As the world experiences record heat, China has become a leading supplier of air conditioners. Major Chinese brands like Midea, Gree, and Haier are reporting higher sales overseas, particularly in Europe where temperatures have surged past 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

European Demand

Europeans, who have been slower to adopt air conditioning, are now lining up to buy AC units. This surge in demand has led to Chinese brands accounting for 50% of the US market and 65% of the global market, according to Euromonitor International.

The EU and China will hold discussions to address the record trade imbalance of nearly 360 billion euros. Despite this, European consumers are relying on Chinese products to stay cool, with China seizing on the surge in sales as evidence that European consumers need Chinese products.

Global Trade

The rise of Chinese air conditioner sales is part of a larger trend of China’s growing export strength, driven by high-tech goods like batteries, electric cars, and solar panels. As the world’s demand for cooling products increases, China is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.