* Grand closing of China International Hardware Show 2023 with its 20th anniversary.
* Industry forums and innovation awards bring in new insights to capture hardware trends.
* Positive feedback from the CIHS 2023 onsite, exhibitors and visitors have confirmed their next participations.
China’s hardware industry is getting much-needed boost with the successful opening of China International Hardware Show (CIHS) on 19-21 September 2023 in Shanghai, China. After experiencing the waves of the global economy affecting numerous industries around the world, including China’s hardware businesses, this year's show was held in anticipation and received an overwhelming response from the industry for its 20th anniversary.
As one of the most influential and professional annual hardware events in the global market, organised by China National Hardware Association and Koelnmesse Co., Ltd., CIHS 2023, in conjunction with its concurrent exhibitions “China International Building Hardware & Fasteners Show 2023” and “China International Locks & Security Doors Show 2023”, totally covers 120,000 square metres, featuring a wide range of products including tools, DIY & building hardware, lock, work safety & accessories as well as processing equipment and garden tools.
Total of 2,623 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions have brought tens of thousands of brands and products to showcase their products, exchange and network to take advantage of the great business opportunities. The fair has warmly received 68,405 visits from 97 countries and regions worldwide during the three-day period, among which, the international trade buyers accounted for 7.7 percent.
Supported by Koelnmesse’s international hardware trade fairs, as well as embassies, consulates and trade associations worldwide, CIHS 2023 welcomed the encouraging re-entry of international participants, especially from Germany, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, China Taiwan, etc.
During the three-day event, renowned domestic hardware enterprises participated. Some of the key participants included Great Star, Wendeng Maxpower, Ningbo Great Wall, Jiangsu Hongbao, Hebei Zhongbo, Zhejiang Huafeng and Tiangong International. Additionally, Chinese brands representing local hardware industry clusters and associations, such as Yongkang, Jiande, Jinhua, Lin’an, Xiaolan, Anping, Taigu and Pujiang, also proudly showcased their products. This show served as a testament to the superior quality and craftsmanship of “Made in China” products.
“Though CIHS was interrupted for three years due to the pandemic, this year’s event marks a grand comeback and restart, and we have exceeded expectations in terms of the scales, numbers of exhibitors and visitors, performance of events and the feedbacks from all participants,” Mr. ZHANG Dongli, President of China National Hardware Association stated, “such achievement symbolises the dedication and innovative inputs of the organisers and respective partners, as well as the active support and participation of all exhibitors and visitors. After over three years of endeavors, a splendid event has been presented during the 3 show days. Not only did it exceed everyone’s anticipation, but it also laid a solid foundation for the successful show in 2024. Meanwhile, we will continue to facilitate all participants with more premium services, improvement initiatives and build a development pattern that empowers a spectacular CIHS.”
On the occasion of CIHS’ 20th anniversary, the organisers have launched a series of celebration events, including an onsite gallery dedicated to honouring CIHS’ exceptional journey over the past two decades. This dedicated area showcased the impressive growth of the exhibition, with expanded scope and increased participation from valued exhibitors and visitors. The remarkable showcase highlighted the extraordinary progress made and set the stage for future milestones. Additionally, faithful enterprises and exceptional service providers have been honoured and praised for their continuous support and unwavering commitment to CIHS.
“In the past two decades, we have witnessed the prosperous development of China's hardware industry and contributed to the enhancement of international cooperation and exchanges. With years of expansion and accumulation, CIHS has successfully evolved into the ideal choice and access for overseas buyers in the Chinese market,” remarked Mr. Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH, “at a time when the global economy is stabilising in the post-pandemic era, we are delighted to provide comprehensive support to enterprises in expanding their global export capabilities and distribution networks through our on-site events and services.”
The much-anticipated events such as awards and competitions, conferences and forums, industry networking were in full swing during show days This year, onsite exhibitors and visitors enjoyed as many as 52 conference sessions, themed matchmaking sessions, competitions and innovation award activities, covering hot topics of the entire industry, and providing a more diversified showcase and interactive experience.
