China’s exports of cooling appliances reached 107.91 billion yuan in the first half of 2026 as global heatwaves boosted overseas demand, while smart home appliances and Chinese brands continued to gain ground.
As temperatures continue to rise in many parts of the world, demand for cooling appliances is increasing. In the first half of 2026, China’s exports of air conditioners, electric fans and refrigerators totalled 107.91 billion yuan (£11 billion), according to data released by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
Meanwhile, China’s overall home appliance exports reached 360.96 billion yuan (£36.8 billion) during the same period. Exports of televisions exceeded 50 billion yuan (£5.1 billion), while exports of refrigerators and vacuum cleaners each topped 30 billion yuan (£3.1 billion).
At the same time, China’s home appliance industry continues to move towards smarter products. Some refrigerators can recognise food ingredients and offer dietary suggestions. Some vacuum cleaners can automatically adjust suction power according to the amount of dirt on the floor. In addition, some televisions can serve as smart home control hubs, connecting and managing other household devices.
Chinese brands are also expanding their presence overseas. In the first half of the year, self-owned brands accounted for one quarter of China’s home appliance exports. Exports of self-owned brand home appliances rose 21.2 per cent year on year. Exports of televisions, refrigerators and washing machines under Chinese brands all recorded double-digit growth.
In addition, prolonged heatwaves have boosted demand for cooling products in overseas markets.
Since June, several European countries, including France, Germany and Spain, have experienced persistent high temperatures. According to GACC data, China’s air conditioner exports to the European Union reached US$3.76 billion in the first half of the year, up 43.2 per cent from a year earlier. Exports of portable air conditioners surged 72.8 per cent.
CNS reported that Song Qi, head of TCL’s air conditioning business in Europe, said the company’s AI energy-saving split air conditioners have gained popularity among European consumers because of their smart features and energy efficiency. In the second quarter, the company’s air conditioner sales in Europe rose by more than 27 per cent year on year, while sales in the UK and France more than tripled.
On July 10th, a China-Europe freight train departed from Guangzhou carrying air conditioners and other household appliances to Poland and other European countries.
According to China Railway Guangzhou Group, from April to June, China-Europe freight trains operated by the group transported portable air conditioners and key components worth about US$52 million, while shipments of complete air conditioning units exceeded 100,000.
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