Chinese Air Conditioners Surge in Europe as Heatwave Drives Demand

Europe is experiencing record heatwaves, with temperatures above 40 °C in parts of the Iberian Peninsula and widespread hot spells across the continent. Only about 20 % of European households have air‑conditioning, creating a large market gap. Chinese manufacturers are benefitting from the surge in demand for affordable, energy‑efficient cooling units. In Spain, retailers report growing sales of Chinese brands such as Haier, with consumers citing the price‑quality ratio as a key factor.

EU statistics show household cooling energy consumption has doubled from 2018 to 2024, with Italy, Spain and Greece accounting for the highest usage. France’s adoption remains slower, but a sharp rise in orders has prompted Chinese firms to accelerate deliveries. Midea shipped 20,000 portable split‑type air‑conditioners to France using a new cross‑border land route that cuts delivery time to about 15 days. The units require no drilling or professional installation, making them attractive in markets with strict building regulations.

A related anecdote highlights a French employee who bought a mobile air‑conditioner in Shanghai for roughly 1,400 RMB and brought it back to Paris, underscoring the price advantage of Chinese products compared with local French market prices.