Catenaa, Friday, April 18, 2025-US demand for Chinese exports has ground to a halt at the Canton Fair, as surging tariffs from Washington trigger panic among manufacturers and uncertainty across global markets.
Held for the first time since President Donald Trump’s sweeping 145% tariffs on Chinese goods took effect earlier this month, the country’s largest trade expo has become a reflection of economic strain.
More than 30,000 exporters gathered in Guangzhou, only to find that their largest customer base—American buyers—has largely disappeared.
“Goods cannot be exported and money cannot be collected. This is very severe,” said Candice Li, a medical device supplier whose company once relied on the US for nearly 70% of its revenue.
Many exhibitors echoed the sentiment. US orders have been delayed or outright frozen, putting countless deals on hold. Some Chinese firms are scrambling to diversify by shifting production to countries like Vietnam and the Philippines, though even these markets face growing tariff exposure.
Attendance from US and European buyers has also dropped sharply. Organizers reported just 10% participation from those regions, down from 20% in November.
As the fair runs through May 5, some Chinese exporters are eyeing alternative markets. One speaker manufacturer said Nigeria has replaced the US as its top buyer. But for many like Li, options are running out.
“If the situation remains deadlocked,” she warned, “the ones who will ultimately suffer are the ordinary people.”
