Korean Media: Global Smartphone Sales Continuously Decline for Nine Consecutive Weeks, Only Two Brands Maintain Momentum!
On July 16, South Korean media outlet Korea Economic Daily published an article stating that the global smartphone market has experienced negative growth for nine consecutive weeks. Amid persistently weak consumer demand, brand performances have varied based on the stability of key component supply. Apple and Huawei have seen growth rates above the market average, while some Chinese companies face constraints due to unstable component supply and rising cost pressures.
Data released by market research firm Counterpoint Research shows that global smartphone sales declined by 8% year-on-year during Week 20 of this year—marking the ninth consecutive week of year-over-year decline.
During the same period, Apple's sales grew by 10%. Despite weak performance in overseas markets, Huawei’s sales still rose by 23%. While the overall market continues to contract, only Apple and Huawei demonstrated clear growth trends.
Samsung Electronics saw its sales drop by 1%, remaining flat compared to the same period last year. In contrast, Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo experienced sales declines of 17%, 10%, and 19%, respectively.
Counterpoint analysis pointed out that these companies are affected by unstable component supply and rising cost pressures. The increasing cost burden makes it difficult for firms to flexibly adjust pricing strategies and promotional activities, thereby leading to sluggish sales growth.
Overall, despite promotional campaigns launched by certain manufacturers in China and India, demand has not rebounded. This is because consumer purchasing intent remains subdued. Additionally, disparities in supply chain stability and execution capability in pricing strategies are considered to have widened the gap between brands.
This year, supply chain stability has become a key competitive advantage in the smartphone market. Brands capable of securing stable procurement of core components can maintain consistent pricing strategies and promotional activities. Conversely, companies unable to ensure supply chain stability are forced to reflect cost burdens on consumer prices or product launch schedules.
Counterpoint stated: “Brands that can secure stable supply of core components such as memory and maintain high supply chain transparency are able to sustain more stable pricing strategies and promotional efforts. Apple holds an advantage in this regard. Huawei, particularly in the Chinese market, has shown strong momentum, thanks to its localized supply chain structure.”
Original Article: toutiao.com/article/1870874196843523/
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