New designs, sustainable materials draw global buyers to Canton Fair's footwear section

The footwear section at the ongoing 136th China Import and Export Fair, or the Canton Fair, has garnered significant attention from global buyers.

Buyers from the regions like North America, Africa, and Southeast Asia gathered in Guangzhou, the venue of the fair, to discuss potential partnerships as stylish shoes with modern designs draw their interests.

"This time we're interested in shoes because there's a very big market in Mexico now. The designs are amazing. There's a very very very big opportunity, because the Chinese people are very creative. I think the China market has evolved into being a pioneer in design, and it's actually amazing," said Mexican buyer James.

"I think it's a great experience for producers and for people who design clothes to come here. You can learn a lot. There's a lot of new designs," American buyer Elizabeth Canasco said.

In addition, the footwear section of the fair also highlighted new, eco-friendly materials such as biodegradable and waterproof breathable materials, enhancing comfort and durability while reducing environmental impact.

"We're innovating in both environmental and comfort aspects, introducing new biodegradable and eco-friendly materials, which are a favorite feature among our clients," said an exhibitor named Zeng Weiliang.

One exhibitor showcased AI-driven customization service, allowing customers to design their own shoes on a digital platform, choosing styles, colors, and materials.

"From the initial concept to sketches, digitization, 3D rendering, producing the physical item, followed by photographing it for the client to confirm the overall effect, the whole process used to take two to three weeks to as long as two to three months. Our AI software replaces this complex process, enabling us to design a concept within a minute," said AI service exhibitor Li Jianqi.

With a 58,400-square-meter exhibition space, the footwear section at this edition's Canton Fair hosted 1,240 exhibitors, maintaining the same number of booths as the previous edition.

New designs, sustainable materials draw global buyers to Canton Fair's footwear section

New designs, sustainable materials draw global buyers to Canton Fair's footwear section

Innovative household products featuring multifunctionality and cultural designs have helped exhibitors to enhance international competitiveness at the ongoing 139th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, in Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province.

A building material that can be used not only for wall decoration, but also as a screen after being charged with electricity, is shining at the building and furniture exhibition area of the event's second phase, running from April 23 to 27 under the theme of "Quality Home Life."

"It enables our building material to become smarter and more flexible. At present, the product has entered European and the U.S. markets for sale, and has been well received in the markets," said exhibitor Feng Liangcheng, general manager of international business at Phomi Holding, developer of the building material.

Many exhibitors have shown household products that integrate traditional Chinese aesthetics and modern industrial designs, such as a set of vase-shaped multifunctional tableware inspired by ancient China's Dunhuang culture.

"It's very impressive. It's something new and very interesting, innovative in some points while matching the cultural meaning of those products throughout the China history. That's what gets me the most, I guess," said Edoardo Orlandini, an Italian buyer.

The event also features an upgraded trade service area where 86 domestic design institutions are providing services for overseas purchasers and exhibitors, including not only industrial design, interior design and brand consulting services, but also new services like fashion design, artificial intelligence design and intangible cultural heritage design. It aims to create a platform where designers and manufacturers get in touch and closely cooperate.

The 139th Canton Fair, which opened on April 15, consists of three phases. The first phase, which concluded on April 19, was themed "advanced manufacturing," while the third phase, which will take place from May 1 to 5, will focus on "Better Life."

Innovative household products enhance exhibitors' international competitiveness at Canton Fair