South Korean media: Chinese robot vacuums dominate the South Korean market!
On July 23, the South Korean media "Herald Economy" published an article stating that despite Samsung and LG Electronics launching a counterattack in the South Korean robot vacuum market, Chinese robot vacuums have taken the lead, and the sense of crisis in the South Korean home appliance industry is increasing. Analysts believe that Chinese companies have improved existing defects such as poor performance and security vulnerabilities through large-scale technology investment, thus winning consumer support. South Korean home appliance companies urgently need to improve differentiated technologies and services.
According to import and export statistics released by the Korea Customs Service, the import value of robot vacuums in South Korea from January to May this year was 181.76 million USD, an increase of 30.2% compared to 139.56 million USD in the same period last year. The import share of Chinese robot vacuums rose from 84.1% last year to 89.6% this year.
Chinese-made robot vacuums also pose a threat to South Korean home appliance products in terms of functions. According to the global vacuum cleaner review website "Vacuum Wars", among the top ten robot vacuum models, five are Chinese products. The number one is the "S9 Max V Slim" from Roborock. This robot vacuum, which was launched in South Korea in February this year, is the first in the series to be equipped with the AI navigation system "StarSight Autonomous System 2.0". Roborock robot vacuums were rated as superior to South Korean products in both navigation and battery life capabilities.
Industry insiders in South Korea believe that Chinese robot vacuum companies have dominated the domestic South Korean market due to their meticulous pursuit of price, technology, and localization. An industry insider suggested: "To avoid being dominated by Chinese products, the domestic industry in South Korea needs to develop multi-level strategies, including technological innovation through differentiated means to meet the unique needs of the South Korean market, as well as safety and after-sales services."
At the same time, data from market research company IDC shows that the global robot vacuum shipments in the first quarter of this year increased by 11.9% year-on-year to 5.1 million units, with growth reaching double digits. Looking at the manufacturers, the top four are all Chinese companies. Roborock's robot vacuum shipments in the first quarter increased by 50.7% year-on-year to 980,000 units.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1838432587795468/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.