the past four years.

The 123rd Canton Fair concludes on May 5. [Photo/Xinhua]

Both the number of international purchasers and the total export value saw a noticeable increase this year, up 5.3 percent and 3.1 percent, respectively, from the same period last year during the 121st Canton Fair. The purchasers came from as many as 214 countries and regions around the world.

The total value of machinery & electronics exports reached $15.89 billion, accounting for 52.8 percent of total exports. Products in the light industry came second, contributing 26.6 percent of total exports.

Purchasers visit the garment exhibition area at the Canton Fair on May 5. [Photo/Xinhua]

It is also worth mentioning that as much as 33.5 percent of exports were made in the exhibition areas for branded products.

The Canton Fair has become an effective way for many Chinese exporters to find foreign clients. In addition, the fair’s international pavilion mostly draws high-end industrial and consumer products from abroad that are suitable for Chinese markets. By attending the fair, exhibitors from Egypt, India, and some other countries have successfully built long-term partnerships with Chinese companies.

Two foreign purchasers inspect clothing designs at the fair on May 5. [Photo/Xinhua]