Image Courtesy: SCMP
Chinese appliance giant Midea says demand for its air conditioners in Europe continues to surge as persistent heatwaves drive consumers to seek relief, prompting the company to rapidly expand production and accelerate deliveries to the region.
Midea revealed that its factories in Wuhu and Guangzhou received new European orders totaling 200,000 air conditioners within a single month, describing demand as “explosive.” The company has also seen exceptional interest in its PortaSplit portable air conditioner, which has become especially popular in countries with strict building regulations.
Since June, Midea has received 160,000 orders for the U-shaped PortaSplit model. Unlike traditional split air conditioners that require permanent installation through exterior walls, the PortaSplit uses a window-mounted bracket to support the outdoor unit. This design makes it suitable for many European cities where historic preservation rules restrict modifications to building exteriors.
To keep pace with demand, Midea launched a new production line at its Wuhu factory on July 7. The facility manufactured 20,000 units in just three and a half days, with the first shipment departing for France within a week. The company also introduced cross-border truck transportation for the first time, cutting delivery times to France roughly in half compared with conventional sea freight, which typically takes around two months.
Europe has experienced repeated and intense heatwaves since late May, fueling a sharp rise in demand for cooling appliances. Chinese manufacturers have benefited significantly from the trend. Chinese customs data cited earlier this month showed that the country’s air conditioner exports to Europe climbed 43.2 percent year over year during the first half of 2026, reaching a record US$3.76 billion.
Midea’s PortaSplit has become one of the most sought-after models, frequently selling out across major online marketplaces. The unit, which retailed for about €900 last year, now carries an official price of €1,199 after demand surged, while some units have reportedly been resold on secondary markets for several thousand euros.
