Germany is a key hub for the global economy: trade fairs in the country continue to bring together indus-tries, companies and visitors from around the world. For the 2025 trade fair year, the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA) has analysed international participation and the most important coun-tries of origin.
Top exhibiting countries: China, Italy and the Netherlands
A total of 99,190 exhibiting companies showcased their products at 158 international and national trade fairs – an increase of 1.5 per cent compared with the respective previous events. International exhibitors there-fore accounted for around two-thirds (66 per cent) of all participating companies.
The high level of international participation among both exhibitors and visitors is one of the key strengths of Germany as a trade fair destination. In 2025, exhibitors from 201 countries and regions were represented. Europe accounted for the largest group, at just under 56 per cent, followed by South, East and Central Asia with around 32 per cent. The largest numbers of exhibitors came from China (17,990), Italy (10,640), the Netherlands (4,930), Spain (4,490) and the USA (4,410).
Visitor figures: Europe well ahead
The international appeal of Germany as a trade fair destination is also evident in the visitor figures: of a total of 8.3 million visitors, around a third (2.78 million) came from abroad – an increase of just under three per cent. Europe remained the leading region of origin, accounting for 72.4 per cent of international visitors. Of these, just under 44 per cent came from EU member states. The largest numbers of international visi-tors came from the Netherlands (204,000), Austria (197,000), Italy (188,000), Switzerland (179,000) and China (126,000). A total of 242 countries and regions were represented. In other words, every continent except Antarctica was represented at German trade fairs.
Overall review of the 2025 trade fair year
In 2025, a total of 304 trade fairs took place in Germany, including twelve new events focusing on fresh themes and market segments. Across 6.91 million square metres of exhibition space, 192,000 exhibiting companies showcased their products and services – also a slight increase compared with previous years. In total, trade fairs in Germany attracted more than 12.7 million visitors, an increase of 1.9 per cent. In addi-tion to the 158 international and national trade fairs, 134 regional trade fairs were held. Across 1.2 million square metres of stand space, 30,500 exhibiting companies took part and 4.3 million visitors attended.
Just over 200 of this year’s total of 319 trade fairs took place in the first half of the year, while 120 trade fairs are scheduled for the remainder of the year.
