Global air conditioning demand rises amid heat and market shifts

Global demand for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment is rising, driven by extreme temperatures and shifting consumer habits. In the European Union, air conditioning use has doubled since 2018. Chinese manufacturers are capitalizing on this trend, with exports to the EU reaching $3.76 billion in the first half of 2026, a 43 percent increase from the previous year. Companies such as Haier and Midea have reported significant growth in major European markets like France, Germany, and the UK.

In the United States, the HVAC market is also seeing a rebound. According to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, shipments of central air conditioners rose 26.8 percent in June compared to the previous year, while air-source heat pump shipments increased by 15.1 percent. This surge follows a period of decline and marks five consecutive months of year-over-year growth in the sector.