Key facts
- Asian air-conditioner manufacturers are adapting product lines for European markets after a record summer heatwave.
- Companies like LG, Daikin Industries, and Midea are increasing production of portable, easy-to-install air conditioning units.
- Many European homes lack air conditioning due to historical building designs focused on winter insulation.
- Chinese manufacturers reported significant sales growth in Western Europe, with Midea seeing over 70% year-on-year increases in several countries.
- Gree Electric Appliances also reported over 40% year-on-year sales growth in European countries for the first half of 2026.
- China is a dominant player in global air-conditioner exports, with significant growth in shipments to the EU.
Following the hottest summer on record in Western Europe, major Asian air-conditioner manufacturers are adapting their strategies to meet growing demand in a region historically unaccustomed to extreme heat. Companies like LG, Daikin Industries, and Midea are expanding their product lines, focusing on dual-use heat pumps with cooling functions and portable, easy-to-install units.
Unlike in Asia and the United States, air conditioning is not yet common in many European homes, partly due to building designs historically prioritizing winter insulation. Installing traditional split air-conditioning units can be complex and expensive, especially in older or historically protected buildings, as seen in Paris where regulations can prohibit external modifications.
Chinese manufacturers, including Midea and Gree Electric Appliances, have reported significant increases in sales to European countries. Midea noted sales growth of over 70% in markets like France, Spain, Germany, and the UK, while Gree saw over 40% year-on-year increases in sales to European nations between January and June 2026. China's dominance in the global air-conditioner market is underscored by its substantial export figures, with nearly $28 billion worth of units exported in 2025, representing about 40% of global exports. In the first half of 2026, Chinese air-conditioner exports to the EU reached $3.76 billion, a 43.2% increase.