realme may exit China as parent company OPPO begins a global restructuring, Bloomberg reports. The move comes as OPPO also prepares to shut down OnePlus operations in the US and Europe.
The decision is driven by financial pressure, shifting consumer demand, and rising component costs in China. According to IDC, smartphone shipments in the country dropped 4.3% year-on-year in Q2. This makes it harder for brands like realme and OnePlus to sustain low-cost, high-value devices.
OPPO plans to redirect realme’s resources to regions where it has stronger traction, including Central Europe and the Nordic markets such as Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Iceland.
OnePlus, meanwhile, has struggled in the US against Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola. Bloomberg said that OnePlus will remain in China for now but is scheduled to shut down globally, including in India, by 2027.
The restructuring marks a turning point for OPPO’s brand strategy. realme’s exit from China and OnePlus’ retreat from Western markets shows OPPO’s effort to streamline operations and strengthen its position in select regions.
Also Read: OnePlus may exit US and EU this week
In the US and Europe, OPPO will take over OnePlus’ role, while realme shifts focus to Europe. How this affects other regions remains to be seen.
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