Weihai Fishing Tackle Expo Returns in September as Chinese Industry Commands 80% of Global Market

China’s dominant position in the global fishing tackle industry continues to strengthen, with two major trade events bookending the 2026 calendar and underscoring the manufacturing sector’s expanding international footprint.

18th Weihai International Fishing Tackle Expo

The 18th Weihai International Fishing Tackle Expo — branded as the China Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Base Expo — will be held September 19–21, 2026, at the Weihai International Economic and Trade Exchange Center in Shandong Province. The event, co-organised by Weihai All-Sino Exhibition Co., Ltd. and Beijing Admire Exhibition Co., Ltd. (the same team behind China Fish in Beijing), will span 60,000 square metres of exhibition space.

Weihai, long recognised as the heart of China’s fishing tackle manufacturing cluster, produces a significant share of the world’s rods, reels, and terminal tackle. Organisers report that China’s fishing tackle industry now accounts for an estimated 80% of the global market share, a figure that underscores the city’s — and the country’s — outsize role in the supply chain.

The expo covers not only fishing tackle (rods, reels, lines, hooks, bait, lures, and accessories) but also outdoor sporting goods, camping equipment, and fishing boats, reflecting the convergence of the fishing and outdoor recreation markets.

Event Fast Facts — Weihai 2026

Chinese Manufacturers Active at EFTTEX 2026 in Barcelona

Chinese fishing tackle manufacturers were also visible on the European stage in June 2026. EFTTEX 2026, Europe’s premier B2B fishing tackle trade exhibition, took place June 10–12 at Fira Barcelona Montjuïc in Barcelona, Spain.

Among the Chinese exhibitors was Bingolife, a family-owned fishing line manufacturer based in Dongguan, Guangdong, with over 20 years of production experience. The company used the Barcelona show to explore new European market opportunities and connect with distributors across the continent. Other Chinese manufacturers were reported in attendance across the show floor, reflecting the growing trend of Chinese suppliers seeking direct relationships with European buyers rather than relying solely on intermediaries.

EFTTEX 2026 attracted exhibitors and visitors from multiple continents, including well-known international brands alongside emerging companies. The show rotates annually across European host cities; the 2025 edition was held in Brussels, and the 2027 location is yet to be announced.

Industry Trends: Direct Sourcing and Online Platforms

Two broader trends are shaping the Chinese fishing tackle industry in 2026:

1. Direct-to-buyer trade shows. Both China Fish and the Weihai Expo emphasise factory-direct sourcing, with the vast majority of exhibitors being manufacturers rather than trading companies. This allows international buyers to negotiate wholesale pricing without intermediaries.

2. Year-round digital sourcing. China Fish has invested heavily in its All-in-One Online Platform, which offers registered buyers free access to 900+ suppliers and 8,000+ products throughout the year. The platform includes search, chat, and ordering capabilities — a sign that Chinese manufacturers are building digital infrastructure to complement the traditional trade show circuit.

With China Fish 2027 already open for pre-registration (February 15–17, 2027) and the Weihai Expo just two months away, the 2026–2027 season shapes up as one of the busiest yet for international buyers sourcing from China’s fishing tackle manufacturing base.

Sources: Expolume — Weihai International Fishing Tackle Expo 2026; Showsbee — EFTTEX 2026; Bingolife EFTTEX 2026 announcements via Facebook and Instagram; China Fish official website chinafishshow.org.

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