Published on: 2026-07-06
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
In the past, when talking about Europe, many imagined a cool and pleasant summer: cozy street cafes in Paris, the unhurried life in the shade of Berlin’s trees, often drizzling rain in London. Air conditioners for a long time were not a necessity for most European families.
The prevalence of air conditioners in European countries is significantly lower than in the major economies of other regions. According to CNN, only about 20% of households in Europe are equipped with cooling devices. Many old buildings, constructed in the last century or even earlier, simply do not have conditions for installing air conditioners.
However, the current heat wave, which arrived earlier than usual, is lasting longer and covering more extensive areas, seems ready to change this situation. In just a few days, June temperature records were broken in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain. Phrases such as “historic maximum,” “threshold surpassed for the first time,” and “new record” have become among the most frequently encountered in European media reports. Since June 21, more than 1300 cases of excess mortality related to high temperatures have been recorded in Europe.
The ongoing record heat has drawn widespread attention to the problem of the lack of air conditioners in European homes and public places. Amid the scorching heat, air conditioners from Chinese brands, which locals call a true “rescue from the heat,” were practically swept off the shelves of major European stores. Many European internet users praised Chinese air conditioners on social media, noting that they are “inexpensive and easy to use” and called on Europe to “import more Chinese air conditioners.”
According to customs statistics, in the first five months of this year, the number of air conditioners exported from China to Western European countries such as France, the Netherlands, and Belgium more than doubled compared to the same period last year. In June, Chinese air conditioner exports to Europe soared by 72.8% year-on-year.
Reportedly, one European internet user spent two days searching for a Chinese air conditioner across the entire European Union. In the end, he had to travel 200 kilometers to buy the last remaining unit, the price of which had by then increased by 100 euros.
Reuters reports that demand for one model of Chinese split systems in Europe has surged sharply: the resale price of used units has even exceeded the cost of new ones. According to German media, someone has even created a special website to track the availability of this model in real time at the largest retail chains in Germany.
In some public schools in France, the temperature in classrooms at one point reached 44 degrees Celsius. The head of the 17th district of Paris recently stated on social media that he plans to install 50 air conditioners of a Chinese brand in these classrooms.
The surge in demand for Chinese air conditioners has created a new trend – “reverse purchases.” Some European tourists, taking advantage of the 240-hour visa-free transit, specifically come to China to buy air conditioners and bring them back to Europe in their luggage.
Chinese companies, including Haier, Midea, and Gree, have stated that their factories are working overtime, increasing inventory within the domestic supply chain, and doing everything possible to ensure deliveries to the European market.
Chinese “goods to beat the heat” exactly meet the urgent needs of Europeans
In addition to Chinese air conditioners, which have caused queues in Europe, other “cooling gadgets” of Chinese manufacture are also very popular on the continent: ice makers, multifunctional sun umbrellas, headwear with built-in fans, portable handheld fans, and electric cooling blankets. All these products have become export hits.
In the first five months of this year, the volume of shipments of ice makers to Europe increased by more than 70% compared to the same period last year. At the International Trade Market in Yiwu, Chinese sun protection products with water spraying and ventilation features are in high demand among European buyers.
“Right now, it is hot in Europe, so Chinese sun protection products are selling very well,” says the owner of one of the shops in Yiwu. He demonstrates a multifunctional sun umbrella with a built-in fan: just press a button, and the blades start spinning, while the umbrella’s fabric completely blocks the sun’s rays.
Chinese air conditioners with a favorable price-quality ratio, as well as various cooling devices, bring coolness and comfort to the residents of many European countries, helping them cope with the urgent need to protect against abnormal heat.
For a long time, some European politicians have constantly been spinning topics of “Europe’s trade deficit with China” and “China’s excess production capacity,” portraying Chinese manufacturing as an almost terrifying threat. However, in the face of 40-degree heat, these overused slogans appear pale and unconvincing. Europeans, with their own money, prove to these politicians that Chinese manufacturing is not a threat, but a gift.
Behind the surge in demand for Chinese gadgets to protect against the heat lie the most specific and pressing needs of ordinary European residents. Behind the dry figures of Europe’s trade deficit with China hides the real side of people’s everyday lives. This is nothing other than a mutual movement towards each other – between Chinese manufacturing and the European market.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.