Hot Sectors Stand Out at Phase 1 of the 140th Canton Fair

GUANGZHOU, Oct.19 — Green energy, industrial automation & robotics, smart home appliances, new energy vehicles and electrical lighting emerged as the most sought-after sectors during Phase 1 of the 140th Canton Fair, which ran from October 15 to 19 with the theme of advanced manufacturing.

The five-day session drew 189,000 overseas buyers from 214 countries and regions, a year-on-year rise of 13.3%. Purchasers prioritized low-carbon, AI-integrated and turnkey solutions instead of only standalone hardware products.

New energy and energy storage topped the buyer wishlist. Residential balcony PV systems, portable energy storage, inverters and distributed solar solutions attracted heavy inquiries, especially from Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. Exhibitors reported strong interest in compact, easy-to-install green power kits for household and off-grid use, reflecting global demand for affordable renewable energy hardware.

Industrial automation and service robots remained a major highlight. The dedicated robot zone showcased collaborative robots, dexterous robotic grippers, inspection robots and AI service robots. Many buyers from manufacturing, logistics and agriculture looked for flexible automation systems to cut labour costs and upgrade production lines. AI-enabled equipment and smart sensors were among the most frequently negotiated items.

New energy vehicles and smart mobility also drew large crowds. Exhibitors displayed electric two-wheelers, EV parts, wireless charging modules and intelligent connected vehicle components. Buyers from emerging markets focused on cost-effective, durable mobility products and after-sales support packages.

Smart home appliances and consumer electronics continued to maintain steady momentum. Flagship models with energy-saving controls, IoT connectivity and multi-language smart control functions were well received. Many home appliance suppliers shifted their offering from single units to customised whole-house smart solutions.

Smart lighting, electrical equipment and intelligent power management formed another hot track. Integrated lighting systems paired with energy monitoring platforms matched the global push for building energy efficiency. Smart power distribution components and low-voltage electrical products saw active order discussions from engineering and importer buyers.

Industry observers noted a clear trend: buyers are increasingly chasing products combining AI, green credentials and full after-sales service. More exhibitors are delivering “product + solution” packages rather than simple OEM supply.

Phase 1 set the tone for the full fair. Phase 2 (Oct 23–27) will focus on home and lifestyle goods, while Phase 3 (Oct 31–Nov 4) covers consumer, health and leisure products, closing on November 4.