Amid the escalating U.S. tariff war, the Canton Fair, China’s largest trade fair, kicked off in Guangzhou on April 15, achieving a historic high in the number of overseas buyers who attended on the first day of the spring session.

“It’s a positive sign showcasing companies and business leaders prefer to avoid conflicts between China and the U.S. They continue to believe that China offers the most favorable environment for business, goods, and reliable services,” stated Terrence Leow, Deputy Head of the International Department at Guangdong WhoBound Law Firm and Arbitrator for the Guangzhou Arbitration Commission.

Global buyers, service providers, and representatives from chambers of commerce condemned the U.S. sweeping global tariff plan. “I think the U.S. is very silly, creating turmoil in markets and causing economies to experience significant shocks. We see Europe and Canada beginning to distance themselves from the U.S.,” said Craig Munnings, Adviser to the Australian Guangdong Chamber of Commerce and former Chief of Staff to State Government Ministers in Australia.

The interviewees praised China's stable business environment and expressed a willingness to enhance cooperation with the country, aiming to increase procurement and facilitate people-to-people exchanges.

“We are excited to invite our Chinese counterparts to Australia to explore the potential of making Australia a springboard for their global layout. I am confident that the heavy tariffs imposed by the U.S. will encourage China to seek more opportunities in international markets,” said Ernest Wong, President of the Australian Guangdong Chamber of Commerce and former Mayor of Burwood Council, Australia.