In challenging markets, the personal relationship between suppliers and customers is more important than ever. The American Hardwood Export Council is planning a busy schedule of events in 2025 to develop these connections for your company and grow your global markets.
In addition to what we expect to be a full slate of design, marketing, educational and networking events, AHEC has also planned pavilions at nine of the largest wood trade and furniture trade shows in the world in 2025, as well as an AHEC Convention in China right before Interzum Guangzhou in March. These pavilions will make premier representation available to American companies at the busiest events of the year for just $500 per booth, or $700 for Interzum Cologne.
In 2025 we plan to host a U.S. Hardwood Pavilion at these events:
IndiaWood, Greater Noida (Delhi), India (Mar 6-9)
AHEC Greater China Convention, Nankang, Ganzhou (Mar 24-25)
Interzum Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China (Mar 28-31)
Dubai Woodshow, Dubai, UAE (Apr 14-16)
Qingdao International Furniture Fair, Qingdao, China (May 8-11)
Interzum Cologne, Cologne, Germany (May 20-23)
Tecno Mueble, Guadalajara, Mexico (Aug 13-16)
FMC Shanghai, Shanghai, China (Sept 10-13)
IFMAC WOODMAC, Jakarta, Indonesia (Sept 24-27)
VietnamWood, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Nov 19-22)
Each year AHEC attends over 40 trade shows globally to promote American hardwoods, research market potential, and drive local purchasing behavior. In our experience these shows we have selected provide the best opportunity this year for an American company to connect with local buyers and build strong relationships. Of course, our participation in all of these events is subject to travel restrictions and funding through the Farm Bill, and event dates are subject to change.
IndiaWood in Greater Noida, India will be our first pavilion of the year and is set up to accommodate up to 14 companies. Though traditionally a difficult place for Americans to do business, India has made rapid advances in the manufacturing sector and wood processing industry over the last few years. 2024 was another record year for exports of U.S. hardwoods to India as our “exotic” woods are becoming a desired commodity in the local market. We have also seen an increase in exports of U.S. hardwoods in value grades and species for re-export furniture. AHEC will also organize grading seminars and factory visits before this show in the Jodhpur region of Rajasthan from March 3-5, then continue to IndiaWood, which starts on the 6th.
Interzum Guangzhou is one of the largest shows in China and covers every aspect of the furniture and flooring industries. Held from March 28-31 every year, IZ GZ will have one of the largest AHEC pavilions of the year due to strong demand. AHEC is also organizing our Greater China Convention right before the Interzum Guangzhou show in the developing manufacturing hub of Nankang, Ganzhou. Interested companies can fly round trip from the U.S. to Guangzhou and take a train ride or short flight to Nankang to visit the convention and Interzum in just one week from March 24-31. The AHEC Conventions are free to attend for all AHEC members.
Dubai Woodshow is the cornerstone of the timber business in the Middle East, with buyers from all over the region in attendance. Many Middle Eastern countries are very consistent buyers of Red Oak, particularly 8/4 lumber. This region can be difficult to travel around and make strong connections, so events like Dubai Woodshow are ideal for bringing in potential customers from Turkey, the UAE, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and more. The show is moved back a month in 2025 and will be held from April 14-16.
Qingdao International Furniture Fair, held May 8-11, will host an AHEC pavilion for the first time in 2025. We have previously attended this show with a general AHEC booth, and believe the time is right to bring a small pavilion of American companies to exhibit at the show. The Qingdao market has been one of the more consistent buyers of American hardwood lumber, so we are excited to help your company develop these connections at this new pavilion in China.
Interzum Cologne (May 20-23) is the largest wood and furniture show in Europe and is held every other year. IZ Cologne returns in 2025, and AHEC will host a slightly smaller pavilion at this show than we did in 2023. We expect this show will continue to be a hub for the European industry and will provide an opportunity for interested companies to make strong connections in this important market.
Tecno Mueble in Guadalajara, Mexico will provide a chance for U.S. hardwood companies to connect with buyers in one of the fastest growing markets of the last few years. We have seen excellent growth of U.S. hardwood exports to Mexico, thanks in large part to a supply chain shift away from China and toward manufacturing hubs closer to end markets like the USA.
FMC Shanghai in September will be the third pavilion of the year in China and is usually a larger pavilion around the same size as Interzum Guangzhou. In 2024, we used FMC as a showcase to launch our “Echoes of the Woods” project celebrating Chinese design with American hardwoods. We plan to host another design and education event during FMC 2025.
IFMAC WOODMAC. For the first time, AHEC will host a small pavilion at this show in Jakarta, Indonesia next September 24-27. The SE Asia region is dominated by Vietnam, but we feel the Indonesia market could be poised to grow over the next few years with increased foreign direct investment.
VietnamWood is by far the largest trade show in Southeast Asia and is held every other year in Ho Chi Minh City. In 2025, the show will be from November 19-22 and we will host a large pavilion of American companies to visit one of our largest global markets.
The AHEC U.S. Hardwood Pavilions host between 12-30 companies and space is given out on a first come, first served basis. $500 (or $700 for Interzum Cologne) covers the space, pavilion build, electricity, flooring, lighting, and basic furniture. Due to the large demand for these spaces, registration occurs several months in advance and typically sells out the same day.
In addition to these trade shows, we also offer U.S. companies representation during our “mini trade show” at the AHEC Convention this March in China. All AHEC members that register will be given a free table with their company logo at a cocktail reception with our attending Asian buyers. The event will serve to educate local buyers on the benefits of using American hardwood products, how to specify hardwoods, and connect them directly with you, the industry. We had excellent participation at the 2023 AHEC Convention in Chengdu, China, with over 400 attendees, and we are looking forward to another strong event this year to reconnect with the market.
Above all our goal at AHEC is to represent the American hardwood industry and connect U.S. companies to new markets. By providing a low-cost way to exhibit at international trade shows we hope to make it easy for small, family-owned companies to make a big global impact. If you are interested in attending our AHEC China Convention or any of the trade shows listed here, please contact AHEC’s International Program Manager, Tripp Pryor, tpryor@ahec.org.
