EconoScope | Why Chinese home appliances succeed overseas

(ECNS) -- China’s home appliance industry is facing competition from emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, India, and Africa, where lower labor costs are challenging its market position.

However, these emerging markets lag behind China in terms of industrial chain efficiency, labor productivity, and quality control. Therefore, China retains competitive advantages, said Zhang Jianping, deputy director of the Academic Committee of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Co-operation.

Data indicates that China’s home appliance industry continues to maintain strong growth. Traditional large home appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines saw export volumes increase by 21.4 percent, 25.6 percent, and 22.8 percent, respectively, in the first half of the year, according to data from China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC).

Beyond traditional white goods like refrigerators and air conditioners, emerging smart home appliances are rapidly gaining global attention.

Zhao Xiping, general manager of Shenzhen Ani Technology Co., Ltd. noted that the company's electric fan, which provides wind, lighting, and charging functions, is now a best-seller in more than 30 African countries, with a repurchase rate of 70 percent, making it the top-selling inverter fan in Africa.

Ninebot Inc.'s smart lawn-mowing robots have also successfully entered major global markets, including Europe and North America. As the global market for such robots continues to expand, Ninebot's edition has become the world's first wire-free lawnmower brand with over 30,000 activated users.

Analysts believe that the Chinese home appliance market is experiencing unprecedented growth opportunities, driven by multiple sports events and global high temperatures.

Domestic home appliance exports reached 409.19 billion yuan (about $ 56.07 billion) in the first seven months of this year, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 18.1 percent, according to GAC data.

"Compared to companies in developed countries, Chinese enterprises have significant advantages in cost performance and market share. As the technological content of raw materials, components, home appliance chips, and automatic control systems improves, the competitiveness of Chinese home appliances will continue to grow," Zhang Xiping said.