Visitors attend the 138th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on Oct 15. [Photo/WeChat account: jxfabu]

The 138th China Import and Export Fair, known as the Canton Fair, is being held in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province, from Oct 15 to Nov 4, drawing global attention as a barometer of China's foreign trade.

Among its 32,000 exhibitors, Jiaxing in East China's Zhejiang province stood out with a record 584 companies and 1,061 booths — a six percent increase from the previous session.

The fair is divided into three phases. The first phase, Oct 15 to 19, highlights household appliances, electronics, tools, and machinery with 296 booths. The second phase, Oct 23 to 27, will feature 148 booths focused on building materials, bathroom products, furniture, and home goods. The third phase, Oct 31 to Nov 4, is set to display textiles, clothing, and luggage across 617 booths.

This year's Canton Fair also revealed shifting market trends. With more global partners and rising participation from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, Jiaxing companies are expanding beyond Europe and North America to enter emerging markets.

Innovation and customization have become key highlights for Jiaxing exhibitors. Zhejiang YAT Electric Appliance introduced a smart unmanned lawn mower powered by its proprietary platform, while Jiaxing Jinrisheng Tools displayed customized jacks and RV roofs tailored to European and Australian markets. Companies like Yinmao Import & Export are also adopting dual-track models combining small-batch ready stock with large-scale customization to meet diverse global demands efficiently.