BARCELONA, Spain, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese air conditioners are rapidly gaining popularity across Europe thanks to their combination of quality and affordability, as soaring summer temperatures drive unprecedented demand, a Spanish industry insider told Xinhua on Thursday.
"China has very strong manufacturers with advanced, high-quality technology, which gives technicians confidence in their products," said Raul Rodriguez, managing director of Fegicat, one of Spain's leading federations representing air conditioning installers.
According to Chinese customs data, exports of air conditioners to European Union countries reached 3.76 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of 2025, up 43 percent year on year and a record for the period. Rodriguez noted that much of the growth is due to installers placing their trust in Chinese brands.
The Midea Group's 2024 annual report showed overseas revenue rising 12 percent, with sales in Europe surging 35 percent in the first half of 2025. Hisense recorded 17 percent foreign sales growth over the same period, driven by rising demand for cooling systems in Europe hit by climate extremes this summer. Spain, for example, endured record-breaking heat this summer, with parts of the country topping 40 degrees Celsius.
"This year's heatwaves have had a strong impact in Spain, making air conditioning no longer a luxury but a necessity for the comfort of homes and families," Rodriguez said.
Looking ahead, Rodriguez believes climate change will continue to fuel demand. "We are experiencing a process in which the installation of air conditioning is undoubtedly on the rise," he said.
He also highlighted the role of air conditioning in the energy transition, describing it as "a highly efficient technology" that "perfectly hybridizes with photovoltaic solar."
