Canton Fair Records Drop in Number of Exhibitors

October 21, 2013

The largest trade fair in China, the 114th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), opened on 15th October at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou this year.

The Canton Fair is held twice each year, and according to media reports, this is the first year since the global financial crisis to record a drop in exhibitor numbers at both editions. The drop is attributed to a subdued global economy and weaker currencies in emerging marketsversus the yuan. A total of 24,517 exhibitors attended the autumn edition of Canton Fair – down 229 and the largest decrease since the drop of 237 exhibitors was recorded during the global financial crisis in 2009. The Canton Fair organiser also estimates a 10% drop in overseas buyers to 188,145.

China’s exports alsofell 0.3% year-on-year in September after rebounding in July and August. Additionally, exports to Southeast Asia fell to a 17-month low. Surveyed Canton Fair buyers and exhibitors are expecting the yuan to further strengthen in the next 12 months which will further negatively affect buying sentiment.

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