Exhibitors at the Malaysian International Furniture Fair saw the value of orders soar.
The 1-4 March show saw US$1.21bn of orders: a 19% increase from its pre-pandemic peak of US$1.01 billion in 2019, with an unprecedented record of 673 exhibiting companies and trade visitors spanning 136 nationalities.
This year’s show gained traction from the pent-up demand as exhibitors and buyers took over the trade floor to reconnect and transact orders from the wide selection of new products and fresh designs on display for the first time after the pandemic.
With buyers coming from all over the world, MIFF has become an attractive gateway for exhibitors to seek new international buyers and markets. This year’s show presented exhibitors from 11 countries and regions — Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Returning to a full-scale event spread across two venues at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), MIFF welcomed 19,275 trade buyers with nearly 30% foreign buyers and 40% first-time visitors.
The largest numbers were from Asia followed by North America and Oceania. China took the lead with the most visitors, ahead of Singapore, United States, India and Australia.
The bullish momentum was supported by 81% of attendees who came to source for new products and place orders. Top sellers were furniture for the dining room, bedroom, living room, office, upholstery and kitchens.
‘MIFF 2023 has exceeded expectations. We’re grateful for the tremendous support of the global furniture industry, exhibitors and visitors. Industry professionals were back in full force to see their suppliers and new products. The wide range of exhibitors and products added a lot of energy and generated a positive new feel to the show. We are looking forward to welcome everyone back next year at our 30th anniversary, which will be stronger and better. Our focus remains on delivering good quality growth to reinforce MIFF as the best trading platform for our customers,’ says Kelie Lim, MIFF general manager.
