CES®: dates, what is exhibited and how to prepare
CES is the world's largest technology trade show, held annually in Las Vegas in January. It brings together manufacturers, distributors, and technology…
Published on 14 September 2026Updated on 21 September 2026
CES is the world's largest technology trade show, held annually in Las Vegas in January. It brings together manufacturers, distributors, and technology leaders across consumer electronics, AI, IoT, and smart devices. For Spanish exporters in these sectors, it's a direct channel to US importers and a benchmark for global market trends.
Fact sheet
- Dates
- 2027-01-06 → 2027-01-09
- City
- Las Vegas, United States
- Organiser
- Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®
- Frequency
- anual
- What is exhibited
- CES reúne a los principales referentes tecnológicos para impulsar el futuro y abordar los mayores desafíos mundiales.
- Official website
- https://www.ces.tech/
Source: Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®Data for 2026-09-15Verified on 21 September 2026
Sector imports in the country
USD · 2025| Chapter | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| 85 · Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound… | 513,569,834,741 |
| 90 · Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring… | 125,678,685,032 |
| 91 · Clocks and watches and parts thereof | 6,766,148,068 |
| 37 · Photographic or cinematographic goods | 1,572,401,256 |
| 92 · Musical instruments; parts and accessories of such articles | 1,389,329,604 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 21 September 2026
Other fairs in the sector
- embedded world Exhibition & ConferenceNúremberg
- IFA BerlinBerlín
- Light + BuildingFrankfurt am Main
- MWC BarcelonaBarcelona
Exporting to CES and the US tech market
CES attracts over 130,000 attendees from more than 150 countries, making it the entry point for most tech products reaching US distribution. If your product falls under chapters 85 (electrical machinery), 90 (optical and measuring instruments), or 92 (musical instruments and electronics), the fair connects you directly with importers and retailers looking for 2027 stock.
Logistics from Spain to Las Vegas typically take 10–14 days by air or 25–35 days by sea, depending on weight and urgency. Booth materials and samples should ship 3–4 weeks before the fair opens on January 6, 2027. Factor in US customs clearance time: 24–48 hours for pre-cleared freight.
Payment terms in the US tech sector run 30–60 days Net after invoice. Many large US distributors require product liability insurance and letters of credit from new suppliers. Spanish exporters often use trade finance or payment platforms to reduce credit risk on first orders.
Questions about exhibiting and selling at CES
Is it worth paying for a booth if I'm a small Spanish exporter?
A booth at CES costs between USD 6,000 and USD 50,000 depending on size and location. Most small exporters attend as hosted buyers or visitors first, then exhibit once they have a US distributor or anchor customer. The ROI depends on pre-qualified leads, not footfall. Many Spanish tech companies use the fair to close deals negotiated before January, not to generate cold leads.
What certifications do I need to sell consumer electronics in the US?
FCC certification is mandatory for any device that emits or receives radio signals (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular). UL or ETL certification is required for products with electrical hazard (power supplies, batteries, chargers). Some product categories—toys, textiles, certain appliances—have additional mandatory standards. Your product's HS code determines which apply. Start with your product safety agency in Spain or a US testing lab.
Can I sell directly to US retailers from Spain, or do I need a distributor?
Retailers like Best Buy, Target, or Amazon Marketplace will negotiate only with established distributors or exclusive US representatives, not foreign manufacturers directly. CES is where you meet the distributors who stock those retailers. Selling through a US distributor typically involves a 40–50% wholesale discount and a 60–90 day payment term, but it reaches scale. Direct-to-consumer sales via Amazon US are possible for lower-volume products, but you assume all logistics, returns, and compliance costs.
What happens to my unsold samples after CES?
Booth samples can either be sold at a markdown through the fair's surplus sale, shipped back to Spain, or donated. Shipping samples back to Spain costs USD 2,000–5,000 depending on volume and weight. Most exporters plan to liquidate samples as discounted inventory or gift them to distributors as goodwill. Factor this into your booth budget.
How do I find distributors before CES?
Use the CES exhibitor directory (available 2–3 months before the fair) to identify competing products and their distributors. LinkedIn and trade directories like Kompass or Alibaba B2B also list US tech distributors by category. Many chambers of commerce and Spanish trade agencies (ICEX, your regional agency) offer hosted buyer programs at CES that pre-match you with distributors. Register early.
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