"Record-Breaking Heat Expected, but Air Conditioners Ordered Now Will Arrive in Autumn" Surge in Demand in Japan Due to Government Environmental Policy

Soaring Demand as Environmental Regulations Raise Prices
Parts Shortages Worsen Crisis Amid Middle East Instability

Reports indicate that Japan is experiencing an "air conditioner crisis," with a surge in air conditioner purchases leading to delivery times of up to three months before customers can receive their products.

According to the Asahi Shimbun and other sources on June 6, as the full summer season begins, long lines are forming at Japanese electronics stores for air conditioner purchase consultations.

For certain models, delivery and installation may take up to three months, meaning that customers placing orders now may not receive their air conditioners until around the start of autumn.

The Japanese government has announced plans to raise the energy efficiency standards for home air conditioners by up to 35% compared to current levels starting in 2027, as part of efforts to achieve a decarbonized society. While new models meeting these standards will reduce electricity bills, they are expected to cost more than 50% above current prices. This has led to a surge in consumers choosing to purchase air conditioners in advance, resulting in supply failing to keep up with demand.

According to a survey by the Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association, the value of air conditioner shipments in Japan in April was 100.2 billion yen (approximately 950 billion won), a 34% increase compared to the same month last year.

Samsung Electronics air conditioner manufacturing plant. Stock photo unrelated to the article. The Asia Business Daily DB

In addition, instability in the Middle East has led to unstable supplies of naphtha and copper—essential raw materials for petrochemical products—causing shortages of essential air conditioner installation materials such as piping, hoses, and putty. As a result, prices are rising sharply and further contributing to the air conditioner crisis.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has forecast record-breaking heatwaves for this summer. Even Hokkaido, a high-latitude region that typically experiences lower temperatures, is expected to be hotter than usual.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.