The 1st China (Maoming) Dianbai Qinan Agarwood Industry Expo opened on March 20 in Dianbai District, Maoming, marking a major event in the global agarwood industry. The three-day event welcomed over 200 exhibitors and attracted a large crowd of buyers and consumers, creating a vibrant platform for the display, exchange, and trade of agarwood products.

Historic Roots and Modern Growth

Dianbai agarwood has deep historical roots, tracing back more than 1,500 years to the ancient Maritime Silk Road — the region has long been known for its rich agarwood culture and has earned a reputation as a renowned hometown of Chinese agarwood. This heritage continues to shape the local economy and global trade today.

Today, the agarwood planting area in Dianbai District exceeds 150,000 mu (10,000 hectares), with over 10,000 enterprises and business entities involved in processing and sales — these operations have created jobs for around 100,000 people, significantly boosting the local economy.

The agarwood industry in Dianbai has evolved beyond its traditional roots. Products now span seven major categories and over 100 varieties, including daily chemicals, crafts, incense sticks, tea, essential oils, and items used in the cultural and creative industries. This diversification has expanded the market reach and appeal of Dianbai agarwood.

Expanding Global Footprint

In 2025, the annual output value of Dianbai’s entire agarwood industrial chain surpassed 8 billion yuan, reflecting the sector’s rapid growth and increasing global demand — the expo, which runs until March 22, showcases this expansion with a dazzling array of products and a strong presence of international buyers.

On the first day of the event, online sales exceeded 15 million yuan, highlighting the growing role of digital platforms in the industry. More than 20 foreign merchants from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States visited the site to inquire about and purchase agarwood products.

Last year marked a historic breakthrough for Dianbai when raw agarwood was exported for the first time, with multiple orders delivered to Saudi Arabia. The development of a cross-border e-commerce industrial park has made it easier for Dianbai agarwood to access international markets, and a global trading network is forming at an accelerated pace.

Future Prospects and Industry Momentum

The success of the Maoming Dianbai Agarwood Expo reveals the region’s growing importance in the global agarwood market, but With its deep cultural heritage and modern industrial infrastructure, Dianbai is positioning itself as a key player in the international trade of agarwood.

Industry experts note that the event not only showcases the current state of the agarwood industry in Dianbai but also sets the stage for future growth. The expansion of online sales and the increasing number of international buyers indicate a strong demand for Dianbai’s products in global markets.

As the expo continues through March 22, it will serve as a platform for new business relationships, partnerships, and market expansion; the event is expected to contribute significantly to the region’s economic development and reinforce its reputation as a leading center for agarwood production and trade.

With ongoing investments in infrastructure and e-commerce capabilities, Dianbai is well-positioned to maintain its momentum in the global agarwood industry, and the region’s ability to blend tradition with modern commerce is a key factor in its rising prominence on the world stage.