Guangzhou Sourcing GuideThe 127th Canton Fair (Spring 2020)
Online only · 15–24 June 2020 · Guangzhou, China
What happened
- The first fully online Canton Fair in its history, held 15 to 24 June 2020 instead of the usual April dates.
- Exhibitors presented products through images, video and 3D rather than physical booths.
- It set the template for the five cloud editions that followed.
Session overview
The 127th Canton Fair took place in spring 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the pandemic disrupted global trade, this edition was significantly affected, with reduced buyer attendance and adapted formats. The fair remained an important platform for Chinese exporters to connect with international buyers, even under challenging conditions.
For buyers reviewing this edition, the key context is the pandemic's impact on attendance and deal volume. The 127th session represents the beginning of a challenging period for global trade, with the Canton Fair adapting its format and operations in response. Understanding this context helps interpret the attendance figures and deal outcomes for this edition.
Buyer context
The attendance figures reflect the fair's global reach and the level of buyer interest in sourcing from Chinese suppliers at this edition. Comparing attendance across editions helps buyers understand the trajectory of the Canton Fair and the broader trends in international sourcing.
For buyers planning to attend future editions, the attendance figures provide a benchmark for understanding the scale and competitiveness of the fair. Higher attendance generally indicates stronger buyer interest and a wider range of suppliers to choose from, while lower attendance may reflect external factors such as travel restrictions or economic conditions.
Held 15-24 June 2020 instead of the usual April dates.
Source
CCTV | 127th Canton Fair held online 15-24 June, official Canton Fair publication, checked 2026-10-23. Original headline: 央视网 | 第127届广交会6月15日至24日网上举办