Chinese tech firms eyeing expansion in South Korea

By Phong Ngo   January 9, 2025 | 04:03 pm PT
Smart devices giant Xiaomi has joined the influx of Chinese tech firms seeking to expand their presence in South Korea, setting up a local subsidiary in late 2024.

Xiaomi Technology Korea announced Monday it would hold a press conference on Jan. 15 to unveil a range of new products, including smartphones, televisions, robot vacuum cleaners, power banks, and wearable devices.

Pricing details have not been disclosed, but the products are naturally expected to be cheaper than those of Samsung and LG, according to Korea Times.

"With the establishment of the Korean subsidiary, we will communicate more closely with consumers," a Xiaomi Technology Korea official said.

"With products and services tailored for the Korean market, we will provide differentiated value."

Xiaomis logo at a electronics market in Shenzhen, China, April 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Luu Quy

Xiaomi's logo at a electronics market in Shenzhen, China, April 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Luu Quy

The push into South Korea comes as Chinese firms face challenges from an economic slowdown at home and uncertainties surrounding U.S. trade policies under the incoming president, Donald Trump.

BYD, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, is also making strides in South Korea, and plans to unveil its passenger cars on Jan. 16 after years of selling commercial vehicles in that country.

The Chinese electric vehicle maker recently set up six dealerships across Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, Incheon, Busan, and Jeju Island to establish a nationwide sales network. Its cars are expected to be more affordable than similar-sized vehicles from Hyundai Motor and Kia.

Roborock, a leading Chinese robot vacuum cleaner maker with the largest market share globally and also in South Korea, opened its second flagship store on Jan. 1 at Starfield Goyang shopping mall in Gyeonggi Province.

Retail behemoth AliExpress has expanded its South Korean e-commerce presence, with parent company Alibaba Group forming a joint venture with Shinsegae Group last month to integrate with Gmarket.

 
 
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