Core Insights - The 138th Canton Fair opened on October 15, attracting over 200,000 buyers from 217 export markets, showcasing its role as a barometer for China's foreign trade [1][2] - The fair introduced several innovative features, including a smart medical area, a tax refund service area, and an APP for registration, reflecting China's commitment to high-level openness [2][8] - Guangdong province, as the leading foreign trade province, reported a 4.2% year-on-year increase in foreign trade in the first eight months of this year, contributing 21% to the national total [1] Group 1 - The fair's exhibition area reached 1.55 million square meters, with a total of 74,600 booths and over 32,000 participating companies, setting historical records [4] - Approximately 3,600 companies are debuting at the fair, with over 10,000 high-quality enterprises recognized for their advanced technology and specialization [4] - The fair is expected to showcase over 1 million new products, with more than 600 new product launch events planned, reflecting a strong trend towards innovation and sustainability [4][5] Group 2 - The fair's international partnerships expanded to 227 global partners, covering 110 countries and regions, with a notable increase in pre-registered buyers from the EU, the US, and Belt and Road countries [7] - Major US companies, including Walmart and Target, continue to participate actively, indicating strong interest despite fluctuating tariff policies [7] - The fair has evolved from a purely export-focused event to include an import section, allowing foreign companies to showcase their products and explore opportunities in the Chinese market [7] Group 3 - New services introduced at the fair include a departure tax refund service and a mobile foreign language consultation service, enhancing the experience for international buyers [8] - The use of advanced technologies such as Bluetooth, Beidou, and 5G for navigation within the exhibition halls demonstrates a commitment to improving operational efficiency [8] - The fair also features a food festival to promote local cuisine, further enriching the cultural experience for attendees [8]