A new collaboration has been announced that will make an already strong proposition in the Chinese furniture and woodworking machinery sector even stronger.
Beginning in 2025, the renowned China (Shanghai) International Furniture Fair (CIFF Shanghai) and China International Furniture Machinery & Woodworking Machinery Fair (Shanghai) (WMF) are joining with Sylva Wood Expo Shanghai for what is being described as a “ground-breaking collaboration” by event organisers.
September 9–12, 2025 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai Hongqiao has been set as the date for the trio of exhibitions, which will run concurrently.
China Foreign Trade Macalline Exhibition Co Ltd, Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd, and Pablo Publishing & Exhibition Pte Ltd announced the news in April and said the addition of Sylva Wood Expo Shanghai to the existing CIFF and WMF partnership would form a dynamic and synergistic industry platform, redefining benchmarks in the global furniture and woodworking sectors.
“This strategic partnership unites three leading exhibitions to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and propel growth across the global woodworking and furniture industries,” said the organisers.
“By combining our strengths, we’re creating a platform that seamlessly connects international woodworking resources with furniture manufacturing,” said William Pang, managing director of Pablo Publishing & Exhibition Pte Ltd. “This collaboration paves the way for exciting technological advancements and broader market opportunities.”
“Through close industry collaboration, we aim to maximise the platform’s strengths across the entire industrial, supply, and innovation chains,” said Yang Huawei, general manager of China Foreign Trade Macalline Exhibition Co Ltd.
“This will promote deeper integration and co-ordinated development within the home furnishing ecosystem, supporting sustainable, high-quality, and global growth for the industry.”
Rita Chu, vice-chairman of Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd, echoed the vision.
“This strategic partnership enables us to showcase cutting-edge smart manufacturing technologies and innovative materials more comprehensively across the global woodworking and home furnishing supply chain. It enhances the exhibition’s market relevance, professional depth, and international standing – further amplifying brand influence and unlocking new opportunities for the industry.”
THREE SHOWS IN ONE CONCEPT
Launched in 2015, Sylva Wood Expo is jointly organised by the China Timber & Wood Products Distribution Association (CTWPDA), Shanghai Timber Trade Association, and Pablo Publishing & Exhibition Pte Ltd.
As Asia’s only trade fair dedicated to wood raw and auxiliary materials, it has emerged as a key platform for global sourcing and industry networking.
The 2024 edition, held from June 24–26 in Shanghai, welcomed nearly 100 exhibitors – 70% of whom represented overseas markets including the US, Russia, Germany, Canada, and Malaysia –showcasing high-demand products including hardwood, softwood, logs, engineered panels, plywood, LVL, CLT, veneer, and solid wood components to a targeted and professional buyer audience.
CIFF (Shanghai) started in 1998 and has held 55 editions, with CIFF Shanghai being the Chinese flagship platform for home design. In 2024, it spanned 300,000m2 and attracted 89,433 visitors, including a notable 18.31% increase in overseas attendees (10,486), reflecting its growing role in supporting Chinese brands’ global outreach.
WMF was first launched in 1986 and has grown into one of Asia’s most established platforms for woodworking machinery sourcing, co-organised with the China National Forestry Machinery Association.
Since 2018, WMF has been held concurrently with CIFF Shanghai at the NECC (Shanghai Hongqiao), forming a comprehensive hub for smart home manufacturing and materials.
In 2024, WMF welcomed 29,203 professional visitors, including 3,715 international attendees, accounting for 12.72% of the total – a remarkable 19.32% increase from the previous year. This significant growth in overseas participation reinforces WMF’s rising influence and appeal on the global stage.
International exhibitors from the woodbased panel technology sector include the likes of Andritz, Dieffenbacher and Steinemann.
