Murata Manufacturing to Foray into Lower-end Chinese Markets

Japanese smartphone parts supplier Murata Manufacturing wants to expand sales beyond its concentrated base of low-cost smartphone makers targeting emerging markets. Murata, a leading battery supplier, expects the smartphone market to grow by 5% in March 2025, driven by demand for mid-range phones in regions such as India, Africa and Southeast Asia.

Chinese manufacturers are increasing their exports to regions where the population is growing. President Norio Murata Nakajima said in an interview.

Murata, a supplier to Apple and Samsung Electronics, is one of the industry players facing falling demand for smartphones as consumers spend more time with their phones. Smartphone sales rose 5% in October compared with the same period last year after more than two years of decline, driven by demand from emerging markets, according to data from research firm Counterpoint.

Nakajima said the stock is only available in China. Last month, Apple said demand for iPhones in China remained strong, while analysts pointed to strong smartphone sales from local giant Huawei Technologies.

Murata Manufacturing is a Japanese electronics manufacturer based in Nagaokakyo, Kyoto. It mainly produces electronic components such as capacitors and has the largest share of the global market in ceramic filters, high-end components and sensors. There are 24 companies in Japan and 52 overseas in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and India.