China: Mobile Phone Market 2025

Mobile Phone Market Size in China

For the sixth consecutive year, the Chinese mobile phone market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 34% to $X in 2022. In general, consumption enjoyed a prominent increase. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Mobile Phone Production in China

In value terms, mobile phone production fell slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by 15%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2022, production growth failed to regain momentum.

Mobile Phone Exports

Exports from China

In 2022, the amount of mobile phones exported from China contracted to X units, falling by -13.5% against the previous year. In general, exports showed a mild slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 49%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X units in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, mobile phone exports reduced slightly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, total exports indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +14.5% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 21% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2021, and then fell modestly in the following year.

Exports by Country

The United States (X units) was the main destination for mobile phone exports from China, with a 14% share of total exports. Moreover, mobile phone exports to the United States exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, the United Arab Emirates (X units), twofold. Russia (X units) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 3.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the United States totaled +1.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the United Arab Emirates (+5.2% per year) and Russia (+8.7% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) remains the key foreign market for mobile phones exports from China, comprising 30% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Japan ($X), with a 4.9% share of total exports. It was followed by the Netherlands, with a 4.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to the United States stood at +9.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Japan (+3.9% per year) and the Netherlands (+7.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average mobile phone export price amounted to $X per unit, with an increase of 13% against the previous year. In general, the export price saw a strong increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 66% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per unit), while the average price for exports to Nigeria ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the UK (+11.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Mobile Phone Imports

Imports into China

In 2022, mobile phone imports into China skyrocketed to X units, with an increase of 120% on the year before. Overall, imports enjoyed a strong increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 286%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in the near future.

In value terms, mobile phone imports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports posted tangible growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 213% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Vietnam (X units) constituted the largest supplier of mobile phone to China, with a 63% share of total imports. It was followed by Malaysia (X units), with a 1.9% share of total imports. The third position in this ranking was held by Thailand (X units), with a 1.8% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Vietnam amounted to +223.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Malaysia (-3.6% per year) and Thailand (+154.0% per year).

In value terms, Vietnam ($X) constituted the largest supplier of mobile phones to China, comprising 63% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Thailand ($X), with a 2.2% share of total imports. It was followed by Malaysia, with a 2.2% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Vietnam totaled +243.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Thailand (+159.2% per year) and Malaysia (-5.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average mobile phone import price stood at $X per unit in 2022, almost unchanged from the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed a noticeable contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 an increase of 46%. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the peak figure at $X per unit in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was South Korea ($X per unit), while the price for Vietnam ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Korea (+13.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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