Europe’s ongoing heatwave has rised the demand of air conditioners, giving Chinese manufacturers a major boost in exports. As temperatures continue to reach record highs across several European countries, leading Chinese appliance companies has increased production to meet growing orders.
Chinese home appliance giant Midea announced that its factory in Shunde, Guangdong Province, is operating 24/7 to produce its popular portable split air conditioners. The company is shipping its units to Europe using China-Europe freight trains to ensure deliveries arrive before the peak summer season ends.
According to Midea, its air conditioners sale have grown significantly in Western European markets where air conditioning has traditionally been less common. The company reported that sales in France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom increased by more than 70 percent compared to the same period last year.
Other major Chinese manufacturers, including Gree and TCL, have also expanded production of portable cooling units as demand continues to climb across Europe.
The surge comes as Europe experiences one of its hottest summers in recent years. Several countries, including Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Spain, have recorded unusually high temperatures. The extreme heat has increased the need for affordable and efficient cooling solutions in homes and apartments.
Unlike many parts of Asia, air conditioner ownership remains relatively low across Europe. In many historic cities such as Paris, strict building regulations make it difficult to install traditional wall-mounted air conditioning systems. High installation costs have also discouraged many households from purchasing conventional units.
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Portable air conditioners have become an attractive alternative because they require little or no permanent installation. Their convenience and lower cost have made them especially popular among European consumers facing rising temperatures.
Reports also suggest that demand has become so strong that some models have sold out in several European countries. Online discussions show customers searching multiple retailers to find available units, with some even traveling long distances to purchase the last remaining stock despite higher prices.
China continues to dominate the global air conditioner export market. Trade data indicates that the country exported air conditioners worth approximately $27.2 billion in 2025, accounting for nearly 40 percent of global exports. Besides air conditioners, other Chinese-made cooling products such as handheld fans, cooling blankets, and fan-equipped sun hats are also seeing increased demand in Europe.
Industry analysts say Chinese manufacturers have benefited by designing products that match the needs of European consumers. Portable units provide practical cooling without requiring structural changes to buildings, making them well suited for the European market.
Experts also believe China’s strong manufacturing capabilities and complete supply chain will allow companies to continue meeting rising international demand. However, some analysts warn that increasing trade protection measures between China and the European Union could present future challenges despite strong consumer demand.
As Europe continues to experience extreme weather conditions, the demand for portable cooling solutions is expected to remain strong throughout the summer, providing further opportunities for Chinese manufacturers in international markets.
Umar Daraz is the Founder and Editor of TodayEast, an independent digital news platform covering global affairs, business, technology, sports, and world rankings. He specializes in data-driven journalism, international news analysis, economic trends, and emerging technologies. Through TodayEast, he aims to provide accurate, accessible, and insightful reporting on the stories shaping the world.
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