Shanghai Show Hit by Air Traffic Problems in Europe

SHANGHAI, China - Tomorrow the Shanghai International Exhibition Center will open its doors for the 20th China International Bicycle & Motor Fair. It is expected that in particular booths from European exhibitors will be quite empty as their show materials haven’t arrived due to air traffic problems in Europe.

It’s likely that Bike Europe’s booth in Shanghai (in Hall W1 stand 0004) will not be furbished as usual. This trade journal’s air shipment to Shanghai with stand materials was delayed for over ten days due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland and the ash clouds that disrupted air traffic mid April. Bike Europe will surely not be the only European exhibitor in Shanghai faced with these problems.

Whether these air traffic problems will also impact the number of visitors from Europe travelling to the 20th Shanghai Show is not quite clear yet. But, last week air traffic in Europe was getting back to regular schedules. Next to that it was said among industry insiders in Europe that, as a result of the China labour crisis and the rise in lead-times, lots of buyers are travelling to Shanghai in order to secure shipments for later in the selling season.

After years of strong growth the 2009 Shanghai Show was faced with the results of the financial crisis. However, with the continued growth of the Chinese economy and an increased spending power for the average Chinese, the (huge) domestic bike market is now also attracting bike companies from Europe and the US that are looking for a foothold in China. This trend is bringing more exhibitors to the Shanghai Show.

Another trend that is stimulating the visitor numbers of the Shanghai Show is the growing popularity of e-Bikes in Europe. This year electric bike sale is expected to break the one million mark in Europe. In China the e-Bike market is slowly decreasing. With that a growing number of Chinese manufacturers are looking for export opportunities. It’s without any doubt that these manufacturers will get into contact with interesting new business partners at the Shanghai Show.

The China International Bicycle & Motor Fair organizers are expecting more than 100,000 visitors. The number of exhibitors is stands at about one thousand. The show runs from April 27 to April 30 and is open daily from 9:00 – 16:30; on April 30 from 9:00 – 15:00. More at www.chinacycle.com.cn