As global buyers navigate the Pazhou Complex in Guangzhou, the pet products they pause to inquire about and place orders for have quietly revealed the future of the market. The Canton Fair is not just a microcosm of the industry—it’s a precise compass for foreign trade trends. Which products are winning over overseas markets? And what profound shifts in industry logic lie behind them?
01 Smart Water Fountains/Feeders: Tech-Driven "Necessity" Upgrade
Why It Topped the List: Crowds swarmed the booths with constant inquiries. Standard features now include smart timing, remote APP control, water shortage/power cut alerts, multi-pet recognition, and quiet design. High-end models even integrate water quality monitoring. Foreign Trade Insights: Mature markets like Europe, the U.S., Japan, and South Korea have a strong demand for iterations of these products—shifting from "novelty trial" to "daily necessity". Remote control is now a basic requirement, while quiet performance determines user satisfaction. Buyers focus on:
Product stability, APP compatibility, and comprehensive after-sales support.
Strict certification requirements: UL for North America, CE for Europe.
Moderate to high price sensitivity—willing to pay a premium for reliable brands.
Why It Topped the List: No longer just poles with platforms. Designs emphasize modular assembly, vertical space optimization, and integration with home decor (modern minimalist, natural style). These all-in-one products combine climbing, scratching, resting, hiding, and perching—some even integrate sisal poles, hammocks, and toy accessories. Foreign Trade Insights: Aligns with dual trends of pet humanization and home integration. With more apartment dwellers, products must balance cats’ behavioral needs and limited space. Buyers prioritize:
Easy installation, structural stability (especially multi-tier models), and material durability (e.g., sisal tightness).
Eco-friendly materials (E0/E1 grade boards, non-toxic paint) as a hard requirement for high-end European and American markets.
03 Eco-Friendly Degradable Pet Toys: From "Concept" to "Mainstream"
Why It Topped the List: A surge in toys made from corn starch, partially degradable TPR rubber, recycled fishing nets, and natural cotton-linen. Designs range from traditional balls and chews to complex toys with olfactory stimulation (filled with catnip/silver vine). Foreign Trade Insights: Environmental protection has become a core purchasing driver, especially in the EU, Northern Europe, and the U.S. West Coast. Buyers require:
Verifiable material source certificates and degradation standards (e.g., EN 13432 compliance).
Strict safety checks for small parts, dyes, and fillings.
Differentiation through pet behavior science integration (e.g., puzzle toys)—markets accept "moderate lifespan sacrifice for eco-friendliness".
04 Pet Travel Gear: Safety, Comfort & Fashion in One
Why It Topped the List: Hard flight crates remain mainstream but with lighter designs and better ventilation; soft carriers highlight side/top opening convenience, internal seatbelts, expandable space, breathability, and shock absorption. Pet strollers are in growing demand, with focus on shock absorption, easy storage, and load capacity. Matching travel cups and foldable bowls are also bestsellers. Foreign Trade Insights: Laxer pet travel policies drive demand. Buyers emphasize:
Safety certifications (e.g., IATA for flight crates) and structural strength test reports.
Lightweight designs (critical for reducing shipping costs).
Durable, easy-to-clean, odor-free fabrics.
Stylish designs (colors, prints) to boost added value for young pet owners.
05 High-End Automatic Litter Boxes: From "Hands-Free" to "Premium Experience"
Why It Topped the List: Rapid tech iterations. Key competitive features: extra-large space (for large cats), ultra-low failure rate, remote APP monitoring (e.g., usage frequency, weight tracking), multi-pet recognition, upgraded deodorization (activated carbon, UV lights, fragrance modules), waste bin capacity/sealing, and quiet operation (night mode). Foreign Trade Insights: A high-value, high-barrier category. Buyers prioritize:
Stability, failure rate, and after-sales response speed (localized overseas support preferred).
Thorough cleaning and deodorization performance.
Large capacity for multi-pet households.
Low price sensitivity, but brand reputation and technical strength are deal-breakers; power adapters must meet target market standards.
