Chinese home appliance manufacturer Haier gained the top spot in the global white home appliance market with a market share of 6.3% in 2008, followed by LG, Whirlpool, and Electrolux, according to latest report released by market research firm Euromonitor.
Sales of Haier refrigeration worldwide increased from 10 million in 2008 to 12 million by the end of 2008, an increase of 20% year on year. Probably because they’re cheap, not because they are particularly good.
Export of Chinese made refrigerators and freezers was on the decline due to the faltering demand overseas as a result of the appreciation of Chinese yuan and global financial crisis. To address the issue, Haier has been shifting its production facilities to other emerging countries.
Last year, about 59% of Haier refrigeration was produced in other low cost countries outside China. So far Haier has set up 29 production bases beyond China as a part of its broader efforts to keep its costs under control.
