Forging Ahead: China International Hardware Show 2024 Concludes on a High Note for Global Industry Advancements!

•Leading global brands continue to assemble at CIHS.

•30+ concurrent events & activities fostered innovation and connectivity.

•Positive CIHS 2024 feedback leads to future show interest.

China International Hardware Show (CIHS) continued its legacy with a successful staging from 21-23 October 2024, in Shanghai, China. In the face of the global economy’s constant changes and the complexities of the political and economic landscape, CIHS 2024 has transcended far beyond the conventional trade fair. It offers all with enhanced experience, aiming to shape the future of China’s hardware industry.

A Beacon for Global Hardware Excellence CIHS 2024, a flagship event in the annual calendar of the hardware industry, was co-organised by the China National Hardware Association and Koelnmesse GmbH. This year’s edition, alongside its co-located exhibitions “China International Building Hardware & Fasteners Show 2024” and “China International Locks & Security Doors Show 2024,” spanned an impressive 120,000 square meters. The event showcased an extensive array of products and solutions, encompassing tools, abrasives, fastening technologies, building hardware, locks, machinery, and accessories. Additionally, CIHS 2024 introduced two innovative segments: Garden & Outdoor and Work Safety & Protection, further expanding its comprehensive offerings.

A total of 2,806 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions gathered to present a vast array of brands and products, covering 120,000 square meters of exhibition areas. They were actively involved in interactions and building connections, making the most of the promising business opportunities available. The event was graced by 22,896 visitors from 102 countries and regions across the globe over its three-day span, with the participation of international trade buyers showing a steady growth.

Sebastian Rosito, Vice President Trade Fair Management of Koelnmesse GmbH, shared, “We are pleased to witness the rapid progress of the industry. Together with our customers and partners, we look forward with a shared sense of optimism. The strong international participation from 15 countries and regions highlights the dynamic growth of China's hardware sector. Face-to-face networking, with its real conversations and handshakes, remains invaluable in forging new partnerships. We're excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to continuing our journey together.”

With the backing of Koelnmesse’s global hardware trade fair network, along with support from embassies, consulates, and trade groups around the world, CIHS 2024 was pleased to see the return of international exhibitors, with a notable presence from Germany, Italy, Serbia, ASEAN countries, India, Japan, Korea, and China.

Over the three-day event, some renowned international and domestic hardware companies were in attendance. Well-known global brands like Great Stars, TDC, Wera Werkzeuge, Wedo Tools, Rosver, Great Wall Precision, Jiangsu Hongbao, Hebei Zhongbo, Zhejiang Huafeng, and Tiangong International were among those displaying their wares. Additionally, Chinese brands from local hardware industry clusters and associations, including Yongkang, Jiande, Jinhua, Lin’an, Xiaolan, Anping, Taigu, and Pujiang, proudly presented their offerings. The show was a showcase of the exceptional quality and skill inherent in “Made in China” products.

“Despite the challenges faced by the hardware industry in recent years, CIHS has been tirelessly working to support our exhibitors and buyers,” remarked Mr. ZHANG Dongli, President of China National Hardware Association. “This year, we’ve introduced innovative approaches from exhibition recruitment to service enhancement to make things better and it’s paid off! The scale, attendance, and feedback have all exceeded our expectations. With the success of this year’s show and the support of our industry partners, we look forward to making CIHS bigger and bringing more value to the global hardware industry!”

Maximising Innovation and Connectivity - Diverse Events and Tailored Activities at CIHS 2024

This year’s CIHS featured a series of innovative activities and trade engagements to boost industry connections. With awards, competitions, and workshops at the forefront, the show also offered delegation tours and customised matchmaking, effectively connecting industry professionals for impactful interactions.

The “Golden Hook” China Lock and Technological Equipment Design Competition, now in its 5th edition, drew considerable attention. With 43 lock products from 35 contestants reviewed by a panel of eight esteemed judges, this competition has become a highlight of CIHS, celebrating innovation and design excellence.

The “CIHS Innovation” Selection shone a spotlight on the industry’s most forward-thinking products, with 27 Excellence Awards, 40 Exquisite Awards, and 43 New Product Awards presented. This recognition platform not only honours innovation but also propels industry advancement by highlighting the latest trends and breakthroughs.

The two-day CIHS 2024 workshops, themed “Opportunities & Challenges for Tool Brands Going Overseas” and “Digital Innovation and Supply Chain Transformation in the Hardware MRO Industry”, debuted with a focus on fostering trade communication and channel management. Industry leaders from EDRA, GONGXUAN, eBay, ZKH, and Ebrun discussed the global market's challenges and opportunities for tool brands, the influence of the Green Revolution on home improvement, and eBay's tool category trends. They also explored digital transformation in MRO procurement, digital platforms for industrial sales, and opportunities in the mature European and American MRO markets. These highly anticipated sharing sessions underscored digital procurement's key role in industry growth, offering practical MRO management insights and setting a strong base for future progress.

Tailored trade activities focussed on the newly introduced Garden & Outdoor segment and dedicated Locks sector, targeting global markets including Belarus, Bulgaria,

Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Moldova, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Ukraine. These sessions, along with 298 facilitated meetings between buyers and exhibitors, ensured that CIHS was not just an exhibition but a catalyst for global business connections.

Moreover, 237 hosted buyers from 55 countries and regions formed procurement delegations, engaging in in-depth trade discussions with exhibitors. These tailored activities underscored CIHS’s commitment to creating opportunities for businesses to expand their reach and foster international partnerships.