Huawei’s Resilience: From Ban to Triumph – Yu Chengdong Reflects on Huawei’s Journey

Huawei’s journey through the past few years has been a tale of resilience, innovation, and determination. At a recent event for Huawei’s full – scenario products, Yu Chengdong, Huawei’s executive director, shared insights into the company’s struggles and triumphs. This article explores Huawei’s difficult period, the impact of the U.S. suppression, and the remarkable comeback marked by the launch of the Mate 60 series.

The Hardest Period

Yu Chengdong’s Revelations

During a live chat with Dong Yuhui, a senior partner at “Oriental Selection“, Yu Chengdong opened up about the toughest times Huawei faced over the past five years. He revealed that his team was unable to start business due to severe bans. Once holding the largest share of the mobile phone market worldwide, Huawei’s position was drastically reduced within two quarters. The annual shipment volume fell to less than 20 million units in a single month during the worst periods.

Yu Chengdong candidly acknowledged that the most challenging month saw more than 20 million units shipped, while the best month saw over 30 million units. Despite being a global leader in 5G tech, Huawei found itself without access to 5G, making life very tough for the team. Yu Chengdong continually encouraged his team to stay resilient and not lose hope. He said that hard times make a team stronger and that difficulties serve as a whetstone for strong will.

The U.S. Ban

Yu Chengdong’s 2022 Interview

In a 2022 interview, Yu Chengdong admitted that without the U.S. ban, Huawei and Apple would have dominated the global mobile phone market. Other brands, including a major Korean company, would have struggled to maintain good market presence outside the U.S. and South Korea. The U.S. bans severely hampered Huawei’s operations, but the company continued to innovate and push forward.

The Mate 60 Series: A Game Changer

Surprise Launch

In a surprising move, Huawei launched the Mate 60 series under the Pioneer Plan without any prior warm-up. The release of the new phone took the tech world by storm, akin to dropping a “nuclear bomb” in the industry. The significance of this launch extended far beyond the product itself, symbolizing Huawei’s resilience and innovation.

The Mate 60 series quickly became a hot commodity in China, with demand far exceeding supply. Its launch also attracted the attention of global tech institutions and digital enthusiasts. The key question on consumers’ minds was whether the new phone supported 5G. Tests revealed that the network speed of the Mate 60 series surpassed that of current 5G mobile phones, showcasing Huawei’s technological prowess.

Market Rebound

First Quarter of 2024 Data

According to data from Canalys, the smartphone market in mainland China rebounded for the first time in two years during the first quarter of 2024. Shipments remained steady compared to the same period last year, totaling 67.7 million units. Huawei, after 13 quarters, regained the top spot in the Chinese mainland market, thanks to the enthusiastic response to the Mate and nova series.

Huawei’s Market Share

Huawei’s shipments reached 11.7 million units in the first quarter of 2024, with a market share of 17%. The company’s growth was remarkable, with a year-on-year increase of 69.7%. This surge in growth was largely driven by the hot sales of the Mate 60 series. This also shows the product’s impact on the market.

Conclusion

Huawei’s journey from hardship to triumph is a testament to the company’s resilience and innovation. Despite severe restrictions and challenges, Huawei has managed to bounce back with the launch of the Mate 60 series. This comeback not only showcases Huawei’s technological advancements but also its unwavering determination to succeed. As the company continues to innovate and push the boundaries of technology, it remains a significant player in the global tech landscape.