Growing with Changes: China International Hardware Show 2025 wraps up with a vision for the future

·        Leading global brands continue to choose CIHS.
·        30+ concurrent events sparked ideas and strengthened industry ties.
·        Strong 2025 results fuel CIHS 2026 show expectation.

China International Hardware Show (CIHS) concluded successfully from 10-12 October in Shanghai, reaffirming its role as a vital platform for the global hardware communities interested in the Chinese market. Amid ongoing challenges in the global economy and geopolitical landscape, the tide of digitalisation and shifting marketplaces, this year's show delivered more than just business prospects. It is a channel for genuine dialogue, shared thoughts and the seeking of progress in Chinese hardware industry.

Growing strong in the era of constant change

CIHS 2025, the benchmark event for the hardware industry co-organised by the China National Hardware Association and Koelnmesse, reinforced its position with another successful edition. This year’s edition was held alongside two dedicated segments: the “China International Building Hardware & Fasteners Show 2025” and the “China International Locks & Security Doors Show 2025.” The exhibition featured a comprehensive spectrum of products and solutions, ranging from tools, abrasives, and fastening systems to building hardware, locks, and manufacturing equipment. In addition to its long-standing expertise in the tools sector, CIHS 2025 broadened its reach with strong showcases in locks, garden and outdoor products, as well as work safety and protection, offering visitors a diverse and evolving product landscape.

Gathering 2,977 exhibiting companies & brands from 16 countries and regions, the show brought together a wide portfolio of brands and innovations within the expansive 120,000 square meters of exhibition areas. Exhibitors communicated with industry professionals and global buyers, leveraging this dynamic platform as a foundation of mutual trust and long-term business collaboration. Over the course of three days, CIHS 2025 welcomed 23,628 trade visitors from 123 countries and regions. This year marked another milestone of steady growth in international participation and reaffirming the show’s role as a vital hub for the hardware trade.

Sebastian Rosito, Vice President Trade Fair Management of Koelnmesse GmbH, remarked on the global significance of the show, “We are delighted that CIHS continues to serve as a key platform for strengthening international business ties. The close collaboration between our Chinese partners and those from around the globe highlights the unique role that this exhibition plays in connecting markets, both now and in the future. The strong international participation this year reflects the shared confidence in this fair. CIHS demonstrates its relevance for the Chinese hardware industry, making it a cornerstone for partnerships and progress in the region.”

Supported by Koelnmesse’ s international hardware trade fair network and endorsed by embassies, consulates, and trade organisations across continents, CIHS 2025 welcomed the return of a robust international exhibitor base. Companies from overseas countries including France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Pakistan, South Korea, Thailand, Türkiye, United Kingdom, USA, etc. marked their presence.

Throughout the three-day event, leading domestic and international hardware companies gathered to showcase their innovations. Notable global brands such as Great Star, TDC, KUKKO Werkzeugfabrik, Rose Plastic, Wedo Tools, Rosver, Diager and Great Wall Precision joined reowned Chinese manufacturers like Wendeng Maxpower and Great Wall Precision. Local industry clusters from Yongkang, Jiande, Jinhua, Lin’ an, Xiaolan, Anping, Taigu, and Pujiang were also strongly represented. Together, they demonstrated the resilience, creativity, and manufacturing excellence that define "Made in China" today.

“Thanks to the joint efforts of the organisers and partners, this year’s show has made solid progress,” remarked Mr. ZHANG Dongli, President of China National Hardware Association. “Exhibitors brought many new products, and both buyers and visitors increased from last year, creating a vibrant atmosphere. We hope to further improve the show and bring more value to all participants, helping Chinese companies go global and attracting more international peers to China for a win-win cooperation. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year in Shanghai.”

Beyond the showcase and spotlight on industry - Dynamic events at CIHS 2025

CIHS 2025 showcased a rich lineup of activities designed to foster innovation and strengthen industry ties. Through targeted business matchmaking, delegation tours for international buyers, and engaging onsite competitions and awards, CIHS explored together with manufacturers and buyers, seeking chances to connect, collaborate, and develop cutting-edge solutions.

A standout event was the sixth edition of the “Golden Hook” China Lock and Technological Equipment Design Competition, which attracted numerous exhibitors showcasing the latest advancements in lock design. Judged by a distinguished panel of eight experts, the competition has become a cornerstone of CIHS.

The “CIHS Innovation” Selection further highlighted the industry’s brightest ideas, awarding honours across multiple categories including Excellence, Exquisite, and New Product Awards. It not only recognizes innovation but also drives the industry forward by spotlighting breakthrough products and emerging trends that define the future of hardware manufacturing.

