A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe is creating an unprecedented boom for Chinese manufacturers of portable air conditioners. With temperatures reaching new June highs in several countries, consumers are desperately seeking cooling solutions, leading to a surge in demand for these easily deployable units.
Chinese Factories Ramp Up Production
Chinese home appliance giants are responding rapidly to the European market's urgent needs. Midea, for instance, has confirmed that its air conditioner plant in Shunde, Guangdong Province, is operating 24/7 to produce more PortaSplit models. These units are being transported to Europe via China-Europe freight trains to ensure timely arrival before the peak summer season concludes.
- Midea reported over 70% year-on-year sales growth in markets with historically low AC penetration, including France, Spain, Germany, and the UK.
- Other major Chinese appliance makers, such as Gree and TCL, are also significantly increasing their production of similar portable air conditioners.
Why Europe Embraces Portable Cooling
Europe has traditionally had a low penetration rate for air conditioning compared to other regions like Asia. This is due to a combination of factors, including:
- Historical Building Regulations: Strict heritage rules in many European cities, such as Paris, often prevent residents from installing conventional split air conditioners that require drilling into building facades.
- Installation Costs: Even where traditional AC installation is permitted, professional fitting costs can frequently exceed the price of the appliance itself, deterring many households.
- Sudden Heat: Record-breaking heatwaves are pushing consumers to find immediate and accessible cooling options that require minimal structural modification or complex installation.
Portable split air conditioners, which are praised for their affordability and ease of use, perfectly address these challenges. Online communities have emerged, with some European users even creating websites to track the availability of popular models like Midea's PortaSplit units across the continent, highlighting the intense consumer demand.
China's Dominance in Global AC Exports
China's manufacturing prowess positions it as a dominant player in the global air conditioner market. Data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) indicates that China accounted for nearly 40 percent of global air conditioner exports in 2025, totaling $27.2 billion.
Beyond portable ACs, the heatwave has also boosted demand for a wider array of Chinese-made cooling products, including fan-equipped sun hats, handheld fans, and cooling blankets. Experts note that the popularity of these products stems from innovative design tailored for local demand and China's complete industrial chain, which offers significant trade advantages to Europe.
Navigating Trade Relations Amidst Demand
While China's manufacturing capacity is readily meeting Europe's urgent cooling needs, the surge in trade occurs against a backdrop of increasing protectionist measures from the EU towards China. Commentators suggest that for mutual benefit, Europe should prioritize market rules and consumer choice over protectionist actions to foster open and inclusive bilateral trade cooperation.