Housing USA: Mortgage rates surpassed the 7% mark this week for the first time since January 2025, reaching their highest level during either of Donald Trump’s presidential terms. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate increased to 7.03%, up from 6.95% the previous week. This marked the fifth consecutive week of rising mortgage rates, further increasing pressure on housing affordability. Higher borrowing costs translate into larger monthly mortgage

HVAC Germany: The Bosch Group reported solid performance in the first half of 2026 despite a challenging economic and geopolitical environment. Revenue increased by 3.6% year on year to EUR 46.4 billion, compared with EUR 44.8 billion in H1 2025. The newly acquired heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) business of Johnson Controls and Hitachi contributed approximately EUR 2 billion to the increase in sales. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) stood at EUR 2.2

heat pump GERMANY: CTA AG has established CTA International GmbH in Germany as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in the European market. Based in Mönchengladbach, the new subsidiary will take over activities that were previously managed directly from Switzerland. CTA International GmbH will be responsible for sales, consulting and service activities across the European market, including support for specialist and trading partners, product training, project assis

Bathroom Alca, a Czech manufacturer of support frames, piping systems, shower channels and siphons, is expanding into the French market as part of its broader European growth strategy. The company is targeting the mid- to high-end segment and is leveraging its modern production capabilities and focus on product quality and innovation. According to Radka Prokopová, CEO and co-owner of Alca, France represents one of the largest markets in Europe and is therefore a key expansion

South Korean Bathroom and Fixture Suppliers Expand Consumer Businesses South Korea: Suppliers of bathroom fixtures and building products are expanding their business-to-consumer (B2C) operations amid a slowdown in residential construction. Haatz, Hyumpel and Daelim Bath are diversifying their product ranges and distribution channels beyond their traditional focus on supplying apartment developers and construction companies. Haatz, which launched its online store in 2017, has

Clas Ohlson Opens 40th Store in Finland Finland: Swedish retailer Clas Ohlson is expanding its presence in Finland with the opening of its 40th store in Joensuu on 26 September 2026. The new store has a retail area of 1,000 square metres. The company plans to open three stores in Finland during 2026, as part of its continued expansion in the country. A store in Tampere opened in April, while another is scheduled to open in Pirkkala in November. Victor Esteka, Sales & Operatio

Nigeria Partners with Italian Organisations to Develop Ceramic Manufacturing Nigeria: Mudiame University and Mudiame International Group are seeking to develop domestic ceramic engineering expertise through partnerships with Italian technology organisations. Following participation in TECNA 2026, an international ceramic and surface industry exhibition in Rimini, Italy, the university's Chancellor and Mudiame International Group Chairman, Professor Sunny Eromosele, announced

Simpolo Expands Surface Portfolio and Enters Faucet Market in India India: Simpolo Vitrified Private Limited has introduced its Perspective ’26 surface collection, expanded its manufacturing capacity and entered the faucet market as part of its bathware portfolio. The product launch was held in Rajkot and Tirupati, bringing together trade partners and architects from across India. The new surface range includes Impero-2.0, Ricco-3.0, Impatto-2.0, Marmorica-2.0, Parquet and In

Altex to Invest EUR 50 Million in Brico Dépôt Rebranding in Romania Romania: Altex, which acquired the Brico Dépôt DIY retail chain from the UK-based Kingfisher Group in 2025, plans to rebrand the business as Brico and invest EUR 50 million (USD 58.5 million) over the next three years. The investment will cover store development, product ranges, services, technology, e-commerce and artificial intelligence. Altex operates in Romania's electrical goods, household appliances and

Slovenia Allocates EUR 300 Million for Affordable Housing Slovenia: Slovenia has introduced a EUR 300 million (USD 351 million) financing programme through SID Banka to support the construction and renovation of social and affordable rental housing. The programme comprises EUR 150 million (USD 175.5 million) each from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), alongside an interest-rate subsidy from the Slovenian government. Municipal

PrimeSource Brands Acquires JACLO to Expand Decorative Plumbing Portfolio United States: PrimeSource Brands, a portfolio company of Clearlake Capital Group, has acquired Durst Corporation, which operates as JACLO Industries, through its Dimora Brands platform. The transaction marks PrimeSource Brands' 12th acquisition since its partnership with Clearlake in December 2020. Financial terms were not disclosed. Founded in 1901 and headquartered in Cranford, New Jersey, JACLO manu

Gree Electric Strengthens European HVAC Presence EUROPE: China’s Gree Electric Appliances is expanding its presence in Europe as demand for energy efficient heating and cooling systems increases. The company reported a 92% rise in sales in markets including Norway and Denmark during the first half of 2026. Gree is promoting systems that provide both heating and cooling while using less energy than traditional oil and gas-based heating. Europe’s growing air conditioning demand

ReflexGroup Expands Degassing Solutions Through ExGas Acquisition GERMANY: ReflexGroup has acquired ExGas Technology GmbH to strengthen its position in the degassing market and expand beyond HVAC and commercial heating. The acquisition adds advanced degassing technology for cooling and process water applications, particularly in data centres and medical facilities. The companies aim to combine their expertise to deliver more reliable and sustainable water management solutions

District Heating Costs Could Increase by 20% in 2027 NETHERLANDS: More than 700,000 Dutch households connected to district heating networks could face higher heating bills in 2027 as European wholesale gas prices have risen sharply in 2026. The Dutch regulator, ACM, is expected to increase the maximum district heating tariff after assessing gas prices through measurements in September, October and November. Energy experts estimate that variable heating tariffs could rise by 4

Bay Area Water Heater Rules USA: A proposed rule by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District could tighten nitrogen oxide (NOx) limits for natural gas fired water heaters and boilers, potentially pushing many replacement products towards zero NOx technology. The proposal could increase costs, limit product availability and add paperwork for distributors, contractors and customers. Exemptions are available for situations such as limited electrical capacity, space constrain

Basque Government Sustainable Cooling Programme SPAIN: The Basque Government has announced US$ 136.5 million (€120 million) in support for sustainable cooling or air conditioning under its new “Eguzki Hotz” programme, which is expected to launch in October 2026. The initiative forms part of a wider US$ 386.8 million (€340 million) climate change package and will support households, healthcare and education centres, industries, service companies and other businesses. Funding w

Mamparas Blau Expands Online Bathroom Equipment Business SPAIN: Spanish bathroom equipment specialist Mamparas Blau is expanding its online business by broadening its product range and strengthening its international presence. Initially focused on shower screens, the company now offers shower trays, bathroom furniture, taps, mirrors, sanitaryware, basins and radiators. Its business model combines e commerce with personalised advice to support both consumers and professionals.

Accessible Bathroom Design Gains Importance in Australian Hospitality AUSTRALIA: Accessible bathroom design is becoming an increasingly important part of Australia’s hospitality sector, supported by requirements such as AS1428.1 and the Disability Discrimination Act. Hotels and public venues are moving beyond basic compliance towards bathrooms that combine accessibility, safety and aesthetics. Manufacturers are offering solutions including grab rails, shower seats, accessible

Carysil Targets Global Expansion in Kitchen and Bath Market INDIA: Carysil has unveiled its “Carysil 2.0” strategy to strengthen its position in the global kitchen and bath market. The company plans to expand its international presence by leveraging its manufacturing capabilities, technology and network across more than 55 countries. Its total income increased 89% between FY22 and FY26 to US$ 97.1 million (₹932 crore), while quartz sink volumes reached 782,000 units in FY26.

Slovakia Redirects Household Renewable Subsidies Towards Heat Pumps SLOVAKