**Guangzhou**: The 137th Canton Fair opened with 31,000 exhibitors and 200,000 overseas buyers, including Walmart and Tesco, showcasing China’s manufacturing resilience amid global trade tensions. Highlights include advanced robotics and ongoing reliance on Chinese supply chains despite geopolitical uncertainties.
The 137th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, commenced on Tuesday in Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong Province in South China. Recognised as China’s largest trade show, the event this year features an impressive 31,000 exhibitors and has attracted around 200,000 overseas buyers. Notably, prominent international retailers such as Walmart, Carrefour, Tesco, and Metro are among the attendees despite ongoing trade tensions between China and the United States.
The Guangzhou-based event is taking place amid a backdrop of global trade frictions but has been marked by a general atmosphere of resilience from participating businesses worldwide. State-run media have noted that exhibitors are focusing on showcasing cutting-edge innovations and adapting to changing market dynamics, signalling an optimistic approach to commerce despite geopolitical uncertainties.
One of the highlights of this year’s fair is the introduction of a Service Robots Zone located in Area D. In this section, companies such as Hangzhou Yushu Technology Co., Ltd. demonstrated advanced humanoid robotics, including their G1 model, indicating strong strides in technological development within the manufacturing sector.
Several international buyers, speaking to state-run media, expressed continued reliance on Chinese products despite efforts in some quarters to diversify supply chains. A US supplier emphasised, “Even when sourcing from other countries, the goods are often still manufactured in China. Whether the tariff is included or the goods are imported from elsewhere, American importers and consumers will ultimately bear the costs.” The supplier further stated that Chinese-made appliances like air conditioners maintain a uniquely competitive price-to-performance ratio, making them difficult to replace in global markets.
The Global Times, a Chinese media outlet, also reported comments from various global suppliers highlighting China’s position as a hub with “the world’s most comprehensive supply chain” capable of producing low-cost electronics and a wide array of home goods. A German buyer interviewed at the event echoed that sentiment, noting that “Chinese goods are hard to replace” and pointing out that ongoing trade disputes have introduced uncertainty into global markets.
The report highlighted the complexity and time involved in restructuring global supply chains, whether through friend-shoring or reshoring initiatives. While there is a push in some countries to move production closer to home or to allied nations, many industries are reliant on China and neighbouring Southeast Asian countries as intermediate suppliers for certain goods.
The attendance of Walmart at the fair serves as a clear indication of the improbability of a total separation—or decoupling—between the United States and China in trade relations. Analysts suggest that while the US may prioritise reshoring critical supply chains in sectors such as semiconductors, rare earth minerals, drones, and robotics, China is likely to continue its dominance in manufacturing in areas like footwear and luxury handbags.
Looking ahead, the report stated that America’s strategic focus for the coming decade should be on expanding the domestic production capacity of advanced manufacturing sectors, particularly drones, robotics, and semiconductor chips, to maintain competitive advantages in technology and national defence.
In summary, the 137th Canton Fair in Guangzhou has underscored the sustained interconnectedness of global trade with China playing a central role. The event’s scale and the participation of major international buyers reflect a complex trade environment where economic partnerships endure despite political and tariff pressures.
Source: Noah Wire Services
