Published by ChinaMNC · Yunan

Yunfu at the 140th Canton Fair: What Foreign Founders Can Learn from a Manufacturing Hub

Yunfu companies leveraged the 140th Canton Fair to win orders and expand markets, showcasing the city's stainless steel kitchenware and green building materials industries. For foreign founders, this offers practical insights into China's manufacturing ecosystem and trade promotion strategies.

Yunfu's Canton Fair Participation: A Case Study for Foreign Founders

The 140th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), held in Guangzhou from October 15 to November 4, marked the 70th anniversary of the event and attracted global buyers. Among the participants was Yunfu, a city in Guangdong province known for its stainless steel kitchenware and green building materials. The Yunfu trade delegation comprised 45 companies (43 unique) with 118 booths, covering categories such as household appliances, auto parts, kitchenware, building and decorative materials, integrated housing, home decorations, food, and underwear. For foreign founders considering setting up operations in China, Yunfu's approach illustrates how local governments support export-oriented manufacturers and how foreign businesses can tap into these established industrial clusters.

Exhibiting at the Canton Fair: A Gateway to Global Markets

Yunfu's companies used the fair to showcase their products and connect with international buyers. For instance, Guangdong Master Group, a manufacturer of smart coffee machines, milk frothers, and grinders, attracted significant attention. A Malaysian buyer from a Belt and Road country expressed interest after seeing the product quality and safety features, leading to preliminary cooperation agreements. This highlights the opportunity for foreign founders to source or partner with Chinese manufacturers who are actively seeking international clients.

The fair also demonstrated the importance of product innovation and branding. Master Group's dedicated coffee brand zone showed its evolution from a single product to a full line, a strategy that can inspire foreign founders looking to differentiate in competitive markets.

Beyond the Booth: Factory Visits and Supply-Demand Matching

Yunfu went beyond exhibition halls by organizing factory visits for international buyers. On October 17, 80 buyers from 15 countries visited two leading companies in Xinxing County, inspecting production lines and showrooms for stainless steel kitchenware and metal manufacturing. Later that day, a matchmaking event connected these buyers with 70 local companies in green building materials and kitchenware. Buyers from Pakistan and other countries praised the quality and scale of the factories, underscoring the value of direct factory inspections for foreign founders evaluating suppliers.

Such events facilitate face-to-face negotiations on product specifications, supply capacity, customization, pricing, delivery, and certifications. Previous editions of this event resulted in intended orders worth USD 66.1 million, showing the potential for tangible outcomes.

Industrial Strength: Yunfu's Pillar Industries

Yunfu is China's largest production and export base for stainless steel kitchenware. Products from companies like Linkfair, Master, Denas, and Oya are sold in over 200 countries and regions. The city accounts for 40% of Guangdong's exports in this category and about 45% of the high-end stainless steel cookware market in Europe and America. In the first eight months of 2026, kitchenware exports reached RMB 2.42 billion, up 16.9% year-on-year, constituting 36.9% of Yunfu's total export value.

The stone and building materials sector is another highlight. With over 7,000 stone companies, Yunfu trades globally, offering more than 1,000 varieties of marble, granite, and artificial stone. In 2025, the green building materials industry's total output value reached RMB 72 billion. This year, Yunfu stone was selected as a regional brand in Guangdong's consumer goods resource pool, signaling a shift from selling materials to providing services and solutions.

Support Services: A Model for Foreign Founders

Yunfu's success at the Canton Fair was backed by a comprehensive service chain. On September 15, training sessions were held in Yuncheng District and Xinxing County for exhibitors, covering booth management, trade promotion, transaction statistics, and documentation. The Yunfu Commerce Bureau also planned the buyer matchmaking event to maximize the fair's spillover effects. For foreign founders, this demonstrates the level of government support available for trade activities and the importance of understanding local policies and procedures.

Trade Performance and Future Outlook

Yunfu's overall trade data reflects its strong export momentum. From January to August 2026, total imports and exports reached RMB 10.12 billion, up 22.8% year-on-year, ranking sixth in Guangdong. Trade with RCEP member countries amounted to RMB 2.31 billion, up 13.7%, making RCEP the city's largest trading partner for four consecutive years. The Canton Fair continues to serve as a platform for Yunfu companies to secure orders and expand into RCEP and global markets.

Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders

• Leverage trade fairs like the Canton Fair to connect with manufacturers and suppliers. Many Chinese companies are eager to establish international partnerships.
• Visit factories to verify production capabilities and quality. Local governments often organize matchmaking events that facilitate such visits.
• Understand industrial clusters like Yunfu's kitchenware and building materials sectors, which offer a deep supply chain and competitive advantages.
• Utilize government support for trade promotion, including training and matchmaking services, which can help navigate the Chinese market.
• Consider RCEP opportunities as a pathway to broader Asian markets, given Yunfu's strong trade ties with RCEP countries.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.