➢ 3,016 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, posting YoY growth➢ 23,731 trade visitors from 112 countries and regions, representing diverse global sourcing demands
➢ 888 matchmaking meetings and 8 delegation tours were hosted for cross-border trade communication

The China International Hardware Show (CIHS) 2026 took place from 28 to 30 September in Shanghai and came to a successful close, having brought together the global hardware community for three intensive days of business, networking and knowledge exchange. Against the backdrop of a rapidly transforming global trade environment, CIHS 2026 confirmed its standing as the premier international gateway to China's hardware manufacturing ecosystem – and as an increasingly influential player on the global trade fair calendar.

Solid Industry Performance at Scale
Organised by the China National Hardware Association and Koelnmesse, CIHS 2026 attracted 3,016 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions. The number of exhibitors representing 1.3% YoY growth, with a total exhibition area of 120,000 sqm. 23,731 trade visitors from 112 countries and regions attended the show, with international participation sustaining a robust upward trajectory. The high quality of trade visitors on site ensured a business-focused atmosphere, where concrete sourcing projects were initiated and long-term commercial partnerships took shape across the show's comprehensive product spectrum – from hand tools, power tools and pneumatic tools to abrasives, welding equipment, fixing and fastening technologies, building hardware, gardening and outdoor equipment, as well as locks and security solutions.

Michiel Kruse, Managing Director of Koelnmesse China, remarked on the global significance of the show, "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."

Strong International Representation and Domestic Industry Clout
Leveraging Koelnmesse's global hardware network and the support of overseas trade promotion institutions, CIHS 2026 hosted a diverse international exhibitor community. Participating companies came from Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Brazil, South Korea, Malaysia, the United States, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, China.

The show floor brought together leading international and domestic brands, with global names including Great Star, Rose Plastic, Wedo Tools, Victor Forging, Hsing Lung, Wire King, Forgings & Chemicals, JK Industrial, R.P. Overseas, Gripwell, Lucid, and Ezen. Prominent Chinese exhibitors such as Great Wall Precision, Wendeng Maxpower, Botou Safety Tools, Old-A Tools, Shanghai Balance Automotive, Fangda, Rigo, King Mount, and VDE presented their latest innovations alongside well-established industry clusters from Yongkang, Jiande, Jinhua, Lin'an, Xiaolan, Anping, Taigu, Pujiang, and Danyang. A dedicated Shandong provincial delegation from Wendeng and Linyi further reinforced the depth of China's regional manufacturing capabilities. Collectively, the exhibitor line-up showcased the resilience, innovative capacity and advanced manufacturing competence that define China's hardware sector today.

"Thanks to joint efforts from organisers and all our partners, CIHS 2026 achieved meaningful progress," remarked Mr Zhang Dongli, President of the China National Hardware Association. "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."

Curated Programmes and New Formats Drive Collaboration
This year, CIHS delivered a full suite of targeted buyer-engagement activities. 888 one-on-one matchmaking meetings connected trade buyers with exhibitors for efficient business dialogue, while 403 international hosted buyers formed dedicated procurement delegations and held in-depth trade discussions. Booth visits and interactive on-site sessions deepened mutual understanding and enabled well-informed sourcing decisions across diverse product categories and distribution channels. These initiatives covered core markets in Europe, the Americas, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia and Belt and Road regions, fostering effective cross-border business links and reinforcing CIHS's role in unlocking long-term partnership opportunities.

A new highlight of the 2026 edition was the "X-Border Hardware Bazaar", which assembled a broad spectrum of cross-border industry players spanning e-commerce, logistics, payment compliance and digital operations. On-site specialists from these firms provided one-on-one consultancy services for hardware exporting enterprises. Within this dedicated zone, two "Hardware Go-Global" workshops – "Beyond Borders, Into Markets" and "Beyond Clicks, Building Brand Equity" – brought together industry experts from GHIN/EDRA, eBay, PingPong, Amazon and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products. The sessions addressed the full spectrum of cross-border expansion, from navigating market access and supply chain complexities to unlocking the power of e-commerce and digital branding as key drivers of sustainable global growth.

Complementing these initiatives, forums and seminars addressed smart-home and security solutions, brand globalisation, industrial-chain development, industry standard-setting, intelligent manufacturing, green and low-carbon supply chains and digital-driven trade innovation. The DIY woodcraft station and locks showcase offered a hands-on experience for visitors, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere across the show floor. These sessions delivered actionable market intelligence and practical strategic guidance for industry participants navigating shifting global trade dynamics.

Voices from Exhibitors & Visitors

“This is our very first time at CIHS. We chose it as it ranks among the world’s largest hardware and tools exhibitions. We target China as well as global markets. What impressed us most is the large number of international visitors, plus our prime booth location for buyers from all over the world.”
KIJPAISALRATANA, Managing Director, POLAWAT ENGINE

“In our view, CIHS is one of the highest‑quality exhibitions in China. It is the only domestic trade show we take part in. Buyers at this show are of very high caliber, and we achieve a strong rate of deal closure. Visitors come with clear requirements, so we consistently identify new business opportunities at the show.”
Cherry Zheng, Marketing dept. Manager, SURETORQ

“We are a trading company from Italy, specialising in electric, pneumatic and batterypowered tools. This marks our first time attending the CIHS. We are looking for new suppliers to expand our product portfolio. We are particularly interested in companies from mainland China and Taiwan region of China. Overall, I am fully satisfied with the show experience and the support from the organising team. ”
Mauro Monolo, Purchasing & Logistics Manager, SIRA S.p.A.

“We have been here for several years. Our goal is to source products from reputable companies with good quality and competitive pricing and help boost the economy for  South Africans. We are mainly looking for hand tools and power tools from regions such as Danyang, Wuxi, Changzhou, Hangzhou and Taizhou. I highly recommend CIHS to all serious buyers in our industry.”
Trevor Pershouse, Managing Director, ANDROWARE (Pty) Ltd.

CIHS 2026 has once again demonstrated the enduring value of face-to-face interaction for the global hardware community. The show generated new business connections and market insights that lay a solid foundation for future collaboration across the entire hardware value chain, reinforcing confidence in the sector's continued growth and global integration.

For more information about CIHS, please visit the official website: https://www.hardwareshow-china.com/

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About the Organisers
Koelnmesse – industry trade fairs for the hardware sector: As a premier 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 Asia, also showcases its products there. In addition, Koelnmesse is 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 International Hardware Fair Colombia in Bogotá are tailored events and leading regional trade fairs with international participation. In 2025, two new formats were launched in dynamic regions – International Hardware Fair Indonesia in Jakarta and International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. As part of the ongoing development of its hardware portfolio in strategically relevant growth markets, Koelnmesse has also added the Central Asia International Hardware Expo to its event programme, with the first edition scheduled for November 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

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:
International Hardware Fair India: October 23–25, 2026
International Hardware Fair Colombia: November 5–7, 2026
Central Asia International Hardware Expo: November 24–26, 2026

To Media Editorial Department
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