Key facts
- Four of China's seven major appliance makers reported lower profits in the first half of 2026.
- Companies are facing challenges in improving overseas profitability.
- Domestic demand is falling due to the country's ongoing property slump.
Four of China's seven major appliance manufacturers reported lower profits in the first half of 2026, as they navigate a challenging domestic market impacted by the ongoing property slump. These companies are increasingly focusing on their overseas strategies to bolster profitability.
While specific profit figures for the affected companies were not detailed, the trend indicates a broader struggle within the sector to offset declining domestic demand. Midea and a Hisense unit, however, reported rising earnings, suggesting that a strategic focus on foreign markets and adding value to their products can yield positive results. The broader context includes China's efforts to expand trade ties amid economic caution and a GDP growth rate of 4.3%, the slowest pace in over three years.