Why Air Conditioners Costs More in India Now - The BEE Effect Goes Beyond Raw Materials Revision of BEE Air-Conditioning Efficiency Standards Transforming India’s Air-Conditioning Industry The Indian air-conditioner industry is in the midst of one of the biggest transformations it has seen in years. While consumers are noticing higher air-conditioner prices in 2026, the reasons go well beyond the familiar story of rising copper or aluminium costs. AC prices have risen acros

US Trade School Enrolment and Revenue Rise as Demand for Skilled Trades Grows USA: A new report by Validated Insights shows that the US trade school sector expanded more rapidly than expected in 2025, driven by strong demand for skilled workers. Trade school revenue increased by 11.4% year-on-year to US$19.1 billion, supported by rising enrolment and continued employer investment in workforce training. Growing infrastructure projects, including AI and data centres, are also b

U.S. Ends Trade Deal Talks with Mexico and Canada USA: The US administration has decided not to renew the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in its current form, initiating annual reviews as negotiations over possible revisions continue. Although the agreement remains valid until 2036 unless amended or replaced, the decision has created uncertainty for North American manufacturing and cross-border supply chains. The proposed changes aim to encourage domestic manufacturing and

Global Natural Gas Demand Set to Decline as Supply Disruptions Keep Prices High GLOBAL: The International Energy Agency (IEA) expects global natural gas demand to decline by 0.5% in 2026, marking the third annual contraction in seven years. Ongoing disruption to LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, caused by conflict in the Middle East, has tightened supply and kept gas prices elevated despite some recovery in shipping activity. Demand has weakened across the power and

Indonesia Raises Interest Rates to Support Rupiah Stability and Economic Growth INDONESIA: Bank Indonesia has increased its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 5.75% to strengthen the rupiah and keep inflation within its 2026–2027 target amid heightened global uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict. Alongside tighter monetary policy, the central bank will maintain supportive macroprudential measures and expand digital payment initiatives to encourage lending

France Expands Heat Pump Bonus for Approved European-Manufactured Models FRANCE: France will introduce new rules from 1 September 2026 directing financial incentives, including CEE and MaPrimeRénov', towards heat pumps manufactured in the European Economic Area (EEA) to strengthen European industry. To qualify, products must meet recognised certification standards and satisfy EEA manufacturing requirements, although transitional approval is available for manufacturers investi

Rinnai Strengthens Energy-Efficient Gas Heating Portfolio for Long-Term Growth JAPAN: Rinnai continues to strengthen its position in the gas appliance market by focusing on energy-efficient heating, hot water and cooking solutions for residential and commercial customers. The company benefits from steady replacement demand for ageing equipment, alongside new housing and renovation projects, providing a stable long-term revenue base. Rinnai is expanding its portfolio of high-e

European Heatwave Fuels Thailand’s Air Conditioner Exports THAILAND: Thailand is benefiting from Europe's prolonged heatwave through stronger tourism and rising exports of air conditioners. The country is promoting its cooler rainy season to attract European visitors seeking relief from extreme temperatures. Meanwhile, exports of air conditioners to Europe rose 41.3% year-on-year in May, driven by growing demand for cooling appliances. Germany and France recorded strong impor

Philippines Advances HCFC Phase-Out to Support Sustainable Cooling by 2030 PHILIPPINES: The Philippines has launched the final stage of its HCFC Phase-out Management Plan, aiming to eliminate hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 2030 in line with its commitments under the Montreal Protocol. The initiative will support industries in adopting cleaner, more energy-efficient cooling technologies while protecting economic growth. The government will strengthen training for refriger

US HVAC Industry Supports SMART Energy Efficiency Bill to Simplify Compliance Rules USA: Four leading US HVAC trade associations have endorsed the SMART Energy Efficiency Standards Act, which proposes changing compliance requirements for furnaces, central air conditioners and heat pumps from the installation date to the manufacturing date. The groups argue that the change would simplify compliance, prevent legally manufactured products from becoming unsellable inventory and p

Solstice and A-Gas Partner to Expand Low-GWP Refrigerant Supply in Europe BELGIUM: Solstice Advanced Materials and A-Gas have formed a strategic partnership to increase the availability of low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and promote refrigerant circularity across Europe. The collaboration will combine reclaimed hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with Solstice’s hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) to produce lower-GWP refrigerant blends for existing refrigeration systems, reducin

Germany Advances Building Modernisation Act with Heat Pump Policy Changes GERMANY: Germany's coalition parties have agreed on amendments to the draft Building Modernisation Act, marking an important step in the legislative process. The proposed changes include revised requirements for hybrid heating systems, a planned green gas quota and operational audits for heat pumps, all of which are significant for the heat pump industry. The draft legislation will now proceed through p