BUSINESS

Europe’s Heat Wave Lifts Sales for Chinese Air-Conditioner Makers

Published: Jul. 1, 2026 3:01 a.m. GMT+8

00:00

00:00/00:00

Listen to this article 1x

Affected by a heat wave, demand for cooling appliances such as air conditioners and fans surges at local electronics stores in Paris, France, on June 26, 2026, with some models sold out. Photo: VCG

Chinese air-conditioner makers are rushing to supply Europe after an early-summer heat wave drove a surge in demand across markets where household cooling has long been uncommon.

Midea Group said sales of a portable split air conditioner designed for Europe have topped 200,000 units this year, doubling from a year earlier, and the model has sold out in Germany, France, the Netherlands and the UK.

You've accessed an article available only to subscribers

Subscribe today for just $.99.

VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Save an extra $50. Introductory offer for new readers. Subscribe now.

Share this article

Open WeChat and scan the QR code

DIGEST HUB

Digest Hub

Back

Explore the story in 30 seconds

Midea sold over 200,000 portable split AC units in Europe in 2026, doubling from 2025; models sold out in Germany, France, Netherlands, UK.
Chinese brands Gree, Haier, Hisense, and TCL reported sales growth of 13–50% as Europe’s AC penetration remains only 20%, hindered by historic buildings and installation costs of €1,000–2,000.
Manufacturers are adapting with portable units, faster installation designs, and expedited China-Europe rail shipping to meet surging demand from an early-summer heat wave.

AI generated, for reference only

Who’s Who

Midea Group: Midea Group reported sales of its portable split air conditioner for Europe doubled year-on-year, exceeding 200,000 units, with sellouts in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the UK. To meet demand, Midea added factory shifts and sped up shipping via China-Europe rail, cutting transport time by about 25 days.

Gree Electric Appliances: According to the article, Gree Electric Appliances reported a 50% increase in air-conditioner sales in France during the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year. Installation bookings are now delayed until late August, and its portable units have sold out across European channels.

Haier Smart Home: Haier Smart Home's residential air-conditioner sales in Europe rose 13% this year, with its own brands up 24%. To meet demand, Haier added production from Thailand and developed faster-installation split systems. Installers influence over 70% of purchases, making ease of installation key. Prolonged heat could shift European consumption patterns.

Hisense Home Appliances: Hisense Home Appliances reported over 20% sales growth in Western Europe in the first half of 2026. Portable air conditioner models were in severe short supply across major European markets. The company also developed split systems designed for faster installation to meet rising demand amid extreme heat.

TCL: TCL reported a 27% increase in Western European air-conditioner sales in the second quarter of 2026, driven by extreme heat. To meet demand, TCL compressed production cycles for some units from 30-40 days to 10 days and is considering direct trucking or chartered air freight for project orders.

AI generated, for reference only

What Happened When