2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for trade and business in China, with several significant fairs and events taking place in the coming months. As a leading provider of SCM services in China, I would like to take this opportunity to share some insights and information about these upcoming events and what you can expect from them.
CIFF
First up is the China International Furniture Fair (CIFF), scheduled to take place in Guangzhou from 18-31 March. Despite being able to host their 50th year in 2022, in 2023, they are opening up their events in two locations, with two dates 18-21 MARCH 2023 (phase 1) + 28-31 MARCH 2023 (phase 2). This event is one of the world’s largest and most frequented furniture fairs, and it’s an exciting opportunity for manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers to connect and conduct business. This year’s CIFF fair will feature a beautiful range of products, and organisers predict it will host 4,000 brands and 350,000 buyers across 700,000 sqm.
Canton Fair
Next is the Canton Fair – the ultimate trade show that, before Covid, brought businesses globally into Guangzhou for a period of 3-4 weeks. The first phase of the 133rd Canton Fair is scheduled to begin on April 15 and end on April 19. Phases two and three will run from April 23-28 and May 1-5, respectively. It has recently been announced that the 2023 Canton Fair Allows Participants from Abroad Post Zero-COVID. Those outside of China wishing to visit Guangzhou for the fair will need to apply for a Chinese visa.
The city comes abuzz with international trade when the Canton fair is on, and we are all looking forward to its return. This event is held twice a year in Guangzhou and is one of China’s oldest and most comprehensive trade fairs, starting as early as 1957. The Canton Fair is an excellent opportunity for businesses of all sizes to find new suppliers and buyers, with an excess of 25000 exhibitors attending in previous years. Additionally, it is the place to come if you want to learn about the latest trends and developments in the Chinese market. Held bi-annually in Spring and Autumn, this year’s Canton Fair will take place in April and October.
CIIE Fair
Looking towards the end of the year, The CIIE Fair, short for China International Import Expo, is another major event scheduled for 2023. This event is set to take place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai and is open to attendees this November. This fair began in 2018, and is seen as a key symbol of China opening up its vast consumer economy to foreign business. Therefore, the China International Import Expo has historically partnered with The World Trade Organization, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and United Nations Industrial Development Organization. Currently, they are ramping up their excitement as they gear their newsroom articles towards reopening the economy.
During his speech Xi Jinping said “The CIIE has become a showcase of China’s new development paradigm, a platform for high-standard opening-up, and a public good for the whole world”
Global Sources Fair
The Global Sources Fair is another important event in the Chinese trade calendar. This fair will be held in April in Hong Kong and will showcase an innovative array of international exhibitors in the Electronics sector. Exciting areas this year’s expo will focus on include Consumer Electronics & Components, Mobile Electronics, Smart Home & Appliances, Lifestyle & Fashion, Home & Kitchen, and registration is now open. Hong Kong will also be abuzz with the welcoming back of more businesses this year as the Covid restrictions have all but completely been removed.
Electronica China
Last but certainly not least, Electronica China is one of Asia’s most important trade fairs for electronic components, systems, applications and solutions. This trade fair will take place in Shanghai in April at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). Electronica China will showcase the latest technologies and innovations in the electronic industry, and exhibitor applications are now open. This fair has been an important fair to showcase the strength and depth of China’s supply chain, in particular for electronics.
In conclusion, these upcoming events in China are an exciting opportunity for businesses of all sizes to connect with Chinese suppliers, buyers, and partners. More than that, this reopening period marks an exciting time for China, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it. Remember, not all Covid restrictions have been lifted, you can stay up to date by reading out updated Returning to China Blog.
We hope to see you there and would be delighted to connect in person if you are attending any of these China fairs. If you are flying into China, get in touch for the latest tips!