The two-day CIHS 2025 workshops, centred on the “The New Horizon: Journey of Chinese Brands to the world” and “The Next Wave: An In-Depth Dialogue on Cross-Border Growth” kicked off with a strong emphasis on enhancing trade communication and channel management. Industry experts from leading organisations such as EDRA/GHIN, GONGXUAN, eBay, TEMU, and Merit-Link Group shared valuable insights on navigating the global market’s evolving challenges and opportunities for tool brands. Discussions highlighted the trends in Europe regarding sustainability, consumer preferences, and local policies. Participants also explored the role of digital tools, cross-border e-commerce, and emerging approaches in branding strategies to the international market. These sessions reinforced the critical mindset of evolving with changes in the industry, providing audiences with actionable strategies and a solid foundation for future development.

Complementing the workshops, tailored trade activities and newly launched DIY woodcrafts station and showcase brought global buyers closer to the heart of Chinese hardware manufacturing. Visitors had the unique opportunity to experience the Chinese Hardware supply chain, innovations on tools and solutions firsthand, gaining immersive insights into China’s hardware capabilities from their origins. These direct communication at the booth visits and the interactive workshops helped reinforce connections and facilitated strategic sourcing decisions across a wide range of product categories and distribution channels. Targeting key global markets such as Europe, North and South America, ASEAN, Middle East, Central Asia and Belt and Road regions, these initiatives, combined with facilitated one-on-one meetings between buyers and exhibitors, ensured CIHS went beyond being a traditional exhibition to become a true driver of international business collaboration.

Moreover, 163 International hosted buyers formed focused procurement delegations, engaging in deep trade discussions with exhibitors. These bespoke activities highlighted CIHS’s ongoing commitment to expanding business opportunities and fostering strong international partnerships within the global hardware industry.

Kicked off the year with a successful edition - Visitors and exhibitors look forward to CIHS 2026

“This is my first time visiting CIHS. We are interested in many kinds of tools, hardware, locks and pneumatic tools. This show is interesting because I have connected with new Chinese suppliers and received many business opportunities here.”

Jordi Snehider Caro Diaz, Sales Manager, Ferreria Luis Penago

“This is my first time here. I am from Italy, and the purpose of our visit is to find new suppliers from China. This show has a lot of items and a lot of exhibitors. I have found at least 10 to 12 business contacts here that we hope to proceed in buying and introducing new items for our customers.”

Massimo Roncati,CEO, Elettronica Didattica

“This is our first time exhibiting at CIHS. We are very strong in Europe, CIHS is the leading show in Asia, so it is very good for us to come here to meet many potential international customers. We are very impressed by the quality of the organisation. It is very professional - even for such a large show. The organisers are very helpful and very reactive, and importantly, the quality of attendees is outstanding. We met very good contacts here.”

Grégoire Maupas, Area Sales Manager, Diager

“This is our first time at the show. Kukko is a family-owned company specializing in pulling tools and bearing extraction for professionals, with a history of 100 years. We are mainly facing professional users in the industrial and automotive sectors. The show is very impressive, with so many different products, and you wouldn’t typically meet at other tool shows.”

Managing Director, Sales Manager Asia/USA, KUKKO Werkzeugfabrik

“I've attended the China International Hardware Show about seven or eight times now. Moretop specializes in accessories for drilling and cutting power tools. This year, we brought here many new items featuring advancements in materials, surface treatments, and technologies. I believe the China International Hardware Show serves as a highly prominent showcase for Chinese exports. Compared to other shows, I find it more focused, authoritative, and professional within the tools and consumables categories.”

Jicheng Tong, General Manager, Hangzhou Moretop Tools Co., Ltd.

In 2025, the global hardware market is at a pivotal point for changes and challenges. While navigating unprecedented transformation, it is also ripe with unique opportunities for growth. “In 2025, we are not just observing the future of hardware, we are actively building it,” noted Mr. Michiel Kruse, Managing Director of Koelnmesse (Beijing) Co., Ltd. “With the unwavering support from the hardware industry, our global partners, exhibitors and visitors, we are all ready for the next journey. This is the platform where manufacturers, distributors, innovators, and visionaries can co-create the solutions. Our strength has always been our community.”

For further insights into the China International Hardware Show, visit our website.

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About the Organisers

Koelnmesse – Global Competence in Hardware
Koelnmesse – industry trade fairs for the hardware sector: As a top international trade fair organiser, Koelnmesse is the global market leader for events in the tools and hardware sector. Cologne is home to the EISENWARENMESSE – INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR, the world’s leading trade fair for the industry. Asia-Pacific Sourcing, the largest sourcing platform outside of Asia, also showcases its products there. Koelnmesse is also expanding its international portfolio in key markets. The China International Hardware Show in Shanghai, International Hardware Fair Italy in Bergamo, International Hardware Fair India in New Delhi and El Gran Salón Ferretero in Colombia are tailored events and leading regional trade fairs with international participation. The successful launches of the International Hardware Fair Indonesia in Jakarta and the International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia in Riyadh in 2025 marked the addition of further events in strategically important growth markets.
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 organisation 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 organisation.  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:

El Gran Salón Ferretero, Bogotá, Colombia 06.-08.11.2025
International Hardware Fair India, New Delhi, India 11.-13.12.2025
EISENWARENMESSE - International Hardware Fair, Cologne, Germany 03.-06.03.2026