🛋️ A Professional Buyer’s Guide to the 2025 Shanghai International Furniture Exhibition

By Sunbin Qi, CEO of ASKT Furniture

Over the past 20 years in the home furnishings industry, I have had the privilege of attending the Shanghai International Furniture Exhibition more times than I can count. From my early days as a young practitioner eager to learn about international design, to today, as the CEO of ASKT Furniture supplying Europe’s largest retailers, this exhibition has been a constant in my career.

I have watched it evolve from a domestic trade fair into one of the most important global sourcing platforms. For international buyers, it is now an essential event — a place to secure reliable suppliers, evaluate compliance, and discover the innovations that will shape global furniture markets in the years ahead.

If you are a foreign retailer, wholesaler, or contract buyer, the 2025 Shanghai Furniture Exhibition should already be marked on your calendar. Let me explain why.

Why Shanghai Matters for International Buyers in 2025

When I attended my first Shanghai fair two decades ago, many overseas visitors came mainly for low prices. Today, priorities have shifted. International buyers now demand:

• Certified quality assurance (ISO, BSCI, OEKO-TEX®)

• Sustainability (zero-plastic packaging, eco-friendly fabrics)

• Compliance with European regulations (plastic taxes, green audits)

• Reliable production capacity supported by automation and R&D

In 2025, Shanghai represents not just cost advantage, but a strategic sourcing hub. Companies like ASKT demonstrate this transformation: in 2024 alone, we supplied 550,000 dining chairs to the German market, working with major retailers.

This is proof that Chinese suppliers are no longer only manufacturers — we are global partners aligned with buyer expectations in Europe, North America, and beyond.

The Exhibition at a Glance

• Dates: September 9–12, 2025

• Venue: National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), Shanghai

• Exhibition Area: Over 400,000 sqm, covering dining, living, bedroom, outdoor, office, and contract furniture, as well as raw materials and fabrics.

• International Reach: More than 3,000 exhibitors, tens of thousands of buyers, and representation from over 30 countries.

The NECC, located near Hongqiao International Airport, is one of the largest convention centers in the world. For buyers, this means convenience, efficiency, and access to one of the most comprehensive furniture marketplaces globally.

Procurement Trends B2B Buyers Must Watch

From my perspective, here are the most important trends shaping procurement in 2025:

1. Sustainability as a Business Necessity

With rising plastic taxes in Europe, buyers must prioritize suppliers offering eco-compliant packaging. At ASKT, we launched a zero-plastic packaging program, helping customers cut packaging costs by up to 15% annually while passing customs audits smoothly.

2. Factory Automation = Reliable Supply

Factories investing in cutting machines, welding robots, and automated testing are better positioned to deliver consistent quality and faster lead times. For buyers managing large orders, automation reduces risk.

3. Durability Testing for Long-Term Value

In mature markets like Germany, durability is non-negotiable. At ASKT, we invest in 12 different testing methods — including load, impact, and abrasion tests — to guarantee product lifespan. Buyers should always ask suppliers for these certifications and test results.

4. Lifestyle-Oriented Design for Retail Success

Consumers are increasingly buying lifestyles, not just products. Many exhibitors now present mock-up living spaces rather than individual items. This helps buyers forecast trends and select collections that resonate with end customers.

How to Evaluate Suppliers at the Fair

To maximize ROI from the exhibition, B2B buyers should approach supplier evaluation systematically:

1. Pre-qualify exhibitors – Review the exhibitor list and prioritize those with export experience and certifications.

2. Ask the right questions – Inquire about MOQ, lead times, warranty policies, and logistics support.

3. Demand compliance proof – Insist on ISO, BSCI, and OEKO-TEX® documentation.

4. Discuss packaging early – With European taxes, packaging solutions impact total landed cost.

5. Assess R&D capacity – Leading suppliers can develop new samples quickly. At ASKT, we can create a custom dining chair prototype in just 10 days.

Case Study: ASKT as a Model Supplier

Why do I highlight my own company? Because ASKT’s growth illustrates how foreign buyers can benefit from strategic partnerships with Chinese manufacturers.

• European Penetration: 550,000 chairs sold in Germany in 2024.

• Sustainability Edge: Zero-plastic packaging and fabrics made from recycled bottles.

• Recognition: My cover feature in möbelmarkt in February 2025 shows how seriously the European market takes us.

• Worker Standards: Full BSCI certification and investments in worker safety.

This is the profile international buyers should look for in Shanghai: suppliers with scale, compliance, sustainability, and proven retail success.

Practical Travel Guide for Foreign Buyers

Accommodation Recommendations

Near NECC (best for efficiency):

• InterContinental Shanghai Hongqiao NECC – Five-star, directly linked to the fairgrounds. Perfect for buyers who want convenience and networking.

• Courtyard by Marriott Hongqiao – Comfortable, business-oriented, just 10 minutes from the venue.

• Hilton Garden Inn Hongqiao – Reliable, budget-friendly, and convenient.

In Central Shanghai (for culture and dining):

• The Portman Ritz-Carlton – Classic luxury on Nanjing Road, ideal for mixing business with leisure.

• JW Marriott Marquis Pudong – High-end, with stunning river views — excellent for entertaining clients.

Dining & Business Entertaining

Close to NECC:

• Di Shui Dong (滴水洞) – Authentic Hunan dishes, bold flavors for adventurous diners.

• Xibei Youmiancun (西贝莜面村) – Reliable chain serving hearty Northern Chinese cuisine, ideal for groups.

In Central Shanghai:

• Lost Heaven on the Bund – Elegant Yunnan cuisine, perfect for hosting overseas clients.

• Da Dong Roast Duck – Modern Beijing duck experience in a refined setting.

• Jade on 36 (Shangri-La Pudong) – Fine dining with panoramic views of the Bund skyline.

International Options:

• Mercato by Jean-Georges – Stylish Italian, popular with expats and executives.

• Wolfgang’s Steakhouse – Premium steakhouse for Western-style business dinners.

Additional Tips

• Visa: Apply for an M (business) visa well in advance.

• Transport: Metro Line 2 connects central Shanghai to NECC. Ride-hailing apps like Didi (with English option) are also convenient.

• Interpreters: Helpful for technical discussions and contract negotiations.

• Factory Visits: Plan post-exhibition trips to suppliers’ production bases in Zhejiang, Guangdong, or Jiangsu.

Conclusion: Visit ASKT at Hall W1 C37

The 2025 Shanghai International Furniture Exhibition is not a casual trade fair — it is the global procurement hub for the modern furniture industry.

For foreign B2B buyers, it offers unparalleled opportunities to:

• Source directly from manufacturers,

• Secure compliance-ready products,

• Reduce costs through smart logistics and packaging,

• And discover innovative designs that set retail trends.

I warmly invite you to visit ASKT’s booth at Hall W1 C37. Here, my team and I will present our latest dining chair and table collections, showcase our zero-plastic packaging solutions, and demonstrate how we help leading European retailers reduce costs while maintaining quality.

Over my 20 years of attending, I have seen countless partnerships begin in these exhibition halls. For anyone serious about international sourcing, Shanghai in September 2025 is not optional — it is essential.