Asian AC Makers See Sales Surge in Europe Amid Record Heat

Europe is experiencing a record‑breaking heat wave, prompting a sharp rise in demand for air‑conditioning units. Asian manufacturers – Samsung Electronics of South Korea, LG Electronics, China’s Midea and Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric – reported double‑digit sales growth in key markets such as Italy, Spain and France during the first half of the year. German e‑commerce channels saw a 37 % increase in May, while shipments to Spain and France jumped 108 % year on year.

Midea highlighted a boom for its portable PortaSplit model, saying some second‑hand units were selling for more than new ones. The companies note that installing a unit in Europe can cost over $1,137 (≈€1,000), a barrier for many households, with only about 20 % of European homes currently owning air‑conditioners, according to the International Energy Agency. Older buildings also complicate installation, leading to long waiting times.

Beyond sales, firms are providing “cool boxes” – reusable cooling towels, water‑activated wrist coolers and UV‑protective neck guards – to protect delivery staff working in extreme temperatures. The surge underscores shifting consumer behaviour as Europe grapples with intensified climate‑change impacts.