October in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, means one thing: the Canton Fair is back! The 138th China Import and Export Fair took over a staggering 1.55 million m² of exhibition space, packed with 74,600 booths and 32,000 companies. 🌏
What makes this year special? It’s less about sheer size and more about a tech glow-up. From what was once all about "leading in scale," China is now "pacing in technology" and "leading in application," showing off its confidence on the global stage. 🎉
Building a solid foundation for foreign trade 🚢
This year’s first phase focused on "Advanced Manufacturing," spotlighting electronics, home appliances, industrial equipment, vehicles and two-wheelers. Zones like "Smart Life" and "Service Robots" drew nonstop crowds. Over 5,500 specialized companies joined in—half of them are national high-tech champs or niche "little giants." 💡
Big names like Haier, Midea and Gree shared the floor with fresh AI unicorns, creating a full-cycle ecosystem led by industry giants but fueled by small and medium innovators. As one German manager put it, "The Canton Fair is not only the core pillar of our procurement strategy, but an important catalyst for driving industry change." 🚀
Innovation drives the next leap 🤖
Robots and AI stole the show, proving China’s shift from "products going overseas" to "technology going overseas." From submillimeter-precise surgical robots to coffee-making barista bots and power-washing physiotherapist machines, Chinese ingenuity is leveling up. 👩⚕️☕️
Shenzhen Yuejiang Technology reported its collaborative robots have reached over 100 markets, with exports up 50% in 2024 and service-robot revenue soaring 165.5% year-on-year. That’s backed by China holding the second-largest share of global industrial robot exports. 📈
AI is also giving traditional industries a makeover. Think AI-powered smart glasses, next-gen white goods and TVs that turn binge-watching into an interactive experience. "AI+" is the secret sauce powering China’s manufacturing evolution. 👓📺
From factory floors to virtual shows, the 138th Canton Fair proves China’s journey up the value chain is unstoppable. Stay curious, amigos—big things are coming! ✨
Reference(s):
138th Canton Fair: China's assured advance in global value chains
cgtn.com
