Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics have joined European appliance manufacturers in urging the European Union (EU) to provide greater support for the home appliance industry. The coordinated appeal comes as manufacturers face mounting cost pressures from the EU's green policies and rising energy prices.
The European Appliance Manufacturers Association (APPLiA) recently sent an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling for the development of a European strategy for the home appliance industry. The letter was signed by 16 major appliance manufacturers, including Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Miele, Dyson, Electrolux and Beko.
APPLiA said the European appliance industry is losing competitiveness because of excessive environmental regulations and policies that fail to reflect manufacturing realities. The association warned that soaring energy costs and tighter regulations are already prompting some manufacturers to relocate production outside Europe.
APPLiA said the appliance industry contributes €79 billion (about 132 trillion won) to the EU economy, operates 130 factories and supports one million jobs. Despite that contribution, the industry has been left out of Europe's industrial strategy because of the gap between environmental goals and industrial realities.
The association proposed four measures to restore industrial competitiveness: △ Establish an integrated industrial strategy △ Expand financial support △ Promote industrial clusters △ Introduce fair trade standards.
APPLiA stressed that urgent policy support is needed to recognize the home appliance sector as a strategic industry. The association projects that the installed base of home appliances will reach 1.5 billion units by 2030, while the global smart home market will grow to $600 billion (about 880 trillion won). Given the industry's growing importance, APPLiA said stronger policy support is essential.
The association also called for a funding framework to support green innovation and encourage the development of industrial clusters. It urged the EU to simplify regulations and adopt fair trade standards that prevent unfair competitive disadvantages, helping Europe strengthen its position as a global manufacturing hub.
APPLiA warned that neglecting the appliance industry would make it harder for European consumers to access environmentally friendly, high-efficiency products developed and manufactured in Europe. The association stressed that home appliances are not luxury goods but essential products that support everyday life and sustainability.
“Europe must act now if it is to maintain its competitiveness and preserve its industrial leadership,” APPLiA said. “We hope to meet with President Ursula von der Leyen as soon as possible to discuss these proposals.”
