Nan Fang Du Shi Bao·2025-06-20 14:34Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Commerce announced tariffs on various steel household appliances, including washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers, effective June 23, expanding the scope of tariffs previously imposed on imported steel and aluminum [1] Group 1: Impact on Chinese Home Appliance Companies - Chinese leading home appliance companies have proactively prepared for the U.S. tariffs, indicating a strong response to the challenges posed by the U.S. [1] - Gree Electric stated that its products are now serving over 190 countries, with stable growth in markets like the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia, while the U.S. market share remains low [2] - Midea Group's revenue from the U.S. is projected to account for only 6% of total revenue in 2024, minimizing the impact of the tariffs [2] - Midea has established 23 overseas factories, with 95% of products exported to the U.S. being produced at these facilities, effectively avoiding tariff issues [2] Group 2: Global Expansion Strategies - Chinese home appliance companies are increasingly diversifying their global strategies, with Midea planning significant investments in global R&D and supply chain management [3] - Midea has made notable acquisitions and partnerships in Europe and Brazil, enhancing its global footprint [3] - Haier Smart Home has also expanded its presence in Europe through strategic acquisitions, strengthening its market position in Central and Eastern Europe [3] Group 3: Southeast Asia Market Focus - Southeast Asia is becoming a key target for Chinese home appliance companies, with many announcing investments and factory setups in the region [5] - TCL is accelerating its production base in Thailand, planning to add significant refrigerator production capacity [6] - Aucma is establishing a manufacturing facility in Indonesia to meet local demand and enhance its international trade capabilities [7] - The ASEAN home appliance market is projected to exceed $30 billion by 2025, with an annual growth rate of over 8%, presenting new opportunities for Chinese companies [8] Group 4: Expert Opinions on Tariffs - Analysts believe that the U.S. tariffs will accelerate the globalization strategies of Chinese home appliance companies, pushing them to enhance their global production and sales networks [9] - Industry experts suggest that companies with established overseas operations, like TCL and Haier, have greater flexibility to adapt to market changes [9] - The tariffs are expected to increase costs for U.S. consumers, which may ultimately be counterproductive for U.S. policy objectives [9]