Building a Cross-Domain Ecosystem to Create New International Business Opportunities Post-Show Report: 2024 Taiwan International Machine Tool Show

Affected by geopolitical tensions and global uncertainties, the machine tool industry has experienced a sluggish market for the past two years. However, as inventory clearance among industrial clients nears completion and demand strengthens in automotive, aerospace, and semiconductor sectors, the industry is optimistic about a rebound in the second half of 2024.

The 8th Taiwan International Machine Tool Show (TMTS 2024), organized by the Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders’ Association (TMBA), was held for the first time at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center instead of Taichung. From March 27, the event ran for five consecutive days across Halls 1 and 2. TMTS aimed to create a platform connecting manufacturers and international buyers, fostering partnerships and business opportunities. The show featured over 600 exhibitors across 3,350 booths and attracted nearly 4,000 pre-registered international buyers from 47 countries.

This year’s exhibition drew nearly 70,000 visitors, including 3,319 international buyers from 68 countries/regions. The top 10 buyer countries were India, Japan, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, the United States, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Turkey. Several countries also organized buyer delegations for procurement.
During the show, online visitors from 123 countries generated over 110,000 views, proving that both physical and digital exhibitions were highly popular and full of business potential. TMTS 2024 received unanimous praise from exhibitors, who reported that international buyer traffic and actual purchase orders exceeded expectations. Post-show marketing on the TMTS official website will continue until March 2025, with an estimated $1.5 billion in business opportunities generated.

Driving DX & GX Themes: Digitalization and Green Transformation

TMTS 2024 adopted the theme “Dual-Axis Smart Manufacturing for a Sustainable Future,” focusing on Digital Transformation (DX) and Green Transformation (GX). For the first time, the show introduced an ecosystem concept with integrated exhibition spaces, showcasing diverse industrial applications. Many exhibitors demonstrated how digital technologies enable higher productivity and more precise machining.

To align with the green transformation theme, TMTS implemented eco-friendly measures from the planning stage, reducing carbon emissions through video conferencing and email instead of traditional meetings and paper notices. Shuttle bus services minimized transportation impact, while TMBA promoted the TMTS app and digital marketing to reduce paper usage. These efforts cut carbon emissions by an estimated 25 tons.

The TMTS app offered navigation, registration, shuttle information, and exhibitor details. An impressive 87% of visitors used the app for entry. During the show, the TMTS app ranked No. 1 in the business category on both Google Play and Apple Store.

Diverse Themed Pavilions and Umati Zone: Showcasing Industry Ecosystem Solutions

Exhibition booths were organized around machine tool ecosystem solutions, with machine tool and component manufacturers exhibiting together to highlight Taiwan’s supply chain strengths. Special zones included the Germany Pavilion, Switzerland Pavilion, International Pavilion, Cutting Tool Pavilion, Bearing Pavilion, Hand Tool Zone, 3D Printing Pavilion, and Academia-Industry Collaboration Zone. The Germany Pavilion, organized by the German Trade Office, featured 23 leading German companies—the largest single-country pavilion at the show.

In line with the theme, the German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW) and the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) introduced the Umati (Universal Machine Technology Interface) zone, with 26 participants from manufacturers, institutions, and universities. Umati establishes global standards for machine connectivity, enabling seamless data exchange between machine tools, 3D printers, and product management systems—creating an intelligent cross-domain ecosystem. This was Umati’s first showcase in Taiwan, marking a milestone for Taiwan’s integration into global standards.

TMBA also launched the Machine Tool Industry Energy-Saving Label program, awarding 18 Gold and 29 Silver labels after expert evaluation. Guided tours introduced buyers to these green products. TMBA encouraged exhibitors to adopt carbon-reduction practices; for example, Dayong Machinery applied the 3R principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) by replacing traditional wood materials with recyclable pallets and honeycomb panels, promoting sustainability.

Digital & Green Forums: Sharing Insights on Industry Trends

TMTS hosted a series of forums featuring experts such as MIH EV R&D CEO Cheng Hsien-Tsung, Yulon Energy Vice Chairman Tsai Shu-Gen, VDW Director Dr. Alexander Broos, and others. Topics included digital transformation, green transition, talent sustainability, and academia-industry collaboration.

The first green forum, “From Carbon Reduction to Net Zero: Key Strategies for Corporate Transformation,” featured TÜV SÜD’s Wang Shan-Hung on carbon fee calculations and verification, and Xiangpu Industrial’s CEO sharing ISO14067-certified carbon footprint practices. PwC presented its carbon ledger platform for actionable strategies.

The second forum, “Entering the Carbon Pricing Era: Action Plans for Green Business Opportunities,” included China Steel, Delta Electronics, and the German Trade Office discussing dual-axis transformation, AI-driven carbon competitiveness, and Germany’s sustainability experience.

Academia-Industry Collaboration: Inspiring Future Talent

TMTS 2024 invited universities and technical colleges, subsidizing transportation for nearly 1,500 students to attend guided tours on digital and green transformation trends. Senior engineers from the Precision Machinery Research & Development Center showcased 30 collaborative projects, highlighting AI, big data, IoT applications, and sustainable practices—broadening students’ horizons and attracting talent to the industry.

Results Exceed Expectations: See You in 2026

President-elect Lai Ching-te visited on March 28, praising Taiwan’s machine tool industry for its flexibility, clustering, government support, and global supply chain integration. Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim visited on March 31, commending TMBA’s energy-saving label initiative as aligned with Taiwan’s 2050 net-zero goals.

TMTS 2024 achieved strong media exposure across traditional and social platforms, including podcasts and live streams, promoting sustainability in information dissemination. Post-show surveys revealed that 83% of exhibitors plan to return in 2026. The next TMTS will be held in March 2026 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, promising more innovation and opportunities for machine tools and key components.