Canton Fair enters second phase, showcases home-living products

China

Canton Fair enters second phase, showcases home-living products

2026-04-23 15:27 Last Updated At：18:47

Phase Two of the 139th China Import and Export Fair, or Canton Fair, opened Wednesday in south China's Guangzhou, as the world's largest trade fair enters its home-living showcase.

The five-day segment, running April 23 till 27, focuses on building materials, furniture, household goods and decorations, highlighting China's push to showcase its home living and lifestyle industries.

The Canton Fair runs from April 15 till May 5 in three phases, each highlighting categories from advanced manufacturing to home living and lifestyle products. Covering 1.55 million square meters, the fair features 75,700 booths and more than 32,000 enterprises, including about 3,900 first time exhibitors.

At 09:00, a vibrant opening ceremony for the second phase was held, with performances of dragon and lion dances captivating the crowd.

Green empowerment is a key highlight at Phase Two, with biodegradable tableware and fully recyclable composites drawing buyers as low-carbon goods emerge as a new hallmark of China's foreign trade.

An increasing number of Chinese exhibitors in sectors from ceramics to aluminum are leading or joining the drafting of international standards, underscoring their rising global influence.

The fair features new products including AI-powered swimming pools and smart grills, while a newly established fashion accessories zone drew buyers with freshwater pearls and heritage crafts highlighting oriental aesthetics.

Notably, 195 global companies have confirmed buyer delegations for Phase Two, with organizers arranging targeted matching events to connect suppliers and purchasers.

Established in 1957, the Canton Fair is the longest-running of several comprehensive international trade events in China, and has been hailed as the barometer of China's foreign trade.

Iran's FM says signing of MoU with US possible within few days

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Friday night that the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States to end the war could take place within the next few days.

In an interview with state-run IRIB TV, Araghchi said that upon finalized, the MoU will be signed digitally by both sides in their respective countries and then announced. He added that following the potential signing, both parties will commit not to initiate any other war, and will begin the second stage of negotiations, scheduled within a 60-day period, to reach a final agreement, focusing mainly on Iran's nuclear program and sanctions removal.

He stressed that Tehran insists that the only acceptable way of dealing with its highly enriched uranium will be diluting it within Iranian territory.

Araghchi also said that the potential MoU would include provisions for ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, requiring Israel to withdraw from the occupied areas.

Other key issues in the MoU include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the full lifting of the U.S. anti-Iran naval blockade, and the release of Iran's frozen assets, he noted.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said its management will definitely not to return the pre-war era. While Iran will retain sovereignty and a military presence, a legal system consistent with international law will be established, he said.

He ruled out tolls for passage but noted that charging service fees will be reasonable.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States had "just made a great settlement of the war with Iran," with an agreement expected "over the next few days."

Over recent weeks, Iran and the United States have exchanged several peace proposals through Pakistan's mediation, and have been working to finalize an MoU to end the war.