Innovative Air Conditioners in High Demand, Sales of Handheld Cooling Fans Soar!
In July, temperatures in multiple European countries exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, making “cooling economy” a new consumer necessity. The latest data from Alibaba International shows that Chinese-made portable air conditioners, handheld fans, ice makers, and ice cream machines have become the “Big Four of Summer Exports,” with the gross merchandise volume (GMV) of cooling products surging by 77% year-on-year. Europe, traditionally a region that “doesn’t rely on air conditioning to survive summer,” is now a key destination for Chinese cooling appliance manufacturers. Global Times reporters recently contacted several home appliance exporters and interviewed European consumers to understand how Chinese “cooling gadgets” are making a significant impact in the local market.
Air Conditioners Entering European Homes
A recent CNN report noted that while nearly 90% of U.S. households have air conditioning, only about 20% of European homes do. However, as heatwaves sweep across the continent, air conditioner sales are skyrocketing. According to data from German consumer portal Verivox, only about 3% of German households had air conditioning in 2021. By 2024, that figure had risen to 19%. A report from the International Energy Agency predicts that the number of air conditioning units in the EU could reach 275 million by 2050—more than double the 2019 figure.
At a MediaMarkt store in Berlin, Germany’s largest electronics chain, a Global Times correspondent was overwhelmed by the variety of cooling products on display, including air conditioners, electric fans, cooling blankets, and neck fans. A store employee revealed that most of these products were “Made in China.”
Among them, there were over a hundred types of air conditioners, featuring well-known Chinese brands such as Haier, TCL, and Midea. A customer named Melanie told the reporter that she planned to purchase a Haier air conditioner equipped with AI technology, which is energy-efficient and affordable, priced at nearly €1,000. She noted that Chinese-made air conditioners offer better value for money compared to Korean and European brands, with more advanced features.
“The debate over air conditioning has become a focal point in Europe’s political battles this summer. Resistance to air conditioning is weakening due to recent heatwaves,” The Wall Street Journal reported on the 22nd.
According to statistics from the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, from January to May this year, China’s home air conditioner exports reached 9.45billion,up17.8 a 7.1% increase; and refrigerator exports totaled $3.32 billion, rising 5.1%.
However, the high cost of installing and operating air conditioners remains a barrier for many Europeans. A MediaMarkt employee explained that installing a split-type air conditioner requires permission from landlords and sometimes even government authorities. Installation must be carried out by licensed professionals, costing hundreds of euros, and requires regular maintenance.