Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-11-21 11:05Core Viewpoint - The rumor that Midea has requested all after-sales service providers to stop working with Xiaomi and Gree has sparked widespread discussion, with mixed opinions on its validity and implications for the industry [2][3][4]. Group 1: Industry Reactions - Midea has denied the claims regarding the enforcement of exclusive partnerships with after-sales service providers [6]. - Industry insiders are divided on the truth of the rumor, with some affirming its authenticity while others have not received any related information [4][6]. - Concerns have been raised about the feasibility and legality of Midea's alleged actions, particularly regarding potential violations of antitrust laws [4][9]. Group 2: Market Context - The home appliance market is currently facing intense competition and declining sales, prompting aggressive strategies among major players [5][16]. - Recent data indicates that the air conditioning market in China has seen a slight increase in retail volume but a decrease in retail value, reflecting a challenging environment for manufacturers [17]. - Major companies like Gree and Midea are experiencing revenue declines, with Gree's third-quarter revenue down 15.09% year-on-year [17]. Group 3: Impact on Xiaomi - The rumored policy primarily targets Xiaomi, but insiders suggest that the impact on Xiaomi's operations may be limited, as the company relies on a mix of self-operated and third-party after-sales services [13][14]. - The potential shift in after-sales service dynamics could affect the survival of third-party service providers, but the immediate financial impact remains uncertain [14][16]. - Xiaomi's recent growth has slowed, with its IoT and lifestyle products showing a significant decrease in growth rate compared to the previous year [17].