Ahmed Sherif
Research expert covering IT services and gaming hardware
Since the introduction of the first automatic washing machine built for domestic use in 1937 and the commercial release of the first electrically powered dryer in 1938, both appliances turned out to be a staple across households in developed countries. More than 80 percent of households in the United States own a washing machine, for example, with even higher ownership rates in countries like Germany, Russia, Spain, the UK, Canada, Italy, Japan, and Turkey. With global annual revenues from washing machines and dryers sales to exceed 75 billion U.S. dollars in the future, the segment is a major part of the household appliances industry.
China is the largest market for washing machines
China leads the global washing machine market both in terms of production and sales. Since at least 2020, the production of washing machines in the country has exceeded 86 million units. Sales of washing machines in China have also been at this level, with more than 70 million units sold annually since 2015. The two general designs for household washing machines in use today are the front-loading and the top-loading washers. Laundromat machines and industrial washers are also available for commercial use. Other types of washing machines used in consumer households include the more expedient compact machines and the washer-dryer combo.Smart washing machines on the rise
With the industry for “smart appliances” expected to grow in the future, washing machines account for a big part of the global smart home appliances market. Today, around 14 percent of households in the United States already own major smart appliances such as refrigerators or washing machines. This ownership rate is projected to increase as the smart washing machine market is forecast to grow from nearly eight billion U.S. dollars in 2022 to over 20 billion U.S. dollars over the next five to seven years.
