Canton Fair Autumn 2026: What to Source in Each Phase (Dates and Categories)
Short answer
The 140th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) runs at the Pazhou complex in Guangzhou in three phases: Phase 1 from 15 to 19 October 2026 (electronics, appliances, lighting, machinery, hardware, tools, vehicles and new energy), Phase 2 from 23 to 27 October 2026 (building materials, furniture, household goods, kitchenware, ceramics, gifts and home decor), and Phase 3 from 31 October to 4 November 2026 (textiles, garments, footwear, bags, toys, baby and pet products, personal care, health, food and office supplies). Pick the phase that matches your product category.
Key takeaways
- ✓Choose your phase by product category, not by convenience.
- ✓Register as a buyer online in advance to save time at the venue.
- ✓Go with a written spec and target price so booth conversations are useful.
- ✓Treat booths as a shortlist; verify and audit factories after the fair.
The three phases at a glance
| Phase | Dates (2026) | Main categories |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 15 to 19 October | Consumer electronics, home appliances, lighting, machinery, hardware and tools, vehicles and spare parts, new energy |
| Phase 2 | 23 to 27 October | Building and decoration materials, bathroom, furniture, household goods, ceramics, kitchenware and tableware, gardening, home decor, gifts |
| Phase 3 | 31 October to 4 November | Textiles and garments, footwear, bags and cases, toys, baby and maternity, pet products, personal care, health and medical devices, food, office and sports |
The exact sector list per phase is published by the organiser and can shift between sessions, so check the official Canton Fair website before you book flights.
Which phase fits your business?
- Electronics or lighting brand: Phase 1. Combine with factory visits in Shenzhen or Guzhen (Zhongshan).
- Furniture, homeware, kitchenware or gifts: Phase 2. Foshan furniture factories and Chaozhou ceramics are within reach.
- Fashion, abayas, bags, shoes, toys, beauty or baby products: Phase 3. Plan side trips to Shantou for toys or Guangzhou for cosmetics.
- Mixed retailer: pick the phase with your biggest category and use remote sourcing for the rest.
Want your product made, inspected and delivered without the risk?
Husbar China Line verifies factories, negotiates for you, arranges on-site inspection before you pay the balance, and manages freight to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Request a China Line consultationBefore you go
- Register for the buyer badge online through the official site.
- Check your visa requirements for China and book hotels near Pazhou early.
- Prepare a one-page spec per product, with target quantities and prices.
- Bring business cards and a simple way to record booth notes and photos.
- Read our booth checklist: questions to ask suppliers at Canton Fair.
Cannot travel? Source the fair remotely
Husbar's China Line team can walk the halls for you, shortlist booths against your brief, collect samples and follow up with factory audits. Our main Canton Fair 2026 guide covers travel and logistics. To have us source the fair for you, request a China Line consultation.
When is the Canton Fair in autumn 2026?+
The 140th session runs in three phases: 15 to 19 October, 23 to 27 October, and 31 October to 4 November 2026, in Guangzhou.
Which Canton Fair phase is for furniture?+
Furniture is in Phase 2 (23 to 27 October 2026), along with household goods, kitchenware, ceramics and home decor.
Which phase is for clothing and toys?+
Phase 3 (31 October to 4 November 2026) covers textiles, garments, footwear, bags, toys, baby products and personal care.
Are all Canton Fair exhibitors factories?+
No. Many are trading companies. Verify each supplier's business licence and audit the factory before ordering.
Sources
- China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) official website, cantonfair.org.cn.
- Husbar China Line Canton Fair sourcing projects.
Team Husbar
Husbar Editorial
Team Husbar is the strategy, psychology and research team at Husbar, a psychology-led growth agency headquartered in Dubai. Together we have worked with 100+ brands over 10+ years.
Want your product made, inspected and delivered without the risk?
Husbar China Line verifies factories, negotiates for you, arranges on-site inspection before you pay the balance, and manages freight to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
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