This article only represents the author's own views.
The past two years haven’t been kind to Xiaomi Corp. (1810.HK), a former smartphone rising star that has suffered from weakening global demand compounded by lack of buzz for its latest products. Any potential comeback for its core smartphone business will depend not only on the macro environment, but also execution of ongoing plans to jumpstart growth by going upmarket and expanding its global presence.
The company’s latest woes were center stage in new data released last week from IDC, which showed that Xiaomi is far from alone in suffering from plunging sales. The situation is unlikely to improve anytime soon, with the report painting a bleak picture for the year ahead as well.