Canton Fair revenue fall suggests weaker Q4 export demand

China’s twice-yearly Import and Export Fair generated RMB179.2 billion in revenue this fall, 8.6% less than last fall’s fair, Reuters reported, citing a statement from the fair’s organizers. The event, popularly known as the Canton Fair, is China’s biggest trade exhibition and is seen as a forward indicator of demand for the country’s exports. Despite Beijing’s desire to pivot away from trade, analysts said strong export growth contributed significantly to China’s 7.3% growth in the third quarter from a year earlier.