The 137th Canton Fair—widely recognized as the premier event for international trade—will open its doors on April 15th, 2025, in Guangzhou, China. Spanning three phases, this massive exhibition offers buyers and suppliers a chance to connect in person, explore new product innovations, and negotiate deals face-to-face. Whether you’re seeking low MOQ suppliers, exploring OEM and ODM production options, or aiming to optimize shipping from China to the US, the Canton Fair 2025 promises unparalleled opportunities to elevate your global sourcing strategy.
1. Canton Fair 2025 Dates & Phases
2. Why the Canton Fair Matters for Global Sourcing
3. Understanding MOQs, OEM, and ODM
4. Important Considerations for Shipping
5. 1688, Alibaba vs. AliExpress, and the Importance of Offline Sourcing
6. Where to Find Products for Western E-Commerce Platforms
7. Conclusion & Call to Action
The Canton Fair 2025 is split into three specialized phases, each showcasing different product categories:
• Phase 1 (April 15th – 19th):
Consumer Electronics & Information Products, Household Electrical Appliances, Spare Parts, Lighting Equipment, Electronic & Electrical Products, Hardware, Tools
• Phase 2 (April 23rd – 27th):
General Ceramics, Household Items, Kitchenware & Tableware, Weaving, Rattan & Iron Products, Gardening Products, Home Decorations, Festival Products, Gifts & Premiums, Glass Artware, Art Ceramics, Clocks, Watches & Optical Instruments, Building & Decorative Materials, Sanitary & Bathroom Equipment, Furniture
• Phase 3 (May 1st – 5th):
Home Textiles, Carpets & Tapestries, Men’s & Women’s Clothing, Underwear, Sports & Casual Wear, Furs, Leather, Downs & Related Products, Fashion Accessories & Fittings, Textile Raw Materials & Fabrics, Shoes, Cases & Bags, Food, Sports, Travel & Recreation Products, Medicines, Health Products & Medical Devices, Pet Products & Food, Toiletries, Personal Care Products, Office Supplies, Toys, Kids’ Wear, Children, Baby & Maternity Products
Collectively, these three phases host thousands of exhibitors, making the Canton Fair a one-stop destination for discovering ODM and OEM bags, corporate gift supplier services, and more. By attending, you’ll gain direct access to emerging market trends and meet potential manufacturing partners face-to-face.
1. Face-to-Face Verification
Rather than relying solely on emails or phone calls, the Canton Fair lets you meet suppliers in person. This makes it easier to inspect product quality, confirm manufacturing capabilities, and discuss customization needs on the spot.
2. Cost and Time Efficiency
With a massive range of exhibitors in one location, you can quickly compare backpack manufacturers in China, electronics producers, and corporate gift supplier options—all in a single trip.
3. Market Insights
By attracting buyers and sellers worldwide, the fair provides a panoramic view of consumer trends and emerging technologies. These insights can guide your product development and help you stay competitive in fast-evolving markets.
4. Brand Building
Whether you’re a start-up or an established brand, meeting manufacturers can lead to private labeling or ODM partnerships that set you apart. You’ll also discover new product categories to diversify your offerings.
5. Access to a Reliable China Sourcing Agent
Many businesses rely on a China sourcing agent to navigate supplier negotiations, conduct quality checks, and manage logistics. If you’re new to sourcing from China, partnering with a sourcing agent can help you streamline the entire process and avoid common pitfalls.
A critical aspect of successful sourcing for your TikTok Shop, Amazon store, DTC brand, or other e-commerce businesses is understanding MOQ meaning—the Minimum Order Quantity required by a supplier per product or SKU. Other vital considerations include prototyping speed and payment terms. While many manufacturers set an MOQ to ensure profitable production runs, a low MOQ can be a game-changer for smaller enterprises or brands testing new markets.
• Low MOQ: A lower purchase threshold is especially valuable if you’re exploring new market segments or want to limit financial risk.
• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): If you’re sourcing custom products—such as OEM bags, garments, or electronics—clarifying MOQ requirements early ensures your chosen materials, colors, and branding align with both your budget and long-term strategy.
• ODM (Original Design Manufacturer): ODM suppliers manage product design and manufacturing, enabling businesses to launch unique products more quickly and cost-effectively.
Having open discussions with suppliers about MOQs and customization options sets the foundation for smoother production processes and better working relationships.
Once you’ve negotiated with potential suppliers, think carefully about how shipping from China to the US (or other destinations) affects cost, timelines, and profitability.
1. Freight Methods
o Sea Freight: Generally the most cost-effective solution for large, heavy shipments, though it’s slower.
o Air Freight: Ideal for urgent or high-value shipments but comes at a higher price.
2. Documentation
Avoid delays or extra fees by ensuring all paperwork—including commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin—is complete and accurate.
3. Regulations and Tariffs
Keep track of changing trade policies that may influence your shipping costs from China to the US. Even small tariff adjustments can impact your bottom line.
4. Insurance and Tracking
Choose reputable freight forwarders with reliable tracking systems. Also consider insuring your goods to protect against damage or loss in transit.
5. Dropshipping
If you’re considering a dropshipping model, confirm whether your supplier offers direct fulfillment to your end customers. This arrangement can reduce inventory risks and simplify logistics.
Online marketplaces like 1688, Alibaba, and AliExpress are convenient for finding suppliers and comparing prices. However, many of the listings on these platforms can be trading companies or middlemen rather than direct factories. This can lead to communication issues, misrepresented product quality, or inflated costs.
To mitigate these risks, offline sourcing—particularly through trade shows like the Canton Fair—offers:
• Authenticity Checks: Verify a supplier’s manufacturing capabilities in person.
• Quality Assurance: Inspect product samples firsthand to confirm they meet your standards.
• Relationship Building: Conduct more effective face-to-face negotiations, leading to stronger long-term partnerships.
By attending the Canton Fair, you can validate information gathered online, reducing the likelihood of expensive sourcing mistakes.
For sellers on TikTok Shop, eBay, Amazon, or Shopify, combining the speed of online research with the credibility of offline sourcing is a powerful approach. While online platforms let you request quotes and compare supplier catalogs at a glance, an event like the Canton Fair offers the chance to vet product quality and authenticity in person—building trust in your supply chain.
Amazon Vendor Central and Vendor Central
If you plan on supplying Amazon directly, remember that Amazon Vendor Central—often shortened to Vendor Central—involves selling products wholesale to Amazon, as opposed to listing them as a third-party seller. The Canton Fair is an excellent place to find manufacturers who already meet Amazon’s strict quality and compliance requirements.
Expanding Your Catalog
After forming stable supplier relationships at the Canton Fair, confidently list new products—whether it’s OEM bags, electronics, or home goods—on your Shopify, eBay, or TikTok Shop storefront. With low MOQ arrangements, you can test the market without overcommitting, ensuring you keep pace with customer demand.
The Canton Fair 2025 offers an unparalleled platform to connect with genuine manufacturers, explore fresh product categories, and gain crucial insights into global markets. From negotiating MOQs, prices, and collaborations to exploring OEM or ODM solutions—and understanding shipping costs from China to the US—this expansive trade show can serve as an ideal launchpad for e-commerce sellers aiming to introduce new products.
Ready to streamline your sourcing strategy and maximize returns?
The herefh.com team will be at the trade show and would be happy to meet up for a coffee if you’ll be there too! We can help you plan your visit, navigate negotiations, and coordinate logistics—so you can focus on growing your business.
What part of the Canton Fair 2025 are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below!
