Chinese air‑conditioner manufacturers see sales surge in Europe as heatwave drives demand

Chinese appliance makers are ramping up production to meet a sharp rise in European demand for portable air‑conditioners as record‑breaking heat sweeps the continent. Midea of Guangdong reports its PortaSplit units – plug‑and‑play split models that require no installation – have posted year‑on‑year sales growth of over 70% in France, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom. Gree Electric Appliances says sales in France, Italy and Spain rose more than 40% in the first half of the year, while TCL, Skyworth and other brands also note double‑digit growth.

Europe’s longstanding low air‑conditioning penetration – around 20% of households – is being upended by extreme temperatures reaching 40 °C, school closures and public health concerns. Installation costs, historic‑building restrictions and a high proportion of renters have made traditional split units unattractive, boosting the appeal of Chinese portable, no‑drill models. Factories in Guangdong are working round‑the‑clock, and distributors report stock levels nearing depletion.

The surge highlights broader climate‑driven shifts in European consumer habits and creates a temporary supply squeeze for Chinese manufacturers aiming to fulfil the heightened demand.