Record Heat in Europe Boosts Demand for Chinese Portable AC Units

By Adrian Cole

As Europe experienced record-breaking heatwaves in late June 2026, with temperatures soaring near or above 40°C, demand for portable air conditioning units from China surged dramatically. This trend highlights the urgent need for immediate cooling solutions across the continent, where traditional air conditioning systems are often impractical due to architectural and cost constraints.

Chinese air conditioner exports to the European Union reached $3.76 billion in the first half of 2026, marking a 43.2% increase year-on-year. Notably, exports of portable units surged by over 70%, according to trade data. The Midea Group's 'PortaSplit' model alone shipped over 200,000 units to Europe, doubling its 2025 volume, with sell-outs reported in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the UK.

Other Chinese manufacturers such as Gree, Haier, Hisense, and TCL also reported significant sales growth in Europe. Gree's sales in France increased by about 50%, while Haier's residential AC sales in Europe rose by 13%. Hisense and TCL experienced growth of over 20% and 27% respectively in Western Europe during the second quarter of 2026.

Logistical efficiencies, including the use of China-Europe rail freight, have enabled these manufacturers to meet the urgent demand by reducing transit times by approximately 25 days. This rapid response is crucial in a region where installation challenges and high costs make portable air conditioners a preferred choice.