In 2021, the domestic shipment value of consumer equipment such as room air conditioners, refrigerators, and vacuum cleaners decreased by 0.6% from the previous year to 2.5215 trillion yen, which was almost flat but negative for the first time in 6 years. Even in the most recent December 2009 month, it decreased by 7.5% from the same month of the previous year to 231.3 billion yen, decreasing for 7 consecutive months. JEMA (Japan Electric Industry Association), which summarized the results for the past 21 years, said, "Since June, it has been affected by the reaction to the increase in demand in the previous year and the unseasonable summer weather, but the average of 2,330.3 billion yen for the past 10 years is significant. It has surpassed the above and maintains a high level. "

The domestic shipment volume of air purifiers, which can be said to have been directly affected by the spread of the new coronavirus infection, decreased by 1.4% from the previous year to 2,994,000 units, the first negative figure in two years. However, it is the second highest number after 20 years, which was a record high.

Regarding the demand for white goods this year, there is a view that the demand for nesting due to the Korona-ka has come to an end, and some people think that it will be difficult to maintain the high level as before. However, some factors, such as the following, may continue to maintain strong growth.

The first reason is the further spread of the new coronavirus. As of the end of January, the number of infected people continues to break the record high due to the expansion of Omicron strains. If the number of cases of refraining from going out inevitably increases and the time spent at home is extended again, it is expected that demand for various white goods will increase.

The second is replacement demand. Around 2010, when special demand was generated by the home appliance eco-point system, replacement of various home appliances progressed, but now, about 10 years have passed since then, it is time to replace refrigerators and air conditioners. The energy-saving performance is improved and the functions are diversified compared to the products at that time, so I think that the number of people who want to buy a new one will increase.

The third is high functionality, including the conversion of white goods to the IoT (Internet of Things). For example, the new model of robot vacuum cleaner is equipped with a network function, and it has become possible to order the start of cleaning from a smartphone or the like while away from home. In addition to the internet, models equipped with an air purifying function are becoming popular due to the Korona-ka. The inclusion of such convenient and health-friendly features may boost consumer replacement demand.

Furthermore, from the end of last year to this year, 100,000 yen per person is paid as a temporary special benefit to child-rearing households. It is conceivable that not only savings but also replacement of home appliances will be used, which may contribute to the increase in demand.

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