Consumer China

White goods: Seeking refuge in higher technology

  • Published 06 May 2010

White goods manufacturers face a challenging future as input prices rise and the real estate market starts to cool, but those companies able to slip out of the mid-technology trap should fare well.

White goods – a range of electronic household appliances – played a leading role in China's campaign to boost retail sales last year when exports were faltering. Annual sales through the government's rural appliance subsidy scheme alone, which went nationwide in February 2009, hit Rmb 79bn ($11.6bn, €8.9bn, £7.6bn). Major players such as Haier and Gree saw 2009 earnings surge around 50% in spite of weak overseas orders.

Issue icon

Latest Issue

12 Jan 2012

Browse the archive

Get two weeks free trial Subscribe now to access all of China Confidential

China Confidential Funds

China Confidential Funds, a new research service launched by FT China Confidential, is dedicated to illuminating the mainland fund industry. Our team of fund industry experts in Shanghai search out the interesting trends in fund performance, strategy, interactions with overseas funds, regulatory changes, distribution and management. We also use a proprietary system to track the emerging flows of Chinese money. Click here to find out more.

Find out more