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China’s manufacturers of tackle are looking further afield than the United States for export markets because of the tariff trade war.
That’s the view of Li Jiang, the owner of one of the world’s largest fishing tackle trade shows – China Fish – and an observer of the industry during the event’s more three decade history.
He told Angling International: “According to statistics from fishing tackle media, exports to the United States accounts for up to 20% of the country’s total exports. Companies within this sector are bearing the brunt of the tariff uncertainty.
“This has made buyers hesitant to place orders and led to a significant contraction of orders destined to the US. Furthermore, escalating tariffs have led to some clients extending delivery times or cancelling orders outright, leading to mounting inventories and higher warehousing costs.
“In response, many companies that previously focused solely on the North American market are actively diversifying into other international arenas, including Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Oceania and Africa.
“Some are even exploring opportunities within the domestic Chinese market. Firms not serving the US also face pressure from the weak global economy and spillover competition from exporters who have lost US orders, forcing them to become more competitive.”
Li Jiang added despite so many uncertainties in world politics plus the overall fragility of the economy, one thing is for sure. “Fishing tackle companies cannot afford to succumb to inaction. Our only hope is to face these challenges head-on and move fast.”
Trade exhibitions like China Fish can play their part in offering solutions and new opportunities for businesses worldwide, he added.
One of the most notable shifts in the post-pandemic landscape at China Fish involves many long-standing participants – typically those with a ten-year or longer history at the event – are reducing their booth size or withdrawing all together.
“Among the current confirmed participants for 2026, 329 are relatively new to China Fish, having only joined in the last one to three years. This group accounts for over 50% of all exhibitors who are looking to increase their booth space.”
Based on current pre-registration figures, China Fish 2026 will see an approximate 12% increase in attendance compared to last year.
“Since first surpassing 1,000 international visitors in 2005, China Fish has consistently maintained that level, attracting attendees from approximately 80 countries and regions,” Li Jiang said.
Li Jiang has also revealed that a feature of China Fish 2026 will be a significant increase in new product launches. “This trend is driven by a prevailing sentiment among exhibitors that in a challenging economy, launching news products is essential to capture the attention of buyers and build a competitive edge.
“The precedent was set last year where the Best Product Showcase attracted 168 exhibitors who entered over 300 items.”
In response to feedback that a three-day show is not long enough to meet all the targets of exhibitors, China Fish is launching a new ‘Online Preview, Onsite Connect’ visiting format. Before the show, visitors can use the service to:
- Identify and prioritise ‘must-see’ booths
- Pre-schedule in-person meetings with target exhibitors
- Plan an efficient route based on the exhibition floorplan
- Access exhibitor profiles and product information to pre-qualify potential partners through initial online communication
“Onsite Connect is where you can execute your customised plan and transform your online preparations into tangible business outcomes and maximise the return on your time at the show.”
International visitors can gain early access to the China Fish Exhibitor Preview online, which opens this month, allowing them to explore the full exhibitor directory, floor plans and company categories. Additionally, they can filter exhibitors by participation history, identifying those new to the show (one to three years) and long-standing participants (ten years or more).
Furthermore, most manufacturers have already set up their individual stores on the China Fish All-in-One platform where visitors can access comprehensive details about them.
International visitors can use the platform to message exhibitors, ask questions or arrange meetings at China Fish.
Three reasons for attending China Fish
- To consolidate meetings with long-term suppliers. The show offers an unparalleled opportunity to meet numerous established partners in one place, significantly saving time, effort and cost. It also serves as a highly efficient platform for discovering and vetting new potential partners.
- Discovering new products and identifying trends for the upcoming year. Buyers can find products from over 80 countries and regions at the show. The innovation and R&D capabilities of Chinese manufacturers continue to grow and the exhibition has become an epicenter for groundbreaking products.
- As a trade-only event, China Fish is exclusively for fishing tackle professionals. This means every attendee is a verified professional buyer from one of over 80 countries and regions. The opportunity to connect with this global delegation in one place is a key draw.
Date: February 28 – March 2
Venue: China International Exhibition Centre
Contact: lijiang@chinafish.cn
