By Jin Lu

As Europe experiences another summer of record-breaking heat, Ningbo manufacturers are well positioned to meet soaring demand for cooling appliances after years of investment in product innovation, localization and manufacturing capacity.

According to Ningbo Customs, exports of cooling appliances rose sharply in June. Shipments of refrigerators, freezers and similar products reached 1.62 million units, up 30.6% year on year, while exports of ice makers surged 77.7% to 814,000 units.

The spike in demand did not catch leading air conditioner manufacturer AUX off guard. The company had invested in smart production lines, products tailored to European consumers, and a presence in Europe well in advance. Its portable air conditioners require no wall drilling, making them well suited to older buildings, while AI-powered energy-saving models can reduce electricity consumption by up to 40%.

Other Ningbo manufacturers are also benefiting from the increased demand. Ningbo Ningshing International Inc. has developed air circulator fans designed for European households, while Ningbo Aquart Electrical Appliance has expanded production of portable air conditioners to meet rising orders. Hidrotek has found success in Germany and Italy with a slush machine that turns beverages into frozen drinks.

With the European Union tightening environmental and sustainability standards, Ningbo exporters are also investing in regulatory compliance, localized operations and after-sales services. Industry observers say these long-term investments are helping Chinese manufacturers strengthen their competitiveness in the European market, even as demand fluctuates with seasonal weather.