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Geopolitical Shifts Impact Canton Fair Attendance: A Surge from Africa and Latin America

The second phase of the Canton Fair, a global platform for import and export in China, revealed an interesting shift in its attendee demographics. According to a LinkedIn post by Billy Hu, CEO of Everok Group, the number of European and American guests has decreased significantly, primarily due to escalating geopolitical factors. One of the most striking concerns stems from the potential return of Donald Trump as the U.S. president within the next two months, which has made companies from the U.S. and Europe more cautious about their investments and procurement decisions.

It’s clear that geopolitical uncertainty, particularly in the West, has begun to influence the economic landscape. European and American companies are approaching the market with a hesitance that wasn’t as apparent in previous years. This caution likely stems from concerns about potential shifts in trade policies and economic sanctions, leading businesses to adopt a wait-and-see approach.

However, while the West appears to be stepping back, the opposite is happening in other regions. Mr. Billy Hu highlighted that there has been a noticeable increase in attendees from Africa and Latin America. Why the uptick? The answer lies in the steady economic recovery and strong market demand within these regions. For instance, African countries are expanding their need for infrastructure projects and consumer goods, driving more robust participation in international trade events like the Canton Fair. Similarly, Latin American nations are actively seeking to diversify their trade partnerships, reducing their historical reliance on North American and European markets.

Moreover, the deepening economic ties between China and these regions have played a pivotal role. Africa and Latin America are becoming more aligned with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which fosters enhanced trade and investment flows. This growing cooperation has made the Chinese market a key destination for African and Latin American companies, many of whom see the Canton Fair as a gateway to tap into new opportunities. The Fair offers them a unique platform to engage directly with Chinese suppliers, positioning themselves for long-term growth.

Hu’s observations highlight the importance of understanding these emerging trends. As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, so too does the face of global trade. Companies from Africa and Latin America are seizing the moment, turning challenges in the West into opportunities for their own economic development.

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