Chinese Air Conditioners Surge in Europe Amid Heatwave

Chinese appliance makers Midea, Gree and Hisense have experienced a sharp rise in air‑conditioner sales across Europe as an unusually hot summer drives demand. Midea’s portable model PortaSplit, co‑developed with a German team, saw shipments climb from 80,000 units last year to over 200,000 this year, prompting urgent restocking via China‑Europe rail trains to cut delivery times from 30 to 20 days. Gree reported a 50% year‑on‑year sales increase in France, while Hisense noted a 20% overall rise in Western Europe, with France’s growth surpassing 100% and Italy up 30%. Prices for the portable units range from €999 to €1,500, and the products have sold out in Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Spain, leading to secondary‑market price spikes. The surge reflects broader regional heat trends, limited household air‑conditioner penetration (around 20% in Europe), and logistical adjustments as companies shift from sea freight to faster rail shipments to meet consumer needs.