Canton Fair 2026: What China’s Biggest Trade Show Means for Car Importers

The 139th Canton Fair opened in Guangzhou on 15 April 2026, with Phase 1 running through 19 April and covering vehicles, new energy vehicles, motorcycles, and spare parts alongside electronics and machinery. For car importers across Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, understanding what happens at the Canton Fair matters — even if you are not attending.

What the Canton Fair is

The Canton Fair is the world’s largest trade exhibition, held twice yearly at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou. Phase 1 draws buyers from over 200 countries and connects them directly with Chinese manufacturers and exporters. For the automotive sector specifically, it is where new export partnerships are formed, pricing benchmarks are set, and new models enter the export pipeline.

Why it matters for used-car buyers

The vehicles showcased at the Canton Fair today are the new models that will enter the used market in two to four years. The strong showing of new energy vehicles and smart mobility solutions at the 2026 fair signals that the mix of Chinese used exports will shift significantly toward EVs and hybrids over the coming years. Petrol vehicles remain the dominant used export today, but the composition is clearly changing.

The planning signal

For importers placing orders now, this is useful intelligence. The petrol used vehicles available today — Toyota, Volkswagen, BMW, Nissan, Honda, and Chinese domestic brands — represent strong value at current export prices. Sourcing now locks in pricing before the shift in supply composition accelerates.

Autoimport Africa keeps a close watch on these market signals so you do not have to. Tell us your country and budget and we will recommend the right vehicles to source while pricing is favourable. Start at autoimport.africa.