China's Hardware Tools Export Situation and Trend

Since 2008, China has implemented various policies aimed at boosting domestic demand, accelerating rural development, and launching major projects such as post-earthquake reconstruction. These initiatives have significantly expanded the market for construction hardware, creating a large demand gap that has driven the evolution and improvement of architectural hardware products in the country. The pace of innovation and development in this sector has accelerated rapidly over the years.

In 2013, the export of hardware tools from China continued to grow steadily. One of the most significant events in the industry was the China International Hardware Show, which is currently the largest and most influential exhibition in the country. Organized jointly by the China Hardware Products Association and Cologne International Exhibition Co., Ltd., the event first took place in 2009. During September 16–18, the show was held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, featuring a dedicated architectural hardware pavilion. This section showcased a wide range of products, including door and window hardware, faucets, shower systems, toilet Accessories, valves, pipe fittings, and other plumbing equipment. Additionally, it included metal ceiling lamps, movable partitions, decorative panels, fasteners, screws, nails, and more.

From January to March 2013, the metal products sector was categorized based on cumulative import and export volumes. Construction hardware, tool hardware, household hardware, locks, cooking appliances, showers, stainless steel kitchenware, zippers, and range hoods were among the top categories. In the first half of the year, the combined imports and exports of the construction hardware, tool hardware, and daily hardware sectors accounted for 42.99%, 17.51%, and 12.62% respectively. While there was a slight decline compared to the same period last year, both the construction and tool hardware industries saw minor growth. However, the overall brand recognition and quality of Chinese hardware tools still require further enhancement to compete globally.

The foreign trade of China's metal products industry primarily relies on general trade. From January to March 2013, the volume of general trade imports and exports increased by 12.52%, accounting for 73.34% of the total industry imports and exports. General trade exports rose by 15.25% year-on-year, marking an increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Meanwhile, general trade imports grew by 2.39% year-on-year, though this represented a slower growth rate than the previous year, with a decrease of 6.35 percentage points in the same period.