From Record Heat to Sold-Out Shelves: Why Europe Can't Get Enough of Chinese Air Conditioners

Europe was not built for this kind of heat. With historically low air conditioner ownership rates and strict building regulations restricting wall modifications, millions of Europeans have spent summers sweating it out.

That is now changing fast. A new wave of Chinese air conditioners, led by Midea's PortaSplit, has found a ready and desperate market, turning an obscure appliance into one of the most talked-about products of the summer.

Why Has Europe's Heatwave Become So Unbearable This Year?

Western Europe has experienced its hottest June on record, with German cities recording temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.

In late June, hundreds of French schools were forced to close as France recorded its hottest day on record.

Why Are Chinese Air Conditioners Popular in Europe?

Europe's low air conditioner penetration, combined with record heat, has created an urgent demand gap.

Chinese brands, particularly Midea, TCL, and Gree, have moved quickly with competitively priced, regulation-friendly models that European manufacturers have been slow to offer.

What Makes the Midea PortaSplit Different From Ordinary Air Conditioners?

The PortaSplit sidesteps Europe's strict historic-preservation rules, which restrict drilling or exterior-wall modifications in many cities.

Its lightweight outdoor unit sits outside a window without any structural changes, making it compatible with most European window types.

How Strong Has Demand for These Air Conditioners Been?

Midea sales surged more than 70 percent year-on-year across France, Spain, Germany, and the UK, according to Chinese state media the Global Times, though Midea's Europe office declined to confirm those figures to the BBC.

TCL told the Global Times its sales jumped over 300 percent in France alone. Units have sold out in stores and resurfaced on resale platforms at double or triple the original retail price of around 750 euros, as per the BBC.

Are There Environmental Concerns About the Air Conditioner Boom?

According to a 2024 report, air conditioning accounts for 7 percent of global electricity use and 2.7 percent of the world's CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and industry.

WHO's Europe office has called for a nuanced approach, acknowledging air conditioners are not a sustainable solution but remain crucial for vulnerable populations during extreme heat, as per BBC reporting.

Is This a Turning Point for the 'Made in China' Label?

European buyers have reportedly expressed surprise at discovering their PortaSplits were Chinese-made, with many noting the quality felt comparable to established European brands.

Midea's Europe general manager told the BBC the company sees considerable long-term growth potential in the region.

What Does Governments' Response to Europe's Heatwave Tell Us?

France's power utility committed 80 million euros to installing cooling systems in schools and community centres, signalling that Europe's heatwave problem is no longer a temporary inconvenience but a structural challenge requiring permanent solutions.

(With inputs from yMedia)