Kindle Photo:VCG

Netizens on Chinese Twitter-liked social media Sina Weibo were questioning on Monday as to whether that US e-reader Amazon Kindle may quit Chinese market. Amazon replied on Tuesday that consumers can purchase Kindle from online or offline stores but some specific models have sold out in Chinese market at present. 

Amazon said in its reply that they are aiming to serve Chinese consumers and their clients services and warranty services will not be changed. Amazon noted that customers can purchase Kindle e-readers via third-party online stores or physical stores. 

Due to the high popularity of Kindle e-readers in the China market, some specific models have been sold out, Amazon confirmed.

Liu Dingding, a Beijing-based independent analyst, told the Global Times on Tuesday that Kindle has been inferior in competition with other reading devices including mobile phones and tablets. 

"The profit model of Kindle is clear, but it didn't make significant progress in Chinese market, in addition, Kindle's growth will not make large influence to Amazon as it puts focus on its cloud network service and e-commerce sector," said Liu.

On Chinese e-commerce platform JD.com, its official online store showed that most models of Kindle have been sold out. The Beijing News reported on Tuesday that the hardware research team for Kindle had been laid off in November 2020. The official store on Chinese e-commerce platform T-mall was also closed in October 2020, the report said. 

Staff of Kindle's official online store on JD.com said on Tuesday that the large product categories listed as "out of stock" was simple as that, and was caused by the lack of supply and that there was no notice about exiting the Chinese market. 

On Tuesday morning, the hashtag "Kindle may withdraw from Chinese market" topped Sina Weibo trending searches. Netizens expressed different opinions to the news. 

One netizen named "Jiangnan Wuwu" said Kindle's electronic ink is good for eyes when reading. Other netizens joked that their Kindle was only used to cover their instant noodle bucket lid to prevent steam escaping. 

"There will not be large influence to the market whether Kindle quit Chinese market, because its roles can be replaced by various reading devices at current," said Liu.