Perfect storm hits Canton Fair

Sellers urged to focus on branding, innovation amid decline in deals

A slow recovery in traditional markets and low demand from emerging economies combined to drive down deals signed at the 115th China Import and Export Fair, the nation's largest trade event, the organizers said on Monday as the fair ended.

Transactions during the twice-a-year event held in Guangzhou, widely known as the Canton Fair, fell about 12.6 percent year-on-year to 191.18 billion yuan ($31.05 billion), according to the organizers. Deals were down 2 percent compared with the autumn session last year.