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For its fourth edition, the International Carpet and Flooring Expo (ICFE) heads back to İstanbul Expo Center, with doors open January 6 to 9, 2027. Organisers expect more than 500 exhibitors and some 35,000 sector professionals from over 150 countries to gather there, opening fresh avenues for cross-border trade and cooperation.
Istanbul, Türkiye: Running January 6 to 9, 2027, The International Carpet and Flooring Expo (ICFE) 2027 is set to be hosted by the Istanbul Fair Center (İFM). The event is organised by Tüyap Fairs and Exhibitions Organization Inc. and backed by two exporter bodies: Southeastern Anatolia Carpet Exporters Association (GAHIB) and İstanbul Carpet Exporters Association (IHIB).
By linking Türkiye’s worldwide standing as a carpet producer with international commerce, the gathering will draw the whole trade to Istanbul, from manufacturers, wholesalers and importers to architects, interior designers and chain stores.
Where the world’s carpet trade converges
International buyers will see Türkiye’s manufacturing capacity, design know-how and advantageous position on the map, while exhibitors will gain chances to break into new markets, build export links and forge partnerships worldwide.
Organisers anticipate that more than 500 exhibitors will take part in ICFE 2027, with the event expected to draw around 35,000 visitors representing over 150 countries.
During the fair, exhibitors are set to strike up fresh commercial ties with professional buyers arriving from leading markets for carpets and floor coverings, among them Germany, Italy, China, India, Belgium, the USA, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Central Asian countries.
A city positioned to boost commerce
As a crossroads between Europe and Asia, Istanbul offers sophisticated transport and logistics infrastructure, a factor that adds to the international pull of ICFE.
The city’s wide-ranging network of direct flights makes the fair readily accessible to professionals across the globe, so exhibitors can reach many markets in one place.
Customs change aims to attract overseas exhibitors
To back the exhibition and boost overseas involvement, an important new rule has been brought in by the Directorate General of Customs within the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye. Exclusively for ICFE 2027, the temporary customs duty under Türkiye’s customs legislation, which had previously been calculated at 100% of the products’ FOB (Free on Board) value when brought in by international exhibitors, has been cut to 10%.
The measure, which emerged from extensive cooperation between the relevant public bodies and sector representatives, should considerably ease the financial pressure on overseas firms displaying high-value goods. It is likewise anticipated to draw participation from a wider range of countries and lift the exhibition’s international trade volume.
Spotlight on design and shared expertise
Beyond the commercial programme, ICFE 2027 will stage events intended to foster the sector’s growth, innovation and exchange of knowledge.
Having generated considerable interest at earlier editions, Carpet Talks returns, gathering prominent figures from the sector for discussions on design, production, branding and the transformation of the industry.
On an international stage, the Carpet Design Awards will present inventive carpet designs, putting original work in front of industry professionals. The Carpet Workshop, for its part, will offer visitors inspiration through a dedicated concept in which designers from various countries work together on production.
Bringing the trade together for business
Manufacturers, exporters, importers, distributors, wholesalers, chain stores, architects, interior designers, decorators and other professionals will find in ICFE 2027 a trading platform on which to pursue new commercial prospects.
At the fair, participants can get to know new suppliers, keep track of emerging trends in the sector, sit in on B2B meetings and widen their global business networks.
Its previous edition drew 31,410 visitors and 445 exhibitors, with attendees coming from 127 countries. Building on that, ICFE 2027 sets out to reinforce its standing among the foremost carpet and flooring events worldwide, through wider participation and greater international visibility.
