[Text/Observer Network Wang Kaiwen] On May 5, the offline exhibition of the 137th China Import and Export Commodities Fair (Canton Fair) concluded successfully in Guangzhou.

South China Morning Post noticed that despite the absence of most American buyers from China's largest trade fair, the order volume achieved at this session of the Canton Fair unexpectedly increased. The report stated that this was due to a record number of overseas exhibitors.

According to data from the China Foreign Trade Center, which organizes the fair, multiple indicators at this session of the Canton Fair have set historical records. As of May 4 (the same day), more than 288,900 overseas buyers from over 219 countries and regions attended the event, an increase of 17.3% compared to the 135th session of the Canton Fair; the number of attendees reached a new high. Additionally, 376 leading multinational procurement enterprises were present, also setting a new record. Furthermore, the on-site intended export transactions amounted to $25.44 billion, growing by 3%.

The Canton Fair is considered a "barometer" for China's foreign trade and manufacturing trends over the next six to nine months. Chinese exporters and analysts told South China Morning Post that the outstanding performance of this session of the Canton Fair was unexpected, boosting confidence in the export industry and enhancing public belief in China's ability to cope with its long-term trade war with the United States.

According to observations at the scene, the number of American exhibitors at this session of the Canton Fair was not significant.

As introduced by the China Foreign Trade Center, emerging markets remain the main source of visitors to the Canton Fair, with more than 187,400 buyers from countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, an increase of 17.4%, accounting for 64.9%. Their proportion of on-site intended export transactions exceeded 60%, being a key driver of transaction growth. Additionally, 51,862 buyers from Europe and America increased by 3.4%.

On May 2, 2025, during the third phase of the 137th Canton Fair, buyers were negotiating at the sports goods exhibition area. Visual China

David Wong, lecturer at Hong Kong恒生University, said, "In the long term, the Sino-US tariff war may accelerate China's adjustment of its export structure and gradually reduce its dependence on the US market."

Wong pointed out that the growth in transaction data at the Canton Fair indicates that the trend of buyers from emerging markets coming to China for procurement is strengthening, while also enhancing China's confidence in responding to the US tariff war.

Some exporters expressed concerns about the future, believing that the profit margins from orders in emerging markets are much lower than those from American clients and worried about the unpredictability of purchasing power in emerging markets.

Official data showed that this session of the Canton Fair attracted approximately 31,000 participating enterprises, including more than 30,000 enterprises participating in the export exhibition for the first time.

Previously reported by Hong Kong Ming Pao, many participating companies expressed hope to seize the opportunity of "ten thousand merchants gathering" to connect with markets such as Europe, ASEAN, Latin America, and the Middle East, reducing reliance on a single market.

It was noted that riding the wave of the recent domestic technology trend, this session of the Canton Fair saw an increase in technological content and established the "service robot special zone," attracting a large number of foreign buyers.

According to previous statements from the White House, tariffs on Chinese exports to the US have reached up to 245%. In response to these excessive tariffs, Chinese foreign trade enterprises are actively responding.

In Yiwu, which is also seen as a "barometer" for China's foreign trade, traders there have shown vitality and resilience amidst the Sino-US trade war. Recently, BBC reported after visiting Yiwu that they saw buyers from Africa and South America, sellers actively learning foreign languages to explore markets outside the US, and merchants rolling their eyes in disdain at Trump.

"We don't care about sales to the US; other countries also have money!" said Hu Tianqiang, an exporter of toys in Yiwu, who previously had around 20% to 30% of his business from the US. However, things are different now. "Currently, we mainly sell to South America and the Middle East. We're not short of money; we're very rich," he said.

BBC reported that most traders can already speak some English, and now they want to learn Spanish and Arabic to welcome more new buyers—this is a subtle but crucial sign of China's shift in trade relations.

Oscar, a trader from Colombia, said that the trade war initiated by the US has provided many opportunities for traders from other parts of the world. Now people feel that "doing business with China is very important, while doing business with the US isn't as important."

This article is an exclusive piece by Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7501235363357245978/

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