SHANGHAI—Domotex asia/ChinaFloor (DACF) has already established itself as one of the largest and most important flooring trade markets in the world, and early indications point to this trend continuing for this year’s edition.

Though still three months away, the 12th annual DACF is showing no signs of slowing with 90% of the 500,000 square feet of available exhibit space already sold. Organizers expect the rest to be taken before the show opens March 23. All told, 1,000 companies from 38 countries are anticipated to exhibit in eight halls at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

In addition, interest among attendees is also strong giving show management confidence the market will exceed the 37,000 visitors who attended the 2009 event.

Thurain Aye, DACF’s general manager, said the international interest and continuous growth of the show “confirms that people recognize China represents not only an exceptional place to source product but also a potential market for western products to be sold.”

Despite the world economic slump, China is still a growing market. In fact, some estimate the country will need up to 430 billion square feet of floor covering to meet its domestic demand over the next decade. As an example, China’s domestic wood flooring consumption increased 8% last year. Because of this, Aye said there is an “added dimension” to DACF as more western companies want to investigate opportunities to export to China.

From the U.S. perspective, his observation is in line with a trend FCNews called attention to after attending the past show: That U.S. flooring mills are getting more involved in selling their products to Chinese consumers (FCNews, May 4/11). A number of the industry’s top manufacturers already have set up distribution and marketing support systems in the country either by themselves or through partnerships with some of China’s best-known flooring brands.

Nonetheless, Aye said DACF is still a great place for foreigners to source product as every flooring category is on display. New to DACF will be the promotion of eco-friendly flooring through the use of a “Green Tag” to aid buyers interested in selecting green flooring options, as well as to give greater exposure to these types of products.

In addition, special materials catering to this area will be available at the show, and the China International Flooring Awards will be expanded to include an Eco Flooring category, which will recognize brands that “excelled at their contribution to sustainable green economy.”

For more on attending or exhibiting at the 2010 DACF, visit its Web site at domotexasiachinafloor.com.