The global major appliance industry is expected to record close to 4% yearly growth in demand through 2015 to reach a volume of 400 million units, reports Freedonia. The US white goods market is witnessing recovery due to recovery in the wider economy. Demand is expected to come from housing market recovery in 2015, and also because consumers are beginning to upgrade to superior equipment as income levels rise. Growth in other established markets is likely to be more modest in the future.
There are a few multinational corporations offering extensive product ranges. There is a high degree of competition between leading players and entry barriers are high, reports Global Industry Analysts. There are a few Asian outfits competing with bigger companies, particularly in emerging markets. Manufacturers compete on product innovation and design in established markets such as Western Europe and the US.
Energy Trends
Smart appliances boost electrical grid operational efficiency and stability, reports Pike Research. These appliances cut down on energy consumption, with smart appliances linked to the grid offering a wide array of load management options.
Smart appliances facilitate efficient energy resource management and cut down on carbon emissions, proving vital to environmental protection. Appliance manufacturers collaborate with other technology and utilities outfits to test the capabilities enabled by smart appliances. Obstacles to market growth include the development of technology standards, user privacy and control, consumer acceptance, and business model issues.
Key Segments
Vacuum cleaners represent the leading market segment in the global household appliance industry, reports Global Industry Analysts. Refrigerators, room air conditioners and microwave ovens are expected to record strong growth in coming years, driven by demand in developing nations of Latin America and Asia-Pacific.
Regional Market Share
- China’s household appliance market exceeded $66 billion in 2011, recording almost 8% yearly growth for the four preceding years, according to research from MarketLine. Market growth is expected to slow slightly between 2010 and 2016 to exceed $96 billion. Electrical and electronic retailers dominate the market in terms of sales, generating half of the market’s overall value.
- China counts around 200 standard-compliant solar water heater companies and 1,000 small-scale outfits, reports Research in China. The leading 10 companies in the industry represent less than a quarter of the overall market. Solar water heater output in China totaled almost 58 million square meters in 2011, accounting for about 18% of the overall market.
- The US, the EU and Asia lead global appliance production, accounting for around 80% of overall production. Asia-Pacific benefits from low manufacturing and labor costs, attracting multinational manufacturing facilities to the region. China and South Korea are the two largest Asian markets, while Japan and Korea are known for specializing in refrigeration. The EU has expertise in dishwashers and cookware, while the US is well established in washing machine manufacturing.
- India is expected to record the strongest rate of growth in the global major appliances market over the coming years, reports Freedonia. Market growth will be fuelled by rising standards of living. In China, growth is set to slow due to rising ownership rates.
Market Outlook
The global major appliance market is expected to continue witnessing the rise of eco-friendly and energy-saving appliances over the coming years, reports Global Industry Analysts. Demand for these products will grow in emerging markets as consumers mirror trends in EU and US markets.
Technological innovation will play an important role in the future of the global major appliances market, reports Freedonia. In addition, products offering automatic control and internet connection features will continue to grow in popularity in the EU market.
Leading Industry Associations
