Canton Trade Fair 2026: A Complete Guide for African Importers, Retailers, and e-commerce Sellers
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Clare Shi
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If you’re doing research on how to source wholesale from 1688.com, you may have a few questions such as:
If you’re doing research on how to source wholesale from 1688.com, you may have a few questions such as:
If you’re doing research on how to source wholesale from 1688.com, you may have a few questions such as:
If you import products from China, whether for your retail store, e-commerce business in Africa, or wholesale operation, the Canton Trade Fair (also called the China Import and Export Fair) is one event you can’t afford to miss.
Held twice a year in Guangzhou, China, the Canton Fair is one of the world’s largest trade exhibitions, connecting global buyers with verified Chinese suppliers across every imaginable industry.
For importers, the opportunity is clear: you can meet factories directly, compare products in person, and negotiate better prices face to face.
This guide covers everything African business owners need to know before attending the Canton Trade Fair 2026–from event details and registration to budgeting, supplier selection, and how to pay suppliers securely using WorldFirst.
What is the Canton Trade Fair?
The Canton Fair, also called the China Import and Export Fair, is one of the world’s largest B2B trade exhibitions. It’s held twice annually in Guangzhou (also known as Canton) and brings together thousands of manufacturers and global buyers across dozens of product categories.
In 2026, the spring session runs from April 15 to May 5, over three phases, each focusing on specific product categories.
The 139th Canton Fair (Spring Session 2026)
- Dates:
– Phase 1: April 15 – 19, 2026
– Phase 2: April 23 – 27, 2026
– Phase 3: May 1 – 5, 2026
- Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
The 140th Canton Fair (Autumn Session 2026)
- Dates:
– Phase 1: October 15 – 19, 2026
– Phase 2: October 23 – 27, 2026
– Phase 3: October 31 – November 4, 2026
- Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Note: The above schedule follows the traditional pattern. Please check the official Canton Fair website closer to the date for confirmation and any changes.
Spanning 1.1 million square meters, the Canton Fair is Asia’s largest exhibition complex with thousands of booths featuring products from more than 200,000 manufacturers.
Why African importers & e-commerce sellers should attend
Cut out middlemen, reduce markups
Many African importers depend on agents or online sourcing services, which inflate prices. Meeting factory owners and wholesalers face-to-face gives you more leverage and possibly direct pricing.
Inspect products on the spot
You can physically touch and test samples and compare similar products side by side to help you choose the right supplier.
Negotiate better terms
You can discuss MOQs (minimum order quantities), extended payment terms, or customization directly with the suppliers and show your sincerity.
Source trending products before others
You’ll get early access to new SKUs or trending items, enabling you to differentiate your product catalog in Africa.
Build supplier trust
Face-to-face interactions help build long-term relationships (“guanxi”). Suppliers may prioritize orders, offer better terms, or accommodate customization once they know you personally.
How to attend the Canton Fair from Nigeria, Africa
Take Nigeria in Africa as an example:
1. Register online and request an invitation
Go to the Canton Fair’s Buyer E-service platform and register as an overseas buyer. Submit your company credentials and passport details.
Request an e-invitation letter, which you’ll use for your Chinese business visa.
2. Obtain your Chinese visa
As a Nigerian, you’ll need a business visa (M visa). You’ll submit:
- Valid passport
- Invitation letter from the Canton Fair
- Flight & hotel bookings
- Completed visa application and photo
- Proof of financial capacity (bank statement)
Apply at the Chinese Embassy in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos. Turnaround times can vary, so apply several weeks in advance.
3. Obtain a buyer badge
Once your invitation is approved, you can pre-register for your Buyer Badge (entry pass). It’s often free if done online. At the fair, you’ll use this badge to enter. Badge collection counters are at the venue.
4. Plan for which phases and halls to visit
Match your product categories to the phases. Use the official catalogs or exhibitor lists to find supplier hall numbers. Prioritize top suppliers and block your schedule in advance.
5. Travel logistics
Book flights to Guangzhou (via connecting hubs) and stay near the Pazhou complex to reduce commuting time. Note that direct flights are not currently available between Nigeria and China. Most travelers fly via Doha or Addis Ababa. Qatar Airways offers flights from Lagos to Guangzhou with a stopover in Doha.
How to find the right supplier at the Canton Trade Fair for your African business
Here are the top tips to find the right supplier when you are at the Canton Trade Fair
Step 1: Finalise your sourcing goals
Before setting foot in the massive Canton Fair halls, you need a clear plan for what you want to achieve.
Ask yourself:
- Are you trying to cut costs by buying in bulk at lower unit prices?
- Do you want flexibility to test smaller, customized orders?
- Are you looking for quality and certification to meet export or compliance standards?
- Or do you want to find innovative factories with strong R&D capabilities?
At the Canton Fair, you’ll mostly interact with two categories of suppliers:
Factories
Factories own their production lines. They offer direct prices, better control over quality, and larger production capacity. However:
- They often have higher Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)
- They may have less flexibility with customization
- They prefer clear contracts and fast payments
Trading companies
These companies act as middlemen between factories and buyers. Their pros include:
- Lower MOQs and more product variety
- Easier to negotiate small or mixed orders
- More open to customization
But there’s, of course, the trade-off with slightly higher pricing since they add their margins.
Step 2: Create a game plan
The Canton Fair is massive, spread across multiple buildings and over 1.5 million square meters of exhibition space. If you wander aimlessly, you’ll waste valuable time.
