European Heat Pump Association urges Chinese manufacturers to relocate production to Europe

Paul Kenny, Director General of the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA), called on Chinese heat‑pump makers to manufacture, invest and employ in Europe during a keynote at the China Heat Pump Forum on 30 July. He argued that localisation – joint ventures, European‑based factories and training – would preserve the current market balance, where only about ten percent of installed heat pumps in Europe are of Chinese origin and more than 80 percent are assembled locally.

Kenny cited examples such as Midea, Haier, Panasonic, Mitsubishi and Daikin, which already operate European headquarters, plants and apprenticeship programmes. He warned against protectionist measures and stressed that heat‑pump products require specialist installation and long‑term service, making a local presence essential for success in the European market.