China's AI Hardware Exports Surge Globally

China's artificial intelligence hardware export sector has entered a significant new phase, with analysts identifying "globally relevant export winners." These companies are projected to tap into market opportunities valued between $12 billion and $212 billion by the year 2030. Facing increasing uncertainty regarding U.S. restrictions on high-tech imports, many Chinese exporters are strategically shifting their focus to European and Southeast Asian markets.

Goldman Sachs specifically highlights industrial automation and robotics as critical sectors where execution of corporate strategy outweighs macroeconomic trends. The analysts emphasize that strong product and technological competitiveness, rapid R&D iteration, and cost efficiency position these companies as potential long-term victors. Their top recommendations include Estun, a Hong Kong-listed industrial robotics firm, and Inovance, a Shenzhen-based automation company.

Europe is identified as Inovance's most strategic overseas market, with its total addressable market outside China potentially tripling to over $163 billion by 2030. Goldman Sachs has issued a "buy" rating for Inovance, setting a price target of 92.90 yuan ($13.78). Estun is benefiting from expansion in Southeast Asia, following its Chinese manufacturing clients. The firm's market share in the region is estimated to more than triple to approximately 10% by 2030, from 3% this year, within a total addressable market outside China of $20 billion. Despite being in the early stages of overseas expansion and lagging in service coverage and software ecosystems, Estun's rapid deployment capabilities make it a competitive player in Southeast Asia. Analysts currently hold a "neutral" rating on Estun with a price target of 11.80 Hong Kong dollars ($1.50). China is set to host the World Robot Conference in Beijing from August 19 to August 23.