More exhibitors and visitors at CIHS 2026

The China International Hardware Show (CIHS) has once again increased its exhibitor and visitor numbers at its most recent edition. The organisers – the China National Hardware Association (CNHA) and Koelnmesse – have now released the figures for the trade fair, which took place from 28 to 30 September 2026 in Shanghai.

According to their figures, 23,731 trade visitors attended from 112 countries and regions, around 100 or 0.4 per cent more than a year ago. The number of exhibitors rose by 1.3 per cent compared with the event a year ago, to 3,016 companies. They came from 15 countries and regions, namely – apart from China – Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Brazil, South Korea, Malaysia, the United States, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. As in the previous year, the exhibition area totalled 120,000 m². The product range once again spanned hand tools, power tools and pneumatic tools, through to abrasives, welding equipment, fastening and joining technologies, building hardware, garden and outdoor equipment, as well as locks and security solutions.

As part of the matchmaking programme, the organisers arranged 888 one-to-one meetings. In addition, 403 international buyers were supported as part of buying delegations.

The organisers regard the “X-Border Hardware Bazaar” – which brought together industry players from the fields of e-commerce, logistics, payment compliance and digital processes – as a new highlight of the 2026 trade fair. Experts from these companies offered tailored consultancy services to hardware export firms. Here, two ‘Hardware Go-Global’ workshops – ‘Beyond Borders, Into Markets’ and ‘Beyond Clicks, Building Brand Equity’ – brought together industry experts from the international DIY trade association Edra/Ghin, eBay, Ping Pong, Amazon and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce for the Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products. The focus was on international expansion, ranging from the complexities of market access and the supply chain to the potential of e-commerce and digital brand building.

Michiel Kruse, Managing Director of Koelnmesse China, commented on the global significance of the trade fair: “CIHS bridges global industry visions and China's advanced manufacturing strengths, fostering stable and long-term international partnerships. The strong annual participation proves its irreplaceable role in the global hardware ecosystem. We work closely with all participants to drive continuous innovation and upgrading across the entire hardware industry.”

CNHA President Zhang Dongli stated: “Exhibitors brought an extensive range of next-generation products, while buyer and visitor numbers rose compared with previous editions, creating a vibrant show-floor atmosphere. We will keep refining the show to deliver greater value for every participant, support Chinese enterprises going global, and attract more international peers to China for win-win collaboration. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to CIHS in Shanghai next year.”