Heatwave Boosts Demand For Cooling Appliances in Southeast Asia, Countries Tighten Import Energy
Southeast Asian nations are enduring prolonged extreme heat triggered by El Niño. Temperatures in Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia frequently exceed 39 degrees Celsius, fuelling surging demand for air conditioners, cooling fans and portable cooling appliances. Export orders for Chinese-made cooling home appliances keep rising.
Official trade statistics show China's exports of air conditioners and ventilation appliances to ASEAN countries rose 18.6% year-on-year in the first half of 2026. Thanks to cost advantages, fast delivery and product designs adapted to humid tropical climates, Chinese brands now capture 26.6% of Southeast Asia's air conditioner market, steadily lifting market share against Japanese and South Korean competitors. Manufacturers report sharp growth in inquiries ahead of exhibitions in Southeast Asia and South Africa.
In parallel, regional import compliance requirements are becoming stricter. Vietnam implemented updated RoHS rules and mandatory CR certification for electrical appliances this year. Indonesia reinforced SNI standards requiring local-language labels for imported goods. Malaysia and Thailand revised Minimum Energy Performance Standards for air conditioners; products failing to meet requirements will be blocked at customs.
Government officials stated that cooling demand will remain robust amid recurring heatwaves. New energy efficiency regulations aim to cut power consumption and ease regional electricity shortages. Low-cost, low-efficiency appliances will gradually lose market access, while energy-saving products complying with multi-country certification standards gain greater advantages.
Trade analysts comment that stricter trade scrutiny in the EU pushes many home appliance exporters to prioritize Southeast Asia and South Africa as key growth markets. Manufacturers must upgrade product certifications and carry out localized modifications to meet varied market access rules and avoid cargo detention or return.
