China industrial robots Sales are expected to post their first decline in five years amid sluggish demand in the manufacturing industrynew market research shows.
The country’s total deliveries of industrial robots this year are estimated to reach 300,000 units, down 5 percent from 2023, according to the latest report from market consultancy Shenzhen Gaogong Industrial Institute (GGII).
The report attributed this decrease to the “obvious reduction in demand” in the manufacturing industry, especially automobile and renewable energy sectors, as companies slowed their investments in fixed assets amid increased pressure on profitability.
Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledgeour new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyzes and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.
Lower-than-expected industrial robot sales volume marks the first decline since 2020, according to GGII data. The institute had previously forecast record sales of 320,000 units this year.
“Industrial robot manufacturers are undergoing a test of survival,” the report says. He noted that slow demand has sparked a price war in the industry.
A robotic arm from Siasun Robot & Automation, one of China’s largest industrial robotics companies, is on display at a recent edition of the country’s Global Smart Manufacturing Conference. Photo: Shutterstock alt=A robotic arm from Siasun Robot & Automation, one of China’s largest industrial robotics companies, is on display at a recent edition of the country’s Global Smart Manufacturing Conference. Photo: Shutterstock>
This year’s sales decline also came at a time when China was already surpassed Germany and Japan in the adoption of industrial robots.
The growth of domestic demand for industrial robots has gradually slowed in recent years. Sales saw a 54 percent increase in 2021 as China began to double down on the adoption of industrial robots.
However, that growth slowed significantly to 16 percent and 4.3 percent in 2022 and 2023, respectively, due to the impact of Restrictions related to Covid-19 and global geopolitical headwinds.
While declining orders have become “a common problem in the industry,” foreign sellers of industrial robots on the mainland are having a tougher time, as some suppliers’ quarterly order volumes have fallen by more than 40 percent compared to the previous year, according to the GGII report.
Demand for industrial robots, from both domestic and foreign suppliers, increased in 2021 as China began to accelerate adoption in its manufacturing industry. Photo: Shutterstock alt=Demand for industrial robots, from both domestic and foreign suppliers, increased in 2021 as China began to accelerate adoption in its manufacturing industry. Photo: Shutterstock>
