2025年第一季度，中东智能手机市场出货量下降4%，消费需求低迷

Core Insights - The Middle East smartphone market (excluding Turkey) showed signs of weakness in early 2025, with a 4% year-on-year decline in shipments to 11.7 million units in Q1 2025, influenced by slowing retail demand and cautious consumer spending [1][6] - Despite a strong recovery in 2024, economic uncertainties and declining oil prices have pressured oil-dependent economies, further impacting market confidence [1] - High-end smartphone demand is driving an increase in average selling prices (ASP), with shipments of devices priced over $600 growing by 17% year-on-year in Q1 2025 [3] Market Performance - Saudi Arabia maintained the largest market share at 26%, but experienced a 12% decline in shipments, primarily due to weak consumer demand during Ramadan [1] - Iraq's market saw an 11% decline, with consumers prioritizing essential goods over device upgrades due to economic pressures from falling oil prices [1] - The UAE market only slightly decreased by 1%, supported by active retail activities and increased tourist numbers during the Eid celebrations [1] Growth Opportunities - Kuwait and Qatar exhibited positive growth, with Kuwait achieving a 13% increase in shipments during the Hala Festival and Qatar leading the region with a 16% growth, driven by tourism and a thriving luxury retail market [2] - The demand for high-end smartphones is evident, with Samsung leading the market with a 19% year-on-year growth, attributed to the popularity of the Galaxy A series and the Galaxy S25 Ultra [3] Competitive Landscape - Transsion remains the leader in the sub-$100 segment with a 43% market share, although this is down from 51% year-on-year [4] - Xiaomi's market share dropped to 14% with a 31% decline in shipments, while Apple saw a 10% increase, benefiting from the popularity of the iPhone 16 and improved affordability through "buy now, pay later" options [4] - Emerging brands like Honor and Motorola expanded their retail presence and product offerings, achieving growth rates of 36% and 12% respectively [4] Market Trends - AI smartphones accounted for 53% of shipments in Q1 2025, indicating a shift towards more intelligent and experience-driven devices [5] - The Middle East is evolving into a key player in the global smartphone value chain, with brands needing to invest in ecosystem innovation and high-end retail experiences to adapt to changing market dynamics [5]