Furniture Today,
SHENZHEN, China — The 20th Shenzhen International Furniture

Exhibition saw a drop in overall attendance but a big increase in international buyers during its March 19-22 run.

According to figures from show organizers, the market drew a total of 67,138 buyers from 105 countries, down 15% from the 79,186 reported last March. But international buyer attendance was up 62% from 8,050 to 13,078, show promoters said.

South Korea sent the highest number of non-Chinese buyers, with 437 organizations represented. There were 64 buying groups from the United States, 53 from Spain and 47 from Japan. 

Held at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, the event featured some 597 exhibitors in nearly 1.7 million square feet of show space spread over nine indoor halls and three outside areas.

Exhibitors showed a mix of traditional to contemporary upholstery, leather and case goods. For the first time, the show also had an Indonesian pavilion with some 40 manufacturers, as well as a number of first-time kitchen and bathroom cabinet manufacturers.

The 21st edition of SIFE will be held Aug. 19-22.