WMF 2026 Set for September 5–8: Celebrating 40 Years of Connecting Global Markets with Smart Woodworking Innovation

China International Furniture Machinery & Woodworking Machinery Fair (Shanghai) (WMF) has confirmed that WMF 2026 will take place from September 5-8, 2026, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai, China). Marking its 40th anniversary, WMF returns with the theme "Connecting Global Markets with Smart Innovation," reinforcing the show's role in bridging China's woodworking and furniture manufacturing technologies with international demand.

As manufacturers continue to seek a resilient balance between quality, efficiency, and cost, WMF 2026 will present a more international and scenario-driven showcase, offering forward-looking pathways and competitive system solutions for the future factory.

WMF 2025 Recap: A Global Focus on Smart Furniture Manufacturing

Despite market adjustments in China, overseas buyer participation grew significantly at WMF 2025, with visitors from more than 37 countries and regions. Delegations from Egypt, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, the UK, France, Brazil, Russia, India, Vietnam, Japan, Korea and more demonstrated strong sourcing intent, highlighting the competitiveness and global relevance of China's woodworking and furniture manufacturing technologies.

WMF 2025 featured a full-chain showcase built around Machinery · Materials · Accessories, covering:

• Wood pre-processing


• Panel processing


• Edge banding and surface finishing


• Upholstery production


• Wood structure fabrication


• Digital factory planning and smart integration

A key highlight was the debut of WoodTech Atelier, themed "Read the Craft Through the Finished Piece." With 17 manufacturers presenting advanced techniques such as curved surfaces, mirror finishing, zero-joint edging, and multi-material combinations, the feature drew strong attention from designers and high-end brands.

Industry Insights: Trends from 2025 Shaping 2026

1. Flexible & Digital Panel Furniture Lines

2. Precision-Driven Solid Wood Production

Rising expectations for high-accuracy preparation, ultra-matte finishing, and premium craftsmanship continue to shape investment in high-end furniture manufacturing.

3. Curved & Non-Standard Processing

Design trends are reshaping manufacturing capabilities, driven by handle-free styles, rounded profiles, curved forms, and multi-material combinations.

4. Scalable, Energy-Efficient Panel & Plywood Production

Manufacturers are shifting toward automated, energy-efficient, and digitalized panel lines, making technologies such as accurate gluing and energy-saving hot-pressing essential.

WMF 2026 Outlook: From Machinery Exhibition to Smart Woodworking Innovation Platform

WMF will continue evolving into a system-level smart manufacturing platform, strengthening:

• Smart Machinery + Materials + Components


• Scenario-based demonstrations


• Digital and flexible smart factory showcases


• International buyer expansion


• Furniture Tech Week collaboration

Jointly organized by the China National Forestry Machinery Association and Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd., WMF drives innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration in woodworking and furniture manufacturing. WMF bridges system-level solutions with real production challenges, offering integrated demonstrations across core woodworking processes to help manufacturers address cost, precision, customization, and efficiency demands.

Official Website: www.woodworkfair.com