Autumn Canton Fair Trends 2025

Autumn Canton Fair 2025 Trend Report 

The 138th Canton Fair wrapped up in Guangzhou with more than 310,000 overseas buyers from 223 countries and regions, a 7.5% increase from the previous session and a new record. Among the 4.6 million exhibits, new products, green products and items with independent intellectual property rights each made up over 20% of the total. 

The strong attendance highlights steady market growth in the luggage industry and the continued importance of China as a key market for travel goods and accessories. 

Matcha & Wasabi 

Matcha tea is more than a drink trend. Worth $4.23 billion last year, it is expected to grow to $7.86 billion by 2033. Gen Z loves it for its health benefits and ties to wellness culture.  

Its iconic green and ties to wellness culture make it a natural fit for design inspiration, especially in modern travel, lifestyle and luggage colorways. 

Wasabi offers a sharper, more modern take on green. Originating in Japan, it’s a palate cleanser to the more saccharine floral hues we covered in our spring trend report. 

Warm Brick & Maple 

Whether it’s the fall colour in the air or people looking for reassurance in a chaotic world, we see brick, maple leaf and maple syrup in a variety of tactile finishes. Our impression – a feeling of home and warmth you can take with you on all your journeys. 

Lock Innovation 

Travel Sentry’s licensed lock manufacturers have been busy since the last Canton Fair, developing innovative new luggage lock concepts to draw fresh eyes to the value that TS locks add to luggage. Broadly speaking, these came in three categories: 

• Ease of use – one-handed, nail-friendly openings for travel convenience. 
• Aesthetics – transparent casings, slim silhouettes, retro design touches. 
• Colour – tactile padlocks in bright finishes to tempt impulse buys. 

Lock design continues to evolve as part of broader technological advancements in the smart luggage category. We will also share more about production line innovation in a separate piece. This is the future, and some companies are leading the way! 

Maximalism / Diva Style 

This trend says – you can’t restrict my fabulousness to a carry-on. 

Trunks are supersizing to allow for more outfit changes, with some models adding height around the telescoping handle. Flexible openings from the front or top make packing easier, with enhanced storage for accessories. One we’re terming the fridge format – open the ‘door’ and help yourself. 

One standout design included a built-in mirror powered by a USB battery, showing how luggage companies are adding value through practical details and innovative design. 

Zipless Luggage 

Zipless luggage stood out this year for both security and style. Aluminium frames with contrasting shells created a premium look while improving durability. 

Organic Shapes and Natural Influence 

We also noticed a subtle design movement exploring organic shapes and tactile finishes – ripples reminiscent of water, soft curves, and surfaces that reflect light in shifting ways. These shapes show the potential of injection moulding to produce more fluid, sculptural forms. 

This approach taps into a broader desire to connect with nature. A Japanese word captures it perfectly: komorebi (木漏れ日) – the sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees, creating a dappled pattern of light and shadow. It expresses tranquility and appreciation for the fleeting beauty of nature. 

The Canton Fair continues to improve the visitor experience. Outdoor food markets and live music added atmosphere and cooler weather made for better networking. 

Entry requirements were tighter this session, with new badge photos and verification systems to ensure professional attendance. 

Travel Sentry visited the Canton Fair IP Protection Office and was featured in the Canton Fair newspaper, reinforcing our commitment to protecting innovation within the Asia Pacific region and beyond. 

While the Canton Fair is over for this year, our sourcing site is open year-round. Our platform connects verified, high-quality manufacturers and distribution channels across the luggage industry. We’re happy to make introductions as each partner brings something unique to help you strengthen your market position and meet growing demand for luggage.