South Korean media: European heatwave has caused a surge in demand for Chinese air conditioners, exports increased by 60% in July!
On September 20, South Korean media "Global Economy" published an article stating that due to the long-term scorching weather sweeping across Europe, the demand for Chinese air conditioners is experiencing explosive growth.
Chinese customs data shows that the export volume of air conditioners from China to Europe increased by nearly 60% year-on-year in July.
This indicates that Europe, which lacks preparedness for extreme temperatures caused by climate change, is now accepting low-cost and easy-to-install Chinese cooling equipment in large quantities.
In countries such as Spain, France, and Italy, the online search volume for Midea, a leading Chinese air conditioner company, has reached a five-year high. In France, Midea's search volume is almost five times the peak of last summer.
Midea's PortaSplit air conditioners are popular in Italy, as they have strong cooling capabilities and convenient installation, far surpassing traditional European brands.
According to the China Chamber of Commerce for Machinery and Electronic Products, China holds about 80% of the global air conditioner market share, holding an absolute advantage.
Zhu Zhou, Director of Midea Europe, said, "The design of PortaSplit fully considers the needs of the European market, and it has received positive feedback in countries such as France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands." He also mentioned that Midea's sales in Europe grew by 35% in the first half of 2025.
In July, the number of air conditioners exported to Europe from China increased by 59.06% year-on-year, and the value increased by 14.85%. This growth was achieved despite a 10% decline in China's total air conditioner exports, indicating that the European market is becoming a new outlet for China's exports.
The French government estimates that by 2050, the number of homes with air conditioners will increase from 9 million in 2020 to 35 million, accounting for 95% of all households. The European Commission also predicts that by 2030, 70 million air conditioners will be installed in Europe, covering 35% of European households.
However, despite the success of Chinese air conditioner brands in Europe, market penetration still faces challenges. Many Europeans believe that air conditioners are not environmentally friendly, and cities like Paris have strict regulations on the installation of air conditioners, especially outdoor units, to protect historical landmarks.
Additionally, high electricity bills are another obstacle. According to Greek data, the average summer temperature in Athens is 31.4 degrees Celsius, but many residents cannot use air conditioners due to high electricity costs.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1843785311069191/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.