Against the backdrop of changing global trade, increasing tariffs on Chinese products and a growing emphasis on sustainability and innovative design, this year's CIFF Guangzhou 2025 showcased both the strength of China's furniture sector and its ability to adapt to new challenges and shape the future of the market.
Text: Ula Ditrych
This year's 55th edition of the China International Furniture Fair (CIFF) in Guangzhou confirmed that China is not only maintaining its dominant position in the global furniture industry, but is also actively shaping its future - with an increasing focus on quality, design and sustainability. Divided into two phases - home furniture (18-21 March) and office and commercial spaces (28-31 March) - the exhibition attracted a record number of more than 4,900 exhibitors and 363,825 professional visitors from 187 countries and regions. Significantly, there was a 10.91% increase in the number of foreign visitors, which, in light of the current geopolitical situation, is a clear indication of the growing openness of the market and the need to diversify export destinations.
1. Canton Fair Complex
Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou, one of the largest exhibition centres in the world, with space exceeding 1.1 million m2. This is where CIFF Guangzhou takes place, an event that brings together key players in the global furniture market.
2. Jia Jia
CIFF Guangzhou's mascot ‘Jia Jia’ - her name means ‘home’ and ‘beauty’ in Mandarin, highlighting the fair's mission: to support industry development, share opportunities and promote a better quality of life.
3. Zhou Shanqing
4. Casey Loo
Casey Loo, publisher and editor-in-chief of FurnitureAndFurnishing (Singapore and Malaysia), the newly elected president of IAFP, presents the International Furniture Leadership Awards. The competition rewards the best-run companies and leaders in the furniture and design industry from around the world.
5. China Meets Europe: Designing Opportunities’ summit at the 55th CIFF Guangzhou 2025
Participants at the ‘China Meets Europe: Designing Opportunities’ summit at the 55th CIFF Guangzhou 2025. The forum brought together representatives from European and Chinese interior design associations, industry leaders and entrepreneurs to discuss values, business opportunities and cross-cultural collaboration. The event was moderated by Fabrizio Todeschini, co-founder and managing partner of Edimotion.
6. Aoke
The Aoke booth, where the latest furniture collection, intelligent ergonomic systems and innovative solutions for work and everyday life were presented under the motto ‘Craftsmanship Meets Technology’. The stand is distinguished by its geometric design, digital aesthetics and the presence of the brand's mascot ‘Kezai’.
7. SleepOne AI
SleepOne AI. At the fair, the company showcased a new generation of smart mattresses that combine advanced sleep monitoring technology with smart home functionality, in line with the growing trend of personalised, healthy lifestyles.
8. Scanteak Jamie Lim
Jamie Lim, CEO of Scanteak Singapore, shares strategies for sustainability and brand expansion in a changing market environment at the CIFF-ASEAN Furniture Leaders Business Forum. The discussion revolved around the theme ‘Navigating for Success in a Volatile Market’, focusing on the challenges of competitiveness, sustainability and digital transformation in the ASEAN furniture industry.
9. East design show 1
East Design Show 2025 - an exhibition showcasing contemporary designs from East Asia inspired by local crafts, culture and materials. The exhibition emphasised the importance of cultural identity and the integration of tradition with modern design, in line with the CIFF Contemporary Design programme.
10. East design show 2
Zhu Xiaoji, curator of the East Design Show 2025, during the presentation of a traditional sound bowl. Elements of culture and craftsmanship, such as the bowls used in sound baths, became part of an exhibition showing the dialogue between heritage and contemporary design.
However, against the backdrop of this spectacular increase in attendance, the political and economic context was evident: the recently announced customs duty increases on Chinese products by the US administration have clearly accelerated the efforts of Chinese manufacturers to tap into new markets. In discussions with exhibitors, destinations such as the Middle East, Africa and Europe - including Central and Eastern Europe - regularly emerged as areas of strategic export interest. CIFF is thus becoming not only a venue for showcasing products, but also a platform for reallocating commercial attention.
At the same time, the theme of the independence and maturity of Chinese design resonated surprisingly strongly this year. Former accusations of copying and lack of aesthetic identity are giving way to a growing appreciation of originality, design courage and the skilful fusion of modernity with the local cultural context. Home Furniture's exhibition was dominated by collections inspired by the philosophy of everyday life, balance and nature - often presented under the slogan ‘Navigation’, referring to finding direction in a modern lifestyle. Also evident was the incorporation of smart technology and an emphasis on sustainable materials.
The phase dedicated to office and commercial spaces, on the other hand, was held under the motto ‘Sustainability’ - and this was not just a marketing slogan. Manufacturers are increasingly showcasing office and hospitality solutions that support wellbeing, ergonomics and a reduced carbon footprint. Furniture supported by AI technologies and solutions created for flexible and hybrid working models were popular. In the Public Commercial Space segment, there was an emphasis on the need to design educational and medical spaces with future demographic challenges in mind - signalling, among other things, an increased interest in furniture for seniors and solutions for the healthcare sector.
