A new BSRIA report highlights China as the new dominant force in the world air conditioning market.

In 2003 China produced 26 million air conditioning units – half the world market.

China’s home market is fuelling this level of growth, increasing from 0·5 million units in 1990 to 15·5 million in 2003. However, foreign demand for Chinese ac products is also booming. In 2003 export sales exceeded domestic for the first time.

BSRIA expects the Chinese share of the world market by volume to reach 75% in 2004 (42·5 million units). China’s massive production and supply to overseas markets is dominating the mini-splits market in Europe, where higher costs make it difficult to compete. In Italy, for example, 60% of its 1·6 million mini-split market came from China in 2003.

Many of the products being sold in Europe are from Chinese manufacturers. But an increasing number of international manufacturers are switching their production sites to China.The net effect is that European production levels have plummeted.

Contact World Market Intelligence at BSRIA on 01344 465600.

Source

Building Sustainable Design