Xiaomi becomes the third largest smartphone vendor in Japan

They achieves a remarkable 359% increase in shipments compared to the previous year, by capturing 6% of the market in the second quarter of the year 2024.

This places Xiaomi behind Apple, which holds 56%, and Google with 12%.

Xiaomi overtook Sharp, whose shipments fell by 27% to a 5% market share, while South Korea’s Samsung also has 5%.

The Japanese market is challenging for foreign brands due to strong local competition and consumer preferences for Japanese-made products.

Industry analyst Ma Jihua noted that Xiaomi’s success reflects the growing competitiveness of Chinese products in Japan. He believes this trend may continue as more high-quality Chinese brands enter the market.

Xiaomi’s president, Lu Weibing, acknowledged the difficulties in Japan but affirmed the company’s commitment to expand there.

Ma suggested that Chinese car brands might also find opportunities in Japan as consumer perceptions shift in favor of well-made Chinese products. He mentioned that some Chinese automotive plants are already producing vehicles for Japanese brands.

According to Canalys, Xiaomi ranks as the third largest smartphone vendor globally, with a 15% market share in the second quarter of 2024, as global smartphone sales have been rising for three consecutive quarters. Samsung remains as the global lead with 18% market share, followed by Apple at 16%.

Source from Global Times