11. Gordon Gu
The Gordon Gu brand's engineered crystal products, showcased at CIFF, combine modern technology with elegant design to create unique home furnishings, such as the G Da Vinci collection furniture, inspired by the work of Leonardo da Vinci.
12. DAaZ
The DAaZ brand's collection presented at CIFF 2025: a distinctive chair developed over two years and a three-legged table reflect the brand's approach, drawing inspiration from sculpture and architecture. DAaZ is focusing on the Middle East market and is starting to work with art galleries to present its furniture in an artistic context. The brand has 40 outlets in a store-in-store model (the minimum size is 450 m2 and the flagship showroom is 800 m2) and plans to participate in the next edition of CIFF in 2026.
13. Menoir
Hand-painted bench from the Menoir brand (Foshan Zhihao Furniture Co., Ltd.) exhibit, presented during CIFF Guangzhou. Each piece is a unique work of art. The brand offers complete interior design, including decoration and bespoke designs, working with a local team of architects and designers from Italy and other European countries.
14. HC28
The HC28 brand stand at the 55th CIFF Guangzhou presented the Global Designer's Lounge, a space based on the Panoramic Design philosophy. Delicately partitioned with linen walls, it fostered dialogue and cultural exchange, combining Eastern hospitality with modern aesthetics. The brand operates globally, operating 140 shops and developing collaborations with designers around the world. Its portfolio also includes a second brand line, HC28 Cosmo.
15. Steel-Land
The entrance to the stand of the Steel-Land brand, established in 1993. The stand attracted the attention of both industry professionals and other trade fair participants, as evidenced by the queues lining up outside the entrance.
16. Fabb
At its stand, Fabb presents the ATOMIC collection, a modern upholstery fabric combining polyurethane and nylon that offers elegance, functionality and exceptional durability. Fabb, one of the few Polish companies present at CIFF, focuses on building international collaborations, particularly in the Chinese market, offering innovative fabrics and inspiration for interiors.
17. Davis
Davis, one of the few Polish brands present at CIFF Guangzhou 2025, presented its fabrics in the Homedecor & Hometextile sector.
18. Tempur
Tempur, a company recognised for its innovative sleep comfort solutions, has won the prestigious China Diamond Awards (CD Awards) at CIFF Guangzhou 2025. The CD Awards is an appreciation of excellence in furniture, which recognises innovation, quality of craftsmanship and impact on the development of the global furniture market.
19. Dancoo 55_CIFF_30_office & commercial
Dancoo brand exhibition. Dancoo Smart Pods are smart, modular spaces that provide comfort and privacy in offices and public spaces. Thanks to the technology used, Smart Pods offer optimal conditions for working, relaxing and meeting, creating flexible, dedicated zones in larger spaces.
20. Livintwist 55_CIFF_26_outdoor
Livintwist's booth at the 55th edition of CIFF in Guangzhou showcased, among other things, the Flo and Nassa collections, in line with the ‘Exploration’ theme on the relationship between outdoor living and environmental awareness. The exhibition included sustainable solutions for outdoor spaces, including furniture, umbrellas, decoration and camping equipment.
21. Sitstar 55_CIFF_32_office & commercial
The Sitstar brand exhibited at the 55th edition of CIFF in Guangzhou as part of the Zhejiang Runda Kehong Furniture Co., Ltd. furniture group, alongside sister brand Koho. The company focused on showcasing modern ergonomic office chairs, highlighting its expertise in designing functional solutions for work and commercial spaces.
Not just furniture
The CIFM/interzum guangzhou, a section dedicated to components, raw materials and manufacturing technology, was also an integral part of the CIFF. The shift towards low-carbon production, automation and digital transformation of manufacturing processes was clearly emphasised here, which is part of the broader trend of so-called smart manufacturing, already present in many Chinese factories.
On a cultural level, CIFF 2025 has consolidated its position as a space for the exchange of ideas. More than 100 forums and conferences were held, including the ‘World Design Summit’ and the ‘China-Europe Summit of Interior Designers Associations’, demonstrating the industry's openness to international dialogue. The Contemporary Design Fair event attracted attention not only for its aesthetics, but also for the topicality of its themes - from ecology to the integration of new technologies in design.
All in all, this year's CIFF Guangzhou was not only a huge attendance success, but above all a confirmation of the profound transformation that is taking place before the eyes of the entire industry. China, despite external pressure, is consolidating its position as a supplier of complex, increasingly sophisticated furniture solutions. It is clear that it is no longer just about volume, but about quality, its own style and global ambitions.
For Polish companies - both those looking for contractors and those wishing to follow industry trends - CIFF remains an indispensable reference point. It is an event that not only shows what is happening today, but clearly signals what lies ahead tomorrow.
