Haier’s competitive strategy in exporting was as a contender, which was different from its
outward investment. It did not follow any former internationalisation models and routines. To
be more specific, Haier launched its internationalisation strategy by exporting very creatively.
That is their “first difficult, then easy” principle. In 1992 Haier first entered into the
developed economies by directly exporting to Europe, Japan and US markets, to obtain
prestige and to establish their brand. The use of contender’s strategy, having built a highly
desirable industrial image for their quality products enabled the company to compete globally