SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — During the last five years, cell phones made in China have taken a stronghold throughout Mexico, according to Ernesto Piedras, director of a consulting firm called The Competitive Intelligence Unit.
Studies show that just five years ago, cell phones produced in China held less than one percent of the market in Mexico. Now, it’s close to 20 percent.
“Mexican consumers are becoming more aware of the advanced capabilities in relation to price versus quality, this is increasing demand for these readily-available phones, which are very advanced in terms of technology and innovation,” said Piedras.
Piedras also says when the LG brand left the market and Samsung and Huawei’s decided to focus on high-end phones, it created a void for more affordable yet technological-advanced phones — something Chinese companies, such as Oppo and Xiaomi, have been taking advantage of.
“The Chinese phones are also easily available in department stores and online platforms with very affordable financing terms.”
Piedras expects 30 million Chinese-made smartphones will be sold in Mexico by the end of the year with even higher sales in the future as these companies increase their marketing and exposure in the coming years.
“Oppo and Xiaomi are already taking the lead: Their phones have very high satisfaction ratings among middle-class consumers,” he said. “Other brands like Honor and Vivo are also gaining ground, their growth has tripled since they arrived in Mexico in 2023.”
