[GUANGZHOU, April 2026] — The 139th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) officially opened its doors, showcasing a record-breaking 32,000+ exhibitors. In the Industrial Lifting and Rigging section, a significant shift is unfolding as the industry moves away from traditional steel-heavy solutions toward high-performance synthetic materials and "intelligent" safety features.

1. The "Synthetic Revolution": Replacing Steel with Fiber

A major theme at this year's fair is the rapid displacement of traditional steel wire ropes by synthetic webbing slings.

• HMPE & High-Tenacity Polyester: Global buyers are gravitating toward High-Modulus Polyethylene (HMPE) and advanced polyester slings. These materials offer the same strength as steel but at a fraction of the weight, significantly reducing labor intensity and workplace injuries.

• Performance in Harsh Environments: Exhibitors are highlighting products with enhanced resistance to UV, chemicals, and seawater, targeting the offshore wind power and marine logistics sectors.

2. Market Shift: Compliance Over Cost

According to feedback from leading manufacturers (such as TOYO and other major rigging exporters), the 2026 market is no longer driven solely by price.

• New Safety Standards: Following the updated ISO/EN 2026 safety requirements, international buyers from Europe and North America are prioritizing products with traceable test certificates and integrated wear indicators (such as color-coded core yarns).

• Quality Consistency: Buyers are shifting toward long-term partnerships with direct manufacturers who can guarantee consistent batch quality, moving away from one-time "spot" purchases.

3. Green Manufacturing & Sustainability

In line with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) goals for trade-investment integration:

• Eco-friendly Materials: Several booths debuted lifting slings made from recycled fibers, catering to the growing "Green Supply Chain" requirements of multinational corporations.

• Durability as Sustainability: The focus has shifted to "Long-Life" slings with reinforced protective sleeves, arguing that a longer-lasting product is fundamentally more sustainable than a disposable, low-cost alternative.

4. Global Buyer Trends

With over 160,000 overseas buyers attending, the demand from "Belt and Road" initiative countries remains robust. Large-tonnage flexible slings for infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia and the Middle East have seen the highest volume of inquiries during the first phase of the fair.

The Ministry of Commerce and industry experts have stated that lifting rigging, as an industrial basic component, is going global along with the brand effect of "Made in China". In the future, lifting products that can obtain international third-party certifications (such as CE and GS certifications) and have high technological content will gain the initiative in international competition.