In spite of a complex global environment, the 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, has attracted buyers from diverse countries and regions, with a surge in on-site orders that underscores the buyers' steadfast confidence in products made in China. The fair kicked off on Tuesday, with more than 30,000 export exhibitors attending, and with more than 200,000 preregistered overseas buyers. Loo Yew Wah, a buyer from Malaysia, paid particular attention to the development fruits of China's digital technologies showcased at the fair.
"I just watched the operation of sorting robots because today I've come mainly to see what kind of digital technologies I can take back to Malaysia. Malaysian companies are usually very good at marketing, but in the warehouse sector, if they rely too much on manpower, they will encounter management issues. Therefore, by using these robots, they can reduce communication and time costs," Loo said. The Malaysian buyer said his country is actively promoting digital transformation, and he observed that China's products and technologies in this field are highly mature. He saw significant business opportunities within them. "We have just visited several companies. Before attending the Canton Fair, we had already visited China and established some connections. As a result, we have expressed our intention and initiated some cooperation agreements, with a potential purchase amount of nearly one 100 million ringgit (22.64 million U.S. dollars)," Loo said. At the fair, buyers from various countries and regions are rushing towards different exhibition halls with their luggage filled with materials and orders for a variety of intended goods. "If you open, these are all for the product activities and the quotations for today. (There are) many, many," said a buyer from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). "[There are] some household items and other catalogs. [It's a] very productive day today," said a buyer from India. Despite the tariffs imposed by the United States causing a sustained deterioration in the global economic and trade environment, international buyers say their enthusiasm to come to China for procurement has not been dampened. According to the latest data as of Thursday, over 110,000 overseas buyers from 216 countries and regions worldwide have attended the fair, representing a 10-percent increase compared to the same period during the 135th edition. "I have a list of products that I'm looking for, but mainly electronics, machinery and home decorations," said a buyer from Oman.
"We buy building materials and many other products. Whatever our customers request, we help them procure," said a buyer from Thailand.
Numerous international buyers have voiced their strong confidence in products made in China, notwithstanding the current complex international landscape. "The Chinese manufacturing [industry] recently for the last 10 years are [has been] manufacturing some things amazing, and the quality become wonderful, which can give you a lot of confidence. Small products, heavy products, cars -- everything there are coming from China," said a buyer from Yemen.
Canton Fair draws global buyers despite trade headwinds