Here’s how to plan your visit strategically:
Match your business to the right phase: Each phase covers specific product categories. Make sure you attend the one relevant to your products.
Build a shortlist of suppliers: Use the Canton Fair’s online exhibitor directory to identify potential suppliers in advance. Note down their booth numbers and hall locations.
Make a daily schedule: Focus on top-priority suppliers in the first two days, then use later days to explore new booths and follow up on promising leads.
Step 3: Consider a translator or translation tools
Most suppliers at the Canton Fair have at least one English-speaking representative, but when discussing technical details or contract terms, language barriers can still cause confusion.
Your options include:
- Booking a translator through the Canton Fair’s official service (do this early because translators get booked fast).
- Hiring freelance translators via local agencies or online platforms.
- Use translation apps like Alibaba Translate or Google Translate for quick conversations.
Step 4: Stack up on business cards
Business cards are a must at the Canton Fair. It’s the traditional and professional way of exchanging contact details in China.
Make sure your card includes:
- Your full name and company name
- Job title
- Email address
- Phone number
- WeChat ID (most Chinese suppliers prefer WeChat over email)
When receiving a business card, use both hands and glance at it respectfully. The small gesture makes a great impression in Chinese business culture.
Step 5: Download essential Chinese apps
China uses its own digital ecosystem. Many global apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, or Instagram are blocked. Install these local apps before you travel:
- Alipay: You can link your card to pay for meals, taxis, or small deposits to suppliers.
- WeChat: The universal communication tool in China. It’s essential for chatting with suppliers, sharing documents, or scheduling meetings.
- DiDi: China’s version of Uber, which is convenient for booking taxis.
- Amap / Baidu Maps: Local navigation apps that help you navigate through the cities
Metroman China: Helps you discover metro lines and train schedules in major cities.
Step 6: Learn a few Chinese phrases
While English is widely used at the fair, knowing a few basic Chinese greetings can go a long way in building rapport.
Examples:
- Hello: 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
- Thank you: 谢谢 (Xièxiè)
- How much?: 多少钱 (Duō shǎo qián?)
- Very good: 很好 (Hěn hǎo)
Step 7: Negotiate the best deals
Negotiation is where the Canton Fair really pays off. You’re face-to-face with factory owners, so you have more leverage than through online chats.
Here’s how to negotiate effectively:
Price: Never accept the first quote. Suppliers expect bargaining. Compare prices across multiple factories before making a decision.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): If the MOQ feels high, ask if they can reduce it for your first order. Many suppliers are open to smaller test orders if they see long-term potential.
Payment terms: Negotiate for a lower upfront deposit (for example, a 30% deposit and 70% before shipment).
Shipping: Ask questions about delivery timelines and if they can handle end-to-end shipping for you.
Samples: Always test samples before committing to large orders. Use the Fair to inspect materials, durability, and packaging quality firsthand.
Step 8: Compare supplier options carefully
With thousands of booths and products, it’s tempting to make decisions on the spot. But resist the urge — take time to compare.
Here’s how to stay organized:
- Collect business cards, brochures, and product catalogs from every meeting
- Jot down short notes on the back of cards
- Create a simple spreadsheet comparing suppliers by price, MOQ, delivery time, certifications, and responsiveness
- Shortlist your top 3-5 options per product type
- If you find a promising factory, ask if they allow factory visits after the Fair
You can also continue your search on 1688.com or Alibaba for additional backup suppliers if needed.
Step 9: Plan for smooth international payments
Once you’ve found your ideal supplier, the next step is sending payment securely and efficiently.
Most Chinese suppliers prefer to be paid in Chinese Yuan (CNY) or US Dollars (USD). But for African businesses, sending international transfers through local banks can mean:
- Slow processing time
- High transfer fees
- Poor exchange rates
- Possible intermediary charges
With WorldFirst’s World Account, you can make same-day transfers (cut-off times apply) at competitive exchange rates, which helps build trust, especially when you’re partnering with a new supplier for the first time. You can pay Chinese suppliers in USD or CNH, based on their preference, and make sure the payments always reach on time
By setting virtual currency accounts in CNH or USD (or 15+ other supported currencies), you can convert and hold funds when exchange rates are favourable, and make direct payments to suppliers when required.
Your supplier receives the exact agreed amount you pay, and you get full visibility into your FX conversions and payments in one place, making it easier to manage cash flow after the fair.
→ Action step: Before the fair, open a World Account so you’re ready to pay suppliers quickly and confidently when you find the right match.
With WorldFirst, you can:
- Open a World Account in minutes
- Create virtual currency accounts in CNY or USD–and 15+ other currencies
- Hold and convert funds when rates are favourable
- Make same-day supplier payments (cut-off times apply)
- Enjoy transparent FX rates and lower transfer fees
- Track all your transactions from one dashboard
If you also sell on Amazon or global marketplaces, you can collect USD directly into your World Account and use those same funds to pay your Chinese suppliers. This eliminates double conversions and unnecessary FX losses.
Take a trip to Canton
When you arrive with a clear sourcing plan, know what questions to ask, and have a trusted payment solution like WorldFirst, you’re already ahead of most buyers at the Canton Trade Fair.
Face-to-face meetings help you secure better prices, assess product quality, and form long-term partnerships. And with the right global payment setup, you can close deals faster, build trust, and protect your margins.
The next big supplier relationship that transforms your Nigerian business could begin in Guangzhou.
→ Open a World Account today to get ready for secure, same-day payments to your Canton Fair suppliers and start building your global supply chain with confidence.
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