Chinese air conditioners are being wildly snapped up in Europe, with some even writing songs to praise Midea, turning it into a "symbol of resistance"!
In the summer of 2026, a super heatwave swept across Europe. Temperatures in western France soared to 43°C, setting a new record for the highest June temperature in the country, while southwestern England recorded a new June high of 36.7°C. During this heatwave, Chinese air conditioners were almost completely sold out in major European retail stores.
Midea Group reported that the heatwave significantly boosted sales growth, with the PortaSplit model already sold out in certain distribution channels. In May alone, Midea's air conditioner sales via German e-commerce channels increased by approximately 37% year-on-year, while shipments to Spain and France surged by 108% respectively during the same period.
The Midea air conditioning factory in Shunde is working overtime to produce this portable split-type unit, shipping it to Europe via China-Europe rail freight. An overseas business executive at Midea revealed that in several Western European countries, markets such as France, Spain, Germany, and the UK—where air conditioner penetration rates had previously been low—have seen year-on-year increases exceeding 70%.
On social media, searches for “Midea PortaSplit” are almost entirely filled with European users showing off: some highlight rapid cooling performance, others praise low energy consumption, some post installation videos, and others even bought ten units at once just to resell them at double the price. Even more strikingly, European users have used AI to compose songs praising this air conditioner. Netizens commented on social platforms that the Midea PortaSplit has transcended its role as a household appliance—it has become a cultural phenomenon and a "symbol of resistance."
Europe’s air conditioner adoption rate has long remained extremely low. According to data from the International Energy Agency, only about 20% of households across Europe own air conditioning or other cooling devices. Germany stands out particularly, with household air conditioner ownership hovering between just 3% and 6%.
The reasons are straightforward. First, European buildings are generally old, and many historical structures prohibit drilling holes in exteriors. Second, installing traditional split-type air conditioners requires certified professionals, with installation fees per unit reaching hundreds or even thousands of euros. Third, renters must obtain landlord approval before installing an air conditioner—an arduous process. Fourth, historically, European summers weren’t so hot, and prolonged periods of extreme heat were rare. These factors combined have made air conditioners a long-standing luxury item in Europe.
The global trend of increasingly frequent extreme heat continues unabated. European consumers are shifting their perception of air conditioners—from “optional extras” to “essential necessities.” A research report from Century Securities notes that this extreme heat will effectively unlock latent consumer demand in local European markets.
Looking ahead, the PortaSplit model alone sold over 80,000 units in Germany in 2025, with projections indicating total European sales could reach between 200,000 and 300,000 units in 2026. Beyond Midea, Chinese brands such as Gree, Haier, Hisense, and TCL are also actively expanding their presence in the European residential air conditioning market. Industry analysts point out that facing challenges like outdated housing structures and restrictions on exterior wall drilling, Chinese air conditioner manufacturers have developed customized solutions—multiple models featuring no-installation and portability have become the mainstay of exports to Europe.
An air conditioner being turned into a song, branded as a symbol of rebellion, and purchased by consumers driving hundreds of kilometers—this phenomenon results from the convergence of three forces: extreme climate change, high institutional costs, and rising market demand. The success of Midea’s PortaSplit fundamentally lies in product design meeting real-world needs. And the vote cast by European consumers with their wallets speaks louder than any slogan.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869197311623168/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.