06 Pet Grooming Tools: Balancing Precision & Convenience
Why It Topped the List: Growing demand for professional tools: low-noise hair dryers, precise temperature-controlled bathtubs, and grooming products with deep cleaning (massage brushes) or coat care (ion technology). Home-use tools focus on convenience: one-click hair removers, multi-speed quiet clippers, and pet-specific nail grinders. Foreign Trade Insights: Professional pet shops/salons prioritize performance, efficiency, and durability (metal bodies, non-slip designs). Home users value ease of use and safety (e.g., anti-hair pinching, blunt-edge designs). Products must clearly state applicable pet types and coat lengths; electrical products need certifications like CE, FCC, or PSE. Natural-ingredient grooming products are popular in high-end markets.
07 Functional Pet Apparel & Accessories: Pragmatism Returns
Why It Topped the List: Purely decorative apparel is declining; functional styles dominate: cooling vests (contact cooling fabric), warm coats (lightweight down/fleece), anti-insect clothing (mosquito-repellent coating), waterproof raincoats, and reflective safety harnesses/leashes. Key designs: minimalist, easy to put on/take off, and breathable. Foreign Trade Insights: Driven by climate and scenario needs (e.g., mosquito repellent for rainforests, warmth for Northern Europe). Buyers require:
Test reports for functional materials (e.g., cooling value, mosquito repellent rate) and durability (effect retention after multiple washes).
Scientific sizing systems (adapting to different dog breeds).
Compliant reflective materials (e.g., EN 13356); buckle strength is critical for leashes.
08 Pet Healthcare Accessories: Daily Health Management
Why It Topped the List: Growth in non-pharmaceutical health aids: smart scales (APP-connected tracking), portable water quality testers, pill dispensers (precise dosage, anti-vomiting design), wound care dressings, calming collars/sprays (natural ingredients), and specialized wipes (ear, eye, oral). Foreign Trade Insights: Pet health consumption is shifting to prevention. Buyers require:
Ingredient lists, mechanism descriptions, and safety test reports (especially for skin-contact and oral products).
User-friendly designs to reduce pet stress and operational difficulty (e.g., pill dispensers).
Clear "non-therapeutic" labels for medical accessories to avoid compliance risks; natural ingredients are highly accepted.
09 Interactive Electric Pet Toys: Solving Separation Anxiety
Why It Topped the List: Electric toys mimicking prey movement (scurrying mice, rolling balls, swaying feather wands) remain popular. Innovations include smart sensors (auto-obstacle avoidance, activation when pets approach), remote APP control, multi-mode switching, long battery life, and chew-resistant materials. Foreign Trade Insights: Addresses the pain point of pets being left alone. Buyers focus on:
Interactive logic that sustains pets’ interest (beyond short-term curiosity).
Core quality factors: battery safety (chew-proof design), motor noise control, and chew-resistant casings.
Simple interfaces for complex APP functions; mid-market pricing.
Why It Topped the List: Customizable collars, name tags, food/water bowls, and leashes. Crafts include laser engraving, enamel filling, and heat transfer. Customizable elements: pet names, owner contact info, slogans, and even pet portraits. Foreign Trade Insights: Meets pet owners’ emotional needs and pet recovery practicality. Buyers seek suppliers offering:
Fast delivery times; API integration for online customization platforms is a bonus.
Material safety (collar skin contact) and durability (engraving clarity retention).
11 Core Foreign Trade Code: Keys to Securing Orders
Certifications Are a Must: Product certifications (safety, environmental, radio) are not bonuses—they’re hard thresholds. Missing mandatory certifications for target markets means losing orders.
Packaging = Competitiveness: Packaging must balance brand image, shipping protection, and retail display. Clear multi-language product info, usage instructions, and eco-labels are essential; optimizing package size directly reduces shipping costs.
We have successfully designed and produced over 100 products, successfully entering high-end markets such as the United States, Japan, Germany, France, and Russia.
