GARDEN Trader 2026

buyers from key markets such as Japan, South Korea, Germany, the US, Italy, Poland, Turkey, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. In total, over 500 international buyers from 70 countries visited Taiwan specifically for procurement. During the event, more than 100 business matchmaking sessions were held, with attendance exceeding 22,000 visitors. Amid dual challenges of global tariffs and exchange rate fluctuations, Taiwan's manufacturing demonstrated breakthrough potential through its three pillars—institutions, branding, and technology—embodying the collective resilience and collaborative spirit of "Team Taiwan" and ushering in a new chapter of "From Manufacturing to Co-Creation." Government Support Strengthens Trusted Supply Chain Partnerships This year's exhibition received full backing from central and local governments, demonstrating collaborative efforts to drive industry upgrades. In his opening address, President Lai Ching-te praised Taiwan's hardware and hand tool industries for building international trust through high quality, resilience, and on-time delivery, serving as a key pillar for SME exports. President Lai stated that the government will continue partnering with the industry to address challenges from tariffs, exchange rates, and geopolitics, promoting digital transformation and sustainable manufacturing to solidify Taiwan's pivotal role in global supply chains and amplify the "Team Taiwan" spirit. Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen noted that central Taiwan hosts the nation's most complete hardware and metal processing clusters. The exhibition at TICEC not only boosts the city's exhibition capabilities but also integrates upstream, midstream, and downstream industries, realizing the "front-shop-back-factory" local advantage and establishing it as a top procurement hub for international buyers. Taiwan Hand Tool Manufacturers’ Association Chairman Hsieh Wu-chih stated that the success of TiTE × IHT symbolizes the deepening of industry upgrades and collaboration models: "This is not just an exhibition but a platform for collective breakthroughs, uniting government, industry associations, and manufacturers to keep Taiwan manufacturing visible on the global stage." Lanza International Co., Ltd. General Manager Liu Tzu-feng added that Taiwan's manufacturing value lies not only in technology and quality but also in long-term trust and co-creation among partners. "Through the exhibition, we witnessed deepened supply chain integration and international connections—this collaborative depth is key to Taiwan becoming the world's most trusted manufacturing partner." Supply Chain Innovation × Accelerated Smart Manufacturing Transformation Amid shifting global trade environments and market demands, Taiwan's hardware tool industry showcased strong self-upgrading capabilities. Exhibitors presented AI automation, production tracking systems, and low-carbon processes, highlighting flexible manufacturing TRADE SHOW REVIEW w w w . I M B 2 B . c o m 90