BUSINESS

EU Launches Anti-Dumping Probe Into Chinese Robotic Lawn Mowers

Published: Nov. 20, 2025 5:00 a.m. GMT+8

00:00

00:00/00:00

Listen to this article 1x

An automower made by Husqvarna AB. Photo: Bloomberg

The European Union has launched an anti-dumping investigation into robotic lawn mowers imported from China, signaling rising trade friction as Chinese smart-hardware makers gain ground in global garden tool markets.

The European Commission issued a notice of initiation on Wednesday, followed a complaint filed on Oct. 6 by Husqvarna AB, a long-established Swedish garden tool manufacturer, alleging unfair pricing practices by Chinese competitors.

You've accessed an article available only to subscribers

Subscribe today for just $.99.

VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.

Share this article

Open WeChat and scan the QR code

DIGEST HUB

Digest Hub

Back

Explore the story in 30 seconds

The EU launched an anti-dumping investigation into Chinese robotic lawn mowers, prompted by a complaint from Husqvarna AB.
Chinese brands like Ecovacs, Ninebot, and Dreame now dominate Europe’s robotic mower market, which holds 90% of global demand and reached 19% penetration.
Global shipments rose 327% year-on-year in early 2025, driven by aggressive pricing and advanced features from Chinese makers.

AI generated, for reference only

Who’s Who

Ecovacs Robotics Co. Ltd.: Ecovacs Robotics Co. Ltd. is a Chinese company that dominates the export of robotic lawn mowers. Their overseas mower sales saw significant growth in 2024, with revenue increasing by 186.7% and volume by 271.7%. They plan to further invest in this category in 2025 to boost global growth and offer competitively priced products to capture market share.

Ninebot Ltd.: Ninebot Ltd. is a Chinese smart-hardware maker that dominates exports of robotic lawn mowers, especially to Europe. The company rapidly captured market share using e-commerce and fast product cycles. In 2024, Ninebot's robotic mower revenue surged 284% year-on-year to 861 million yuan ($121 million), representing about 6% of its total revenue. The company also aggressively cut prices for its new models from 1,600 euros to 999 euros in 2024.

Dreame Technology Co. Ltd.: Dreame Technology Co. Ltd. is a Chinese smart-hardware maker that dominates exports of robotic lawn mowers to Europe. They are noted for their aggressive pricing strategies, following Ninebot in offering similarly priced products to intensify competition in the market.

Husqvarna AB: Husqvarna AB is a Swedish garden tool manufacturer and a legacy brand in the market. They filed a complaint on October 6, alleging unfair pricing practices by Chinese competitors, which led to the European Union launching an anti-dumping investigation into robotic lawn mowers imported from China. While they have established retail networks and brand recognition, they have been slower to develop boundary-free robotic mower models compared to Chinese companies.

AI generated, for reference only

What Happened When

2024：: Ninebot's annual report showed robotic mower revenue surged 284% year-on-year to 861 million yuan.

2024：: Ecovacs reported overseas mower sales rose 186.7% by revenue and 271.7% by volume.

2024：: Ninebot slashed prices for its new models from 1,600 euros to 999 euros; Ecovacs and Dreame followed with similar pricing.

October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025：: The EU investigation covers shipments of robotic lawn mowers imported from China during this period.

First half of 2025：: IDC data showed global shipments of robotic lawn mowers reached 2.34 million units, up 327% year-on-year.

March 2025：: Citic Securities reported a 19% penetration rate for robotic mowers in Europe and estimated future market growth.

October 6, 2025：: Husqvarna AB filed a complaint with the European Commission alleging unfair pricing practices by Chinese competitors.

November 2025：: Chinese manufacturers urged to submit sampling questionnaires within one week of the EU announcement for tariff rate consideration.