China’s Cleaning Tools Industry Upgrade: Modular Exports to Surpass 50% by 2026, Maintenance Costs to Drop 25%

As global demand for efficient, sustainable cleaning solutions intensifies, China’s cleaning tools industry is undergoing a deep transformation. The shift toward modular designs and smart supply chains marks a major step in this evolution. According to GEP Research, China is set to dominate global exports of smart cleaning equipment, with modular products expected to make up over 50% of exports by 2026. Simultaneously, the industry is seeing a 25% drop in repair costs, thanks to localized part supply, standardized modules, and enhanced after-sales service.

1. Global Technology Trends in Cleaning Equipment

The global cleaning equipment industry is moving towards modularity, intelligence, and sustainability. Reports indicate that by 2025, cordless and modular cleaning devices will surpass traditional manual tools. This evolution is backed by GEP Research, which forecasts that IoT-enabled solutions and AI-driven functionalities are increasingly embedded in cleaning systems. Consumers demand smarter, more adaptable tools with longer lifespans and lower total ownership costs.

2. China’s Market Strength and Industry Upgrade Drivers

China remains the world's largest producer and exporter of cleaning tools, with sweeping upgrades driven by internal policy and external demand. Domestically, policies encouraging intelligent manufacturing, green design, and supply chain localization are accelerating industrial transformation. On the consumer side, rising demand for smart home integration and efficient cleaning pushes the market towards innovation-driven growth.

3. Why Modular Design Matters

Modular designs allow components such as brush heads, batteries, and navigation systems to be replaced independently. This lowers repair costs, extends product life, and enhances customization for diverse international markets. As standards tighten globally, modularity helps manufacturers comply with various energy efficiency and recycling regulations. GEP Research notes that by 2025, modularity will be a dominant trend across product lines.

4. Export Structure Evolution: Modular Takes the Lead

China’s export composition is changing. By 2026, modular-designed cleaning tools are expected to exceed 50% of total exports. Modular systems better meet overseas demand for customized, sustainable, and repair-friendly products. Trade barriers and rising ESG standards further push the shift away from low-cost, disposable designs.

5. Lowering Maintenance Costs by 25%

The 25% reduction in maintenance costs is achieved through a mix of strategies: increasing local sourcing of key parts, improving product modularity, and digitizing support services. Many companies have built regional parts warehouses and offer online diagnostic support. These measures reduce service downtime and cost while enhancing user satisfaction.

6. International Endorsements

Multiple institutions have highlighted China’s advancement. GEP Research emphasizes China’s lead in AI-integrated, modular cleaning products. Industry World notes the country’s strong supply chain localization, allowing competitive pricing and fast global service. Such recognition adds credibility to China's transformation story in this industry.

7. Case Studies: Leading Companies

ECOVACS and Roborock are leading China’s charge. Their modular robots and intelligent cleaning systems have gained global market share. These firms integrate AI mapping, voice control, and multi-surface adaptability—demonstrating the practical benefits of modular innovation. Others, like Dreame and Narwal, are following suit with rapid innovation and exports.

8. Policy and Regulation Support

Chinese regulatory bodies are advancing energy standards and green manufacturing policies that encourage modularity and smart upgrades. Meanwhile, the EU and U.S. demand strict compliance with recyclability, repairability, and energy-saving benchmarks, all aligning with China’s upgrade direction.

Conclusion

With over 50% of exports set to be modular by 2026 and repair costs reduced by 25%, China’s cleaning tools industry is embracing a high-value, innovation-driven path. Combining global compliance, domestic policy support, and technological advancement, the industry is evolving from volume-based to quality-based global competitiveness.