Heatwaves Drive 43% Surge in Chinese AC Exports to Europe
By White Goods Now
Amid shifting global trade dynamics, China’s home appliance export sector delivered impressive H1 2026 numbers—led by a 43.2% year-on-year surge in air conditioner exports to the EU ($3.76 billion).
Driven by severe European heatwaves and structural supply shortages, demand was especially high for portable and mobile AC units (+70%), which suit Europe’s historic buildings, strict drilling bans, and high renter demographics.
Brand Highlights
* Midea: Led the market with its PortaSplit portable split AC (15-minute DIY setup). Shipments topped 200,000 units, driving a >70% sales surge across Germany, France, Spain, and the UK.
* Haier: Posted a 24% increase in residential AC brand sales in Europe—the highest among Chinese brands. Emergency orders from France and Spain alone exceeded 100,000 units.
* Gree: Doubled sales in Spain and saw a 50% rise in France, extending installation waitlists through late August.
* Hisense & TCL: Hisense AC sales in Europe soared 117% (up 900% in France), while TCL saw over 300% growth in France and the Nordic region.
Key Drivers
* Supply Chain Scale: China produces over 85% of global AC capacity and 90% of compressors, allowing rapid production scaling.
* Targeted Product Design: No-drill, portable units bypass high European installation costs and building regulations.
* Faster Logistics: Rail transport via the China-Europe Railway Express cut delivery times from 40+ days (sea) down to 15–20 days.
* Brand Value Growth: Chinese manufacturers are increasingly exporting under their own brand names rather than low-margin OEM contracts.