Appliance retailers fight high costs

Two of China's top sellers of electronic appliances have announced how they plan to tackle rising costs in raw materials, such as copper and steel.

Two of China's top sellers of electronic appliances have  announced how they plan to tackle rising costs in raw materials, such as copper and steel. (Photo:people.com)

Suning says that it will buy more mid and high-end air conditioners in a move to ensure a more stable price overall. It has bought up to a million air conditioners since early last month.

Meanwhile, number one appliance retailer, Gome, say it will work with producers to refine the supply chain, to better absorb rising labor and material costs. The market leader will also work with other firms, including Haier, Samsung and Sony, to control prices.

The latest predictions suggest that prices of white goods, such as refrigerators, will rise 1 to 6 percent in the first half this year, while black appliances, such as television sets, are set to fall between 20 to 30 percent.