Canton Fair, autumn 2026: checking contacts after the fair
The 140th Canton Fair took place at the Pazhou complex in Guangzhou from 15 October to 4 November 2026, in three phases.
Phase 1 : October 15 - 19, 2026 · electronics and machinery. Phase 2 : October 23 - 27, 2026 · furniture and housewares. Phase 3 : October 31 - November 4, 2026 · clothing and toys.
The classic mistake is trying to close at the booth. The fair is for shortlisting, comparing and collecting samples, not for signing or wiring a deposit in the excitement of a demo. A price quoted in five minutes is no firm quote: it has to be tested against the real MOQ, payment terms, lead times and an approved sample. We leave with qualified leads and a ranking, never with a commitment made on impulse.
The fair is only a starting point. We arrive with a written brief and a short list of suppliers to see, not to wander. On a stand, the job is to tell the real manufacturer from the trader who resells: production lines, certifications and references all get tested standing, in front of the sample. That on-site sorting then drives the factory audit and quality control, which are won after the fair, not during it.
After the fair, verify the manufacturer’s identity before placing an order.