The 14th China International Animation and Comic Copyright Protection and Trade Expo officially kicked off on October 24 in Dongguan, Guangdong Province. With over 500 exhibitors from 60 countries and regions, the event showcases more than 1,500 well-known domestic and international IPs and brands, including Snoopy, Pikachu, Minions, SpongeBob SquarePants, and more.
Hosted by the Guangdong Provincial Government, this expo is China’s only state-sponsored event focused on the film and animation industry. It has become a vital platform for communication between China’s animation sector and the global market. This year’s theme, “The Future of Global Animation Trends,” features Italy as the guest country, where the Italian Animation Producers Association is presenting over 40 member units, covering various aspects of animation production, distribution, and licensing.
Christian Jedzic, Vice President of the Italian Animation Producers Association, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration opportunities between Chinese companies and Italian studios. He emphasized the rich cultural backgrounds of both countries and their potential to invigorate Italian animation IPs while expanding into broader markets for animated toys.
The expo is structured around the industry chain, featuring three major sections: Animation Original Content Exhibition, Animation Supply Chain and Platform Ecosystem Exhibition, and Animation Trade Channel Exhibition, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the entire industry. Additionally, a “Animation Technology Equipment Exhibition” allows attendees to immerse themselves in new applications of animation in the virtual realm.
A 450-square-meter “Hong Kong Pavilion” is also a highlight, organized by the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association, featuring a record number of 20 participating companies. Moreover, 11 firms from the Macau Animation and Toy Association and five from Taiwanese associations are participating for the first time, alongside Taiwan’s planned youth animation cultural exchange activities.
Dongguan Mayor Lu Chengxi shared insights into the city’s burgeoning trend toy industry, highlighting its unique path of “animation plus trend toys.” He noted that Dongguan has established itself as the “Capital of Trend Toys” in China and a global hub for the sector. Currently, a quarter of the world’s animation derivatives are produced in Dongguan, with nearly 85% of trend toys in mainland China originating from the city.
