“We Have One in Every Home”… Samsung Air Conditioners Become ‘Luxury Items’ Amid Europe’s Heatwave

Record-breaking Heatwave Drives Up Demand for Air Conditioners in Europe
Air Conditioners Now Seen as Essentials, Not Luxuries, Across the Continent

The record-breaking heatwave sweeping across Europe is even reshaping the landscape of the cooling appliance market. As a so-called "omega heat dome" — a high-pressure system in the shape of the Greek letter Omega (Ω) that traps hot air for extended periods — has pushed temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius for days on end, sales of Chinese-made cooling products, including portable air conditioners, have surged.

"The Prestige of Having Air Conditioning," an online meme likening air conditioner owners to nobility amid the European heatwave, captured from social media.

Since June, record-high temperatures have been reported not only in Germany, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland but also in Northern Europe, with several days of heat hovering around 40 degrees Celsius. Local media outlets report that the heatwave is causing significant disruptions to daily life, including the closure of schools and tourist sites and the cancellation of outdoor events. Meteorological authorities have identified the "omega heat dome," which traps hot air in place under a persistent high-pressure system, as the main cause of this ongoing heatwave.

As the extreme heat drags on, demand for cooling appliances in Europe is exploding. According to a recent report by Hong Kong's Sing Tao Daily, portable air conditioners that do not require installation work are enjoying explosive popularity across Europe.

With a heatwave forecasted again across France after the weekend, a large discount supermarket announced on the 2nd (local time) that it would sell air conditioners and fans in bulk at low prices, causing crowds to flock throughout the store, resulting in chaos. Citizens crowding the Lidl store to buy air conditioners and fans. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Massive crowds flocked to Lidl stores early in the morning upon news that air conditioners, normally costing several hundred euros, could be purchased for just 179 euros (310,000 won). Citizens lined up in front of Lidl stores in France to buy air conditioners. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Traditionally, Europe has had a low penetration rate of air conditioners. This is largely due to the prevalence of old buildings that make it difficult to install outdoor units, as well as the high cost of installation. However, as record-breaking heatwaves have become more frequent, perceptions of cooling appliances are changing rapidly. Portable air conditioners that can be used without additional construction are emerging as an alternative, and air conditioners are no longer seen as a luxury but as essential appliances for summer survival.

The main beneficiaries of this trend are Chinese manufacturers. Chinese companies, which account for about 40% of global air conditioner exports, are ramping up production and shipments to meet the surge in European orders.

On the 24th (local time), the temperature displayed on an electronic board at a pharmacy in Toulouse, southern France, showed 48 degrees Celsius. Photo by Yonhap News

Chinese home appliance company Midea announced that sales of its "PortaSplit" portable split air conditioner, developed specifically for the European market, have surpassed 200,000 units this year—more than double last year's figure. The company also reported that inventory has sold out in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. In the first half of this year, China's air conditioner exports to Europe reached an all-time high, and exports of portable air conditioners alone increased by over 70%.

Online sales have also skyrocketed. On some Chinese e-commerce platforms, air conditioner sales multiplied dozens of times this month, while other cooling-related products such as fans and ice makers have also sold out. With supply unable to keep up with demand, some popular products are being resold at a premium in the secondhand market.

Korean companies such as Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are also closely monitoring the rising demand for cooling appliances in Europe. Both companies are stepping up their strategies to enter the European market, focusing on high-efficiency HVAC solutions and air conditioner products.

However, much of the sudden surge in demand is currently being absorbed by Chinese products, which have the advantage of price competitiveness and fast supply chains. Some local analysts note that as the European Union strengthens regulations on Chinese-made products, Europe’s growing reliance on imported cooling appliances could become another economic and political challenge.

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