Shanghai, China—China’s influence on the world’s flooring industry in recent years continues to grow at an unprecedented rate and all indications are that trend will continue in 2005. This is no more evident than in North America, as manufacturers, distributors and retailers have turned their attentions to the Far East for sourcing products. One of the best ways to gauge how quickly the Chinese market is growing is through the country’s largest floor covering trade show, Domotex asia/ChinaFloor (DACF). The seventh edition, set for March 22 to 24 at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre here, is already shaping up to be the show’s biggest in terms of both exhibitors and visitors.

“China is fast becoming the main hub in the Asia Pacific region at which to source affordable floor covering materials of high quality,” said a show official. “China itself has now become a major player on the world flooring market, due in large part to the competitive production cost. But, also because local producers have made great improvements in the quality of domestically produced floor covering materials.” “The growth of the show continues,” noted Wilbert Heijmans, senior project manager for VNU Exhibitions, one of the producers of the event. “We’re expecting over 600 exhibitors and 20,000 visitors for the upcoming market.” DACF has grown so much, organizers—which also include Deutsche Messe AG and China-floors—have added another hall to accommodate the record number of exhibitors expected. This year’s expected growth is on top of a record-breaking 2004 show.

In fact, since 2002, DACF has grown more than 120% in exhibitors and 75% in attendance, not to mention overall show space will have increased by almost three times since then. While these numbers in and of themselves are dramatic, it is the growth and participation of the international community that has confirmed China as one of the premier countries for sourcing all types of flooring. At the 2004 event, roughly 16% of all attendees were international visitors, a 36% increase over the 2003 market. Of these, 12% came from North America, representing the third highest region for attendance behind Europe at 22% and the rest of Asia at 59%.

Though the majority of products sold at the show are for residential use, DACF is far from being a one-dimensional market. In fact, the fair’s premier satellite event, Contract+Design.asia, was one of the main highlights of last year’s market. In fact, over 400 people from the A&D community participated in various presentations focused solely on the commercial arena. Heijmans said DACF 2005 will also feature “lots of activities, including an extensive seminar program which will present crucial market information along with the latest in industry innovations. In addition, we will once again be hosting Contract-+Design.asia.”

“DACF has established itself as the Asian trading hub for the flooring industry,” said a spokesman for the show. “The tremendous success of the show’s sixth anniversary in 2004 confirmed that is has grown to be the Asian annual gathering of the world’s leading flooring operators. “There is no doubt this edition of Domotex asia/ ChinaFloor will meet the expectations of all who participate,” the spokesman concluded, “and again solidify the show as Asia’s preeminent trade fair for floor coverings.” For more information on attending or exhibiting at Domotex asia/China-Floor, visit www.domotexasiachinafloor.com, or e-mail Heijmans at wilbert. heijmans@vnuexhibi tions.com.cn.