Samsung Electronics said Wednesday it will stop selling home appliances in mainland China, marking the company’s full exit from the country’s consumer appliance retail market amid shifting market conditions. The South Korean tech giant said the decision takes effect immediately and applies to all appliance categories, including televisions, monitors, refrigerators and washing machines. Its smartphone business in China will continue operating as usual.
The company said customers who have already purchased Samsung appliances will continue to receive after-sales support in accordance with China’s consumer protection laws and national warranty regulations. Samsung was once a major player in China’s electronics market, but in recent years has faced mounting competition from domestic brands that have rapidly gained market share in both smartphones and home appliances. [TechNode reporting]