Chinese e-commerce giants see sales surge as Europe heatwave drives demand for cooling appliances
A significant heatwave sweeping through Europe has led to a notable rise in the demand for Chinese home appliances, especially air conditioners and fans, on online marketplaces such as Alibaba. Following its launch in June, a Midea air conditioner quickly sold out in Germany. In Spain, fan purchases surged by 94% from June 17 to 23 compared to the prior month, while Italy experienced a 100% increase in sales of cooling devices and sun-protection clothing in June. On Alibaba.com, air conditioner orders in Spain nearly doubled year-on-year, with fan wholesale orders skyrocketing by 378% in Sweden and 114% in Belgium. Tragically, the heatwave has resulted in around 1,000 additional deaths in France since last Wednesday, including a 40% rise in fatalities at home.
Key facts
- Alibaba recorded triple-digit growth for air conditioners and fans on its overseas platforms.
- A Midea 2.35-kilowatt air conditioner model sold out in Germany on AliExpress in June.
- Fan sales in Spain rose 94% from June 17 to 23 compared to May.
- Italy saw a 100% month-on-month jump in cooling appliances and sun-protection apparel in June.
- On Alibaba.com, air conditioner orders in Spain nearly doubled year-on-year in June.
- Wholesale fan orders surged 378% in Sweden and 114% in Belgium.
- French authorities reported about 1,000 additional deaths since Wednesday, with a 40% increase in at-home fatalities.
- Heatwave has affected France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Poland, and Czech Republic.
Entities
Institutions
- Alibaba
- AliExpress
- Alibaba.com
- Midea
- Gree
Locations
- Europe
- Germany
- Spain
- Italy
- France
- Belgium
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Czech Republic
- Sweden