From over 100 refrigerator producers in 1989, by 1996 China had just 20 major producers remaining, with the 10 largest accounting for 80% of the market, up from 50% four years earlier. According to a Chinese industry association, refrigerator manufacturers needed to produce more than one million units annually to be profitable. Only three Chinese manufacturers, together accounting for about 60% of the market, fell into this category in 1996, Haier among them.
In the 1980s, Haier’s commitment to quality had been enough to distinguish it from competitors, but as the weakest Chinese firms failed or were acquired, Haier faced more formidable Chinese competitors, many specializing in just one or two product lines. Chronic price wars, especially in the refrigerator sector, hurt all of the leading players, with some selling stock at or below cost to clear inventories. According to an industry analyst, “the leading domestic players failed to reach their growth potential due to the numerous money-losing small competitors, which were being sustained in part by regional governments’ budgets.” But Haier cited its more diversified holdings, its differentiated products, and its export strategy as protective factors that ensured continued profits.