Attendance at China's 3F Furniture Fair falls 15%

Next edition set for March 16-20

Tom Russell -- Furniture Today, 11/12/2008 7:15:25 AM

DONGGUAN, China — Buyer attendance was down 15% at the 20th 3F International Famous Furniture Fair Dongguan in September amid a global slowdown in the furniture industry, organizers said.

According to official results, the Sept. 6-10 show in the Guangdong Modern International Exhibition Center in Houjie, a section of Dongguan, attracted 50,000 visitors, including 7,000 buyers from overseas.

Of the foreign buyers, 41.3% were from Asia, 23% were from North America, 21.1% were from Europe and 7.1% were from the Middle East. About 4% were from Africa and 3.5% were from Australia.

"2008 is not an easy year for the furniture industry players in China," said Yin Chengzhi, president of the Dongguan Famous Furniture Assn. "However, I am very glad to see so many exhibitors take the challenges head-on by participating vigorously at 3F and introducing new products. I think this is the fundamental reason why 3F can draw in and keep crowds in a difficult time like today."

The show featured 830 exhibitors, 70% of which were from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China.

The 21st version of the twice-yearly event will be held March 16-20.

For more information, visit www.3F.net.cn.