Trends and Opportunities in Global Sourcing
I’ve just returned from the 137th Canton Fair in Guangzhou, China, and wanted to share some key insights that could be valuable for your business and sourcing strategies.
Key Highlights
🌍 Record-Breaking International Participation
This edition saw an unprecedented turnout, with over 288,000 overseas buyers, a 17.3% increase from the previous session. Notably, 171,750 were first-time attendees, reflecting growing global interest in Chinese manufacturing.
📉 Navigating Trade Challenges
While the overall mood at the fair was positive, ongoing tariff changes continue to impact the U.S. market. Many exporters reported slower orders from U.S. buyers, prompting a strategic shift toward emerging markets in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
🩵 Fashion-Focused Innovation
One of the highlights for apparel and accessories sourcing was the increased focus on design-driven garment suppliers. More factories are now offering in-house design services, and support for small capsule collections. Additionally, there was a wider variety of trend-aligned fabrics (e.g. lightweight recycled blends, textured knits, garment-dyed finishes), which shows suppliers are keeping up with global fashion movements and not just offering basics.
🚀Looking Ahead
The next Canton Fair will take place from October 31 to November 4, 2025. If you’re planning to launch a new project or want to expand your supplier base, I can help you make the most of this opportunity by attending the fair on your behalf and sourcing reliable, high-quality suppliers tailored to your needs.
Feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss how we can work together for the upcoming edition.
Rocío Bordachar 