More than 220,000 overseas buyers have attended the first two phases of the Spring Canton Fair, a record high, with intended deals already topping two billion U.S. dollars.
The record turnout sends a clear message: despite tariff threats from the United States, the world still wants to trade with China. Its supply chain remains vital, and for many, simply irreplaceable.
The bi-annual fair, or China Import and Export Fair, long seen as a barometer of China’s foreign trade, entered its third and final session on Thursday.
From toys and clothing to baby goods and sports gear, lifestyle products are taking center stage.
Numerous overseas buyers attending the fair are reconnecting with long-time partners.
And it’s a timely return by dedicated and reliable partners.
It was only weeks ago that the U.S. launched a global trade war with sweeping tariffs on imports.
A manufacturer from east China’s Zhejiang Province, once relied heavily on U.S. buyers.
Now, those orders are on pause.
"When the tariffs were at 20 percent, U.S. clients would still try to work around it. But now, the new rates are just nonsense. Everyone’s waiting for clarity. But I'm not worried. Even without the U.S., we've got plenty of other markets," said Lyu Weichao, an exporter from Zhejiang.
While U.S. clients are sitting out, others are stepping in.
"We just entered but we are already overwhelmed," said a buyer from Tunisia.
"Talking about quality first, competitive prices, quantities that you are looking for, then you are in the right place," said a Saudi Arabian buyer.
Orders are pouring in from the Global South.
China’s affordable products and components are powering industrialization in these fast-growing markets.
And U.S. protectionism may be pushing them even closer.
"Also South Africa now is part of BRICS. It feels like we’ve been bullied around. We all hope it comes to an end very quickly so that we can resume to doing business fairly," said Matimu Hlungwani, a buyer from South Africa.
In a bid to support exporters, Canton Fair organizers have cut their rental fees by half.
Canton Fair sees record turnout amid tariff tensions
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
