CN/EN
CN/EN
The global center of industrial gravity is shifting. Once known as the "world's factory" for low-cost production, Asia is rapidly evolving into the world's primary engine for industrial innovation and advanced manufacturing. At the heart of this transformation is additive manufacturing (AM), a technology that has matured from a prototyping tool into a foundational pillar of a new industrial era. For international AM companies, engaging with this booming market is no longer an optional expansion plan—it is a critical imperative for long-term survival and growth.
The Asia-Pacific AM market is projected to skyrocket from $5.04 billion in 2023 to over $26.31 billion by 2030, driven by a staggering 26.6% CAGR.[1] Navigating a market of this scale and complexity requires a nuanced, intelligent strategy. TCT Shenzhen 2025 offers the perfect strategic entry point—a focused, application-driven event designed to immerse companies in the heart of Asia's most dynamic manufacturing ecosystem, paving the way for sustainable growth across the region.
To understand why the journey into Asia's AM market begins in Shenzhen, one must first grasp the immense power of the region it anchors: the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The GBA is not just a cluster of cities; it is a highly integrated economic super-region and a global epicenter for advanced manufacturing and technological innovation.
Regional Overview
The GBA is an economic titan by any measure. In 2023, its collective GDP surpassed 14 trillion RMB (approximately US$1.95 trillion),[2] making its economy larger than that of G20 nations like South Korea and Australia. This incredible output is generated by a massive population of 87 million people in an area that constitutes less than 0.6% of China's landmass, highlighting its extraordinary economic density.[3] The region is a corporate and industrial hub, hosting the highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in China and serving as home to global technology giants like Huawei, Tencent, and BYD. Its advanced industrial base spans electronics, automotive, robotics, and new materials, creating a fertile ground for AM adoption.
City Highlights: The Twin Engines of Innovation and Production
Within this powerhouse region, the industrial corridor formed by Shenzhen and Dongguan stands out as the core engine of additive manufacturing growth. These two cities have a unique, symbiotic relationship that creates an unparalleled ecosystem for AM technology adoption and application.
This powerful synergy makes the GBA the ideal entry point. Shenzhen acts as the "brain," where new ideas and applications are born, while Dongguan serves as the industrial "muscle," where those innovations are implemented at scale to solve real-world challenges. Entering this ecosystem via TCT Shenzhen provides direct access to this entire, integrated value chain.
The financial data for the Asia-Pacific AM market paints a clear picture of a sector experiencing explosive and sustained growth, making it the most compelling opportunity in the global industry.
Market Snapshot
In 2023, the Asia-Pacific region already accounted for a significant 24.7% of the global additive manufacturing market and is universally recognized as the fastest-growing region on the planet. China is the undisputed leader, with its domestic AM industry forecast to exceed US$16.5 billion by 2028. A key indicator of market maturity is the investment in hardware, which accounted for a dominant 63.13% of market revenue in 2023 and is projected to be the fastest-growing segment through 2030. This signals a clear commitment by Asian manufacturers to move beyond prototyping and build out industrial AM production capabilities.
Asia-Pacific Additive Manufacturing Market Forecast (Revenue in US$ Million)
(Source: Projections based on data from Grand View Research)[1]
Key Drivers
This unprecedented growth is fueled by a powerful convergence of forces:
Conquering the Asian market requires a precise plan. The TCT Group has developed a purpose-built, two-step strategic journey that leverages the distinct strengths of its Shenzhen and Shanghai events to guide companies from initial market entry to pan-Asian leadership.
1. TCT Shenzhen 2025 (September 10-12, 2025)
TCT Shenzhen 2025 is meticulously designed as the application-focused gateway to the Greater Bay Area. Its strength lies in its specificity, attracting a focused audience of serious buyers, engineers, and decision-makers from the GBA's core industries: consumer electronics, mold making, healthcare, and automotive. This is not just a trade show; it is an essential intelligence-gathering mission. By exhibiting, companies can test their value proposition against real-world needs, gain firsthand knowledge of local challenges, and build the foundational relationships and credibility essential for long-term success. A unique advantage for 2025 is the co-location with PM South China, the region's leading exhibition for powder metallurgy, offering deep insights into the metal AM supply chain.
2. TCT Asia 2026 in Shanghai (March 17-19, 2026)
Following the deep immersion in Shenzhen, TCT Asia 2026 in Shanghai is the decisive second step: scaling up for regional dominance. As Asia's largest and most influential AM exhibition, it offers a panoramic view of the entire ecosystem. The event's scale is unmatched, drawing buyers from across the Asia-Pacific, with 74.77% of international buyers hailing from key East and Southeast Asian markets. TCT Asia is the premier stage for major product launches, strategic alliance announcements, and securing regional distribution partners, transforming market entrants into recognized leaders.
This two-step playbook is a "learn then earn" model designed to de-risk market entry and maximize return on investment.
First, at TCT Shenzhen 2025, the goal is to Immerse, Validate, and Build Your Foundation. This means engaging deeply with local engineers and R&D managers to understand their challenges, validating your technology against real-world applications, and building a network of technical and commercial contacts. The intelligence gathered here is used to refine your product-market fit for the broader Asian market.
Second, at TCT Asia 2026, the objective is to Scale, Expand, and Lead the Market. Leveraging the credibility and case studies developed from your Shenzhen experience, you can launch a full-scale, pan-Asian marketing offensive. Shanghai is the platform to announce major partnerships, secure high-value commercial deals, and establish a permanent presence that solidifies your commitment to the region. This sequenced approach transforms a high-risk market entry into a well-informed, strategic launch.
The Asian additive manufacturing market is on a trajectory of historic growth. Success here is not a matter of choosing between Shenzhen or Shanghai; it is about executing a cohesive strategy that leverages the complementary strengths of both. TCT Shenzhen 2025 provides the essential depth and validation; TCT Asia 2026 in Shanghai provides the crucial breadth and scale. Together, they form a powerful, synergistic pathway to market dominance.
The strategic decisions made today will define the global AM leaders of tomorrow. The journey begins with a single, decisive action.
👉 Pre-register now for TCT Shenzhen 2025 and take the first step toward unlocking new opportunities in Southeast Asia’s additive manufacturing ecosystem.
🔗 Stay updated on the latest show announcements and industry insights — follow TCT Group on LinkedIn.
[1] Asia Pacific Additive Manufacturing Market Size & Outlook, 2030, accessed July 17, 2025
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/additive-manufacturing-market/asia-pacific
[2] China's Greater Bay Area turns into dynamic growth engine for new quality productive forces, accessed July 17, 2025
https://www.cnbayarea.org.cn/english/News/content/post_1275649.html
[3] GBA: building one of the world's most dynamic growth engines | South China Morning Post, accessed July 17, 2025
https://www.scmp.com/presented/special-reports/topics/gba-development-plan-fifth-anniversary/article/3255181/gba-building-one-worlds-most-dynamic-growth-engines
[4] Investing in Dongguan, Guangdong Province: China City Spotlight ..., accessed July 17, 2025
https://www.china-briefing.com/doing-business-guide/china/where-to-invest/investing-in-dongguan-guangdong-province-china-city-spotlight
