China International Hardware Show Workshop receives rave reviews

China International Hardware Show Workshop “China’s Hardware Market Unveiled: New Developments and Opportunities” receives rave reviews

The highly anticipated first workshop of the China International Hardware Show (CIHS), “China’s Hardware Market Unveiled: New Developments and Opportunities,” was successfully held on March 4, 2024, in Cologne, Germany. This exclusive event, organised by Koelnmesse and the China National Hardware Association (CNHA), supported by the European DIY Retail Association (EDRA)/Global Home Improvement Network (GHIN), garnered immense support from industry partners, associations, and participants.

As a concurrent event of the renowned EISENWARENMESSE - International Hardware Fair Cologne, the CIHS workshop attracted a diverse audience from over 5 countries and regions. Esteemed guest speakers and market participants engaged in direct conversations with international participants. Together, they delved into the transformative role of China’s hardware industry within the global supply chain and explored future development in the post-epidemic era from various perspectives, including the global marketplace and industry associations.

This workshop provided a platform for visionary leaders, professional buyers, and media partners to collectively uncover the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in China’s hardware market. The event’s interactive sessions fostered insightful discussions, enabling participants to gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of China’s hardware industry. All attendees were able to forge connections and further enhance their understanding of the vast potential within China’s hardware market.

A special address by Mr.Zhang Dongli, Chairman of China National Hardware Association, highlighted the impact of the epidemic on China’s hardware industry and the changes in import and export trends. He emphasized China’s focus on R&D product categories and expertise, as well as its role and challenges in the global supply chain. Mr. Zhang underscored that in early 2024 China officially implemented a series of visa policies to facilitate the entry of foreigners into China, including the signing of unilateral or bilateral visa waiver agreements with France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Singapore, Thailand and other countries. He added,“China has established a strong logistics service system with complete warehouse facilities to meet the needs of transport and warehousing in the global economic cycle.”

Oliver Ginestier, Director of Communications European DIY Retail Association (EDRA)/Global Home Improvement Network (GHIN), addressed what some of the largest home improvement chains globally are doing and their differentiating factors in the face of uncertainty in the home improvement sector. He said, “Despite the growth in online sales stationary stores are still essential in the home improvement retail but must offer an omnichannel experience. Retailers are also increasingly focusing on Pro customers, which can make up a huge portion of sales despite low footfall. Retailers are also increasingly focusing on promoting DIY to younger generations, inspiring millennials, and ensuring that the market developed from the desire to age in place is also addressed. We are certain that the future market will remain robust, with agility being the defining factor of future success stories."

Trista Ming, Project Manager of Koelnmesse China, one of the organiser of China International Hardware Show, presented the insights and market analysis of the transformation of Chinese manufacturers and international trade buyers’ profiles before and after the pandemic, along with the market trends through periods of extreme volatility. She added, “CIHS is committed to fostering enduring partnerships with enterprises and industry buyers, driven by a shared pursuit of innovation and adaptability to meet dynamic market demands.”

The CIHS workshop has received positive feedback, indicating its success in providing insights on market changes and product development. Global trade visitors have expressed increased interest in China and are eager to establish direct connections with local manufacturers. China International Hardware Show (CIHS), as one of the most influential and professional hardware annual events in the international market, will make its grand return on 21-23 October 2024 at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), Shanghai, China. It is well-prepared to foster collaboration and exploration within the hardware industry for global trade buyers. Tailored business matchmaking services and an updated host buyer program are available to cater to their specific interests in the Chinese market.

For more information and updates of the upcoming China International Hardware Show, please visit the CIHS website.

About the Organisers
Koelnmesse – Global Competence in Hardware
As a top international trade fair organiser, Koelnmesse is the global market leader in organising events for the hardware/ironware segment. It hosts the leading international event EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair Cologne at its trade fairgrounds in Cologne, where Asia-Pacific Sourcing also showcases products, innovations and trends for homes and gardens from the Far East. In addition to the events at its Cologne headquarters, Koelnmesse is expanding its portfolio internationally in key markets: The China International Hardware Show in Shanghai, the International Hardware Fair Italy in Bergamo and the International Hardware Fair India in New Delhi are bespoke events and leading trade fairs for the region with international participation. They create the foundation for sustainable, international business for their participants and bring together supply and demand within the sector with a carefully targeted approach.
www.hardware-worldwide.com

China National Hardware Association
Founded in November 1988, China National Hardware Association is the only national association of hardware manufacturers. It is a social and economic organization with the status of legal person approved by the former Ministry of Light Industry and registered with the Ministry of Civil Affairs. It is composed of key enterprises in the fields of household hardware, tool hardware and building hardware, local hardware associations and institutes engaged in scientific research and design, inspection and testing, education and training. It is a cross-regional, cross-sectoral and cross-ownership industry organization.  The association consists of 11 product branches and a professional market committee, including tool hardware, building hardware, household hardware, cooking utensils, locks, gas appliances, range hood, kitchen equipment, stainless steel products, bathrooms, zippers, etc.
www.chinahardware.org.cn

Next Events
China International Hardware Show, Shanghai, China 21.-23.10.2024
International Hardware Fair India, New Delhi, India 06.-08.12.2024
Asia-Pacific Sourcing, Cologne, Germany 11.-13.03.2025

To Media Editorial Department
Photos of the CIHS can be found in the column "Multimedia Gallery" of "News" on the official website.