Canton Fair sees fewer buyers, shrinking turnover

China's largest trade fair on Wednesday concluded its 118th session in the southern province of Guangdong with fewer buyers and transactions, mirroring tough export prospects for China.

The biannual China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, is seen as a barometer of China's exports.

This session was attended by 177,000 buyers, down 4.6 percent from last year. Its transaction volume reached 171 billion yuan (27 billion U.S. dollars), down 7.4 percent, said spokesman Xu Bing.

Despite an overall decline, the number of buyers from developed economies and Belt and Road countries remained stable, said Xu.

Its 117th session, which ended in May 5, was attended by 184,801 buyers with a transaction volume of 172 billion yuan.

The Canton Fair is held every spring and autumn.