China industrial robot sales are expected to record their first decline in five years amid sluggish demand in the manufacturing industryNew market research shows.
The country's total industrial robot supplies 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 that decline to “obviously tightening demand” from the manufacturing industry, particularly the cars a renewable energy sectors, as companies slow fixed asset investments amid increasing pressure on profitability.
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A lower-than-expected number of industrial robot sales marks the first decline since 2020, according to GGII data. The organization previously predicted record sales of 320,000 units this year.
“Manufacturers of industrial robots are experiencing a survival test,” the report said. He noted that the slow demand has led to 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 World Intelligent 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 World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference. Photo: Shutterstock >
This year's sales decline has also come at a time when China already surpassing Germany and Japan in the adoption of industrial robots.
Growth in domestic demand for industrial robots has slowed steadily over the past few years. Sales saw a 54 percent surge in 2021, when China began doubling down on the adoption of industrial robots.
However, that growth dropped significantly to 16 per cent and 4.3 per cent in 2022 and 2023, respectively, due to the impact of Restrictions related to Covid-19 and global geopolitical headwinds.
Although the decline in orders has become a “common problem in the industry”, overseas industrial robot sellers on the mainland are having a tougher time, as some suppliers' quarterly order volume has dropped more than 40 percent from a year ago, back to GGII report.
Demand for industrial robots, from both domestic and foreign suppliers, increased in 2021 as China began to increase 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 increase adoption in its manufacturing industry. Photo: Shutterstock >