Key facts
- Chinese home appliance maker Midea Group shipped 200,000 portable air conditioners to Europe from January to June 2026.
- This volume is double the total shipments for the entire year of 2025.
- Midea's PortaSplit model, designed for easy installation and European architectural compatibility, is highly sought after.
- Sales in key European markets like France, Spain, Germany, and the UK have grown by over 70% year-on-year.
- Other Chinese brands, including Gree Electric Appliances and TCL, are also experiencing high demand and low inventory for portable air conditioners in Europe.
Chinese home appliance manufacturer Midea Group has seen a significant surge in portable air conditioner sales in Europe during the first half of 2026, shipping 200,000 units, which is double the total for the entire previous year. This boom is attributed to record-breaking heatwaves across the continent and the success of Midea's "PortaSplit" model, which offers easy, tool-free installation and is designed to fit European window aesthetics.
Workers at Midea's factory in Foshan, Guangdong province, are working overtime to meet the escalating demand. The company is utilizing China-Europe freight trains for faster delivery, with transit times of 15-25 days, significantly shorter than traditional sea shipping. This rapid distribution is crucial for meeting demand during Europe's peak summer season.
Midea's PortaSplit addresses long-standing European consumer challenges with air conditioners, such as the bulkiness and noise of traditional portable units, and the high installation costs and long waiting times for split systems. The product, developed over three years with input from European research teams and an Italian design firm, was first launched in Germany in 2024. It features a plug-and-play setup and a design that respects the architectural characteristics of historical European buildings.
In countries like France, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom, where air conditioner penetration has historically been low, Midea has reported year-on-year sales growth exceeding 70% since the beginning of 2026. Other Chinese manufacturers, including Gree Electric Appliances and TCL, are also reporting similar trends, with their portable air conditioners selling out and distributors facing low inventory levels. Data indicates that China's household air conditioner exports to Western Europe grew by 9.7% in the first five months of 2026, with portable split units showing a remarkable growth of over 70% in the same period.