DraftFCB, Ogilvy & Mather, Bates141, Publicis and Team are thought to be the agencies involved in the pitch process, with first-stage presentations set to take place before Chinese New Year.
DraftFCB has been the incumbent agency on the account for six years.
The pitch is believed to have been called after recent key changes to Haier's management team, coupled with the company's desire to find better solutions to its advertising needs due to the current financial crisis.