The China National Hardware Association and the China Industrial Design Association jointly organised the 4th edition of "Golden Hook" China Lock and Technological Equipment Design Competition. Seven esteemed judges from the organisers, Tsinghua University and Shandong University reviewed 38 lock products from 33 exhibitors, garnering significant interests from the industry.
In the inaugural “CIHS Best Product Awards”, a total of 24 Excellence Awards, 65 Exquisite Awards, and New Product Awards were conferred. This recognises and promotes the industry’s most forward-thinking and innovative products of the year, providing cutting-edge product information to propel the industrial development and facilitate its growth.
The newly introduced Foreign Trade Channel Development Forum has gained the active participation and high recognition of industry colleagues. Esteemed attendees have affirmed that the forum offers a range of valuable information and effective channels for trade communication, enabling businesses to overcome marketing obstacles and enhance channel management efficiency.
The dedicated matchmaking sessions themed on supply and demand from various countries and regions, mainly targeted market channels in Europe, America, Latin America and the “Belt and Road”. During show days, 325 meetings between buyers and exhibitors were effectively facilitating onsite. In addition, 318 hosted buyers have been formed into various procurement delegations from supermarket and distribution channels in 80 countries and regions and engaged in-depth trade and business communications with selected exhibitors.
Positive feedback from the CIHS 2023 onsite, exhibitors and visitors have expressed that they will continue to participate next year “We’re Kaijie Abrasives and mainly specialise in abrasive mold production and have been in the industry for 30 years. We have been participating in the CIHS since its second edition. We are truly grateful to the organisers for providing us with the opportunity and platform to communicate with international visitors. CIHS has significantly contributed to our growth. We hope to meet many new customers every year,” was highly appraised by Mr. Hou Qingkai, General Manager of Xuchang Kaijie Abrasive Co., Ltd.
“I’m from Saudi Arabia. I have a company here in China and in my country as well, dealing with hardware products such as painting tools, drills and cutting accessories. I have visited this trade fair multiple times, expanding our business with Chinese suppliers. I’m interested in Chinese manufacturers because they can fulfill the clients’ requirements such as providing with high quality, good prices and cooperation and the efficiency we need. I feel that this fair can provide the customers who would like to find new suppliers of what they need and give a good access to Chinese suppliers,” commented by Mr. Osama Al-Refaei, General Manager of Yiwu Wise Trading Co., Ltd.
In 2023, in the new situation of the international and domestic economy, the hardware market is encountering important and unprecedented changes. In the meantime, the hardware industry is facing serious challenges as well as rare opportunities. “With the positive signals of industry’s recovery and the support of all partners, exhibitors and visitors, CIHS will be able to embrace new opportunities, meet new challenges, set the industry’s new benchmark and jointly promote the healthy and stable development of the hardware industry through the exhibition platform,” added Mr. Keith Tsui, Managing Director of Koelnmesse Co., Ltd.
For more information about China International Hardware Show, please click on https://www.hardwareshow-china.com/
Author: Ms. Cathy Zhang
Tel.: + 86 21 6390 6161-810 Fax :+ 86 21 6390 6858 E-mail: cathy.zhang@koelnmesse.cn
Koelnmesse (Beijing) Co., Ltd. Shanghai Branch Unit 3103, Wheelock Square, No. 1717 Nanjing West Road Shanghai 200040, P.R. China www.koelnmesse.com
Managing Director: Keith Tsui
John W. Herbert, EDRA/GHIN General Secretary, shared his thoughts on the partnership, saying – “I am very much looking forward to my visit to Bergamo and to the first edition of International Hardware Fair Italy. That this is being organized by the Koelnmesse is for me a guarantee that this trade fair will be most professional and of interest to our international membership” 
Thomas Rosolia, CEO of Koelnmesse Italy, commented “Thanks to the support of EDRA/GHIN we will continue to pursue our goal of establishing International Hardware Fair Italy as the most representative platform for the European hardware, DIY, garden & outdoor and building sectors in Italy.”
