Now preparing its fourth edition, the International Carpet and Flooring Expo (ICFE) heads once more to İstanbul Expo Center for January 6 to 9, 2027. Roughly 35,000 sector professionals from over 150 nations are expected, together with upwards of 500 exhibitors, creating new openings for global commerce and cooperation.
Istanbul, Türkiye: Tüyap Fairs and Exhibitions Organization Inc. organises The International Carpet and Flooring Expo (ICFE) 2027, which takes over the Istanbul Fair Center (İFM) on January 6 to 9, 2027. Backing comes from two exporter groups, the Southeastern Anatolia Carpet Exporters Association (GAHIB), alongside the İstanbul Carpet Exporters Association (IHIB).
Istanbul will draw the full spectrum of industry professionals, among them wholesalers, manufacturers, importers, interior designers, architects and chain stores, as the event pairs Türkiye’s leading role in global carpet production with international trade.
A global marketplace for the carpet sector
For exhibitors, the fair is a route into new markets, a chance to set up export channels and a base for building partnerships around the world. International buyers, in turn, will be shown Türkiye’s production capacity, design talent and strategic location.
Organisers are counting on over 500 exhibitors and around 35,000 visitors from upwards of 150 countries at ICFE 2027.
While the fair is open, exhibitors can build fresh commercial links with professional buyers from countries that matter to the carpet and floor coverings trade, such as Germany, Italy, China, India, Belgium, the USA, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Central Asian countries.
A gateway city between two continents
Istanbul lies where Europe and Asia meet and has well-developed transport and logistics infrastructure, both adding to the international attraction of ICFE.
With direct flights linking it to many destinations, the city is easy for industry professionals from every region to reach, and exhibitors can tap several markets from one venue.
Lower customs duty for foreign exhibitors
Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade, acting via its Directorate General of Customs, has introduced a notable measure to bolster the show and draw more overseas participants. Under Türkiye’s customs legislation, foreign exhibitors shipping products to the exhibition had previously faced a temporary customs duty equal to 100% of those goods’ FOB (Free on Board) value. For ICFE 2027 alone, that rate has been lowered to 10%.
Industry representatives and the public authorities concerned worked together at length before the regulation came in, and it should markedly cut costs for international companies showing high-value products. It is also hoped that the change will bring in participants from a greater number of countries and raise cross-border trade at the exhibition.
Programme puts design and ideas in focus
Beyond trading, ICFE 2027 will run a series of events promoting innovation, industry growth and the sharing of expertise.
Leading figures from the industry will meet again at Carpet Talks, a session that attracted considerable attention at past editions, to explore branding, production, design and how the sector is transforming.
Via the Carpet Design Awards, inventive carpet designs will reach an international audience, bringing original work to industry professionals’ notice. Inspiration for visitors will come from the Carpet Workshop, whose special concept has designers from different countries working jointly on production.
Opening doors to new business
ICFE 2027 is intended to serve as a trade platform where manufacturers, exporters, importers, distributors, wholesalers, chain stores, architects, interior designers, decorators and other professionals can pursue fresh commercial opportunities.
Those attending can be introduced to new suppliers, stay up to date with emerging trends, hold B2B meetings and grow their business contacts worldwide.
At the previous edition, 445 companies exhibited and 31,410 visitors came from 127 countries. With wider participation and a higher international profile, ICFE 2027 now intends to cement its place further among the top carpet and flooring fairs in the world.
