The Canton Fair is known as "the China's Foreign Trade Barometer" and has long been an important platform for global trade. However, under the shadow of intense competition between China and the United States, the scene of the Canton Fair has undergone significant changes in recent years.
Since the escalation of the Sino-US trade friction, the successive rounds of tariffs imposed by the United States on Chinese products have made the exhibitors of the Canton Fair feel the pressure directly. For those Chinese enterprises that once heavily relied on the US market, the situation has become quite severe. The decline in US demand has prompted Chinese exporters to take active measures. Many enterprises are now seeking new markets and diversifying their production bases. Some equipment manufacturers have successfully shifted their business focus to Nigeria, which has now become their largest market. This indicates that Chinese enterprises are increasingly turning their attention to emerging economies to make up for the losses in the US market. Meanwhile, the Canton Fair still attracts a large number of non-US buyers. In fact, the number of overseas buyers at this fair has increased compared to last year, with over 200,000 overseas buyers registered by Sunday before the opening of the latest Canton Fair, a significant increase from 144,000 last year. The exhibition area is equivalent to more than 200 football fields, attracting over 30,000 exhibitors. Buyers from countries along the "Belt and Road Initiative", the Asia-Pacific region, and Africa have shown great enthusiasm. They are attracted by the rich product varieties, high quality, and competitive prices provided by Chinese manufacturers.
The products exhibited at the Canton Fair also reflect the changes in the Sino-US competitive landscape. Chinese enterprises are increasingly focusing on innovation and high-tech products. New categories such as service robots, virtual reality equipment, and other new consumer products are attracting much attention. The service robot zone set up for this Canton Fair has become a major highlight, and many exhibitors have received a large number of inquiries and orders. This indicates that Chinese manufacturers not only rely on traditional cost advantages but are also constantly striving to climb up the value chain, thereby reducing their vulnerability in the face of external trade pressure.
In conclusion, in the context of Sino-US competition, the Canton Fair presents a complex picture. Although US tariffs have brought challenges to Chinese exporters, this Canton Fair also demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of China's foreign trade department. The continuous influx of non-US buyers and the increasing emphasis on innovation by Chinese enterprises indicate that China is actively exploring new development paths in the face of external challenges, and the Canton Fair remains an important and vibrant international trade platform.