The first phase of the 140th Canton Fair closed on Oct. 19. Focused on advanced manufacturing, it showcased upstream-downstream coordination across industrial chains and the commercialization of technological innovation.
Known as a barometer of China's foreign trade, this year's fair has drawn crowds of buyers and strong demand on both sides. On the show floor, Chinese products in computing power and energy storage proved especially popular with overseas buyers and have become a new engine of export growth.
At the booths of computing power server cabinets, stream after stream of overseas buyers stopped to inquire. One company brought 2,000 product catalogs and more than half had been taken within three days; many buyers arrived with project lists to check equipment configurations and delivery schedules on the spot.
"The hall is closing and we have to leave, but the overseas client keeps saying 'let's talk more.' He was waiting here this morning before we even arrived," said buyer Wang Lei.
Global demand for computing power and power infrastructure is drawing more Chinese companies into overseas projects. In the energy storage zone, one company connected with more than 100 qualified prospective clients within two days of opening. Rather than selling single units, companies are increasingly providing integrated solutions as buyers arrive with data-center construction plans.
"We hope to work with suppliers on localized customized design and build long-term, stable partnerships," said Indian buyer Manish.
From cabinets and cooling equipment to power distribution units and cables, Chinese suppliers for nearly every component of a data center can be found at the fair. The complete supply chain is lengthening buyers' shopping lists.
"It is hard to find a product supply as rich as China's; at the Canton Fair you can connect with the entire supply chain. Chinese companies offer stable delivery cycles and controllable costs, saving us a lot of time and money," said Romanian buyer Razvan.
The enthusiasm is reflected in the data. In the first three quarters, China's exports of integrated circuits rose 99.1 percent, computer parts and accessories 2.1 times, storage components such as solid-state drives 1.3 times, and data processing equipment such as servers 7.2 percent. Rising global electricity demand also boosted exports of transformers and batteries.
"China's complete industrial system can both meet large-scale global procurement and respond to the individualized needs of different countries and customers. More companies are now taking part in the design, construction and operation of overseas data centers, telecom networks and new energy plants -- shifting from delivering products to delivering capability," said Liu Chun of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products.
The fair's circle of friends is also expanding. In the first three quarters, China's trade grew with more than 180 countries and regions, and imports and exports with free trade partners rose 30 percent. Brazilian buyer Andre said his delegation now numbers 300 people, up from 100 to 150 in earlier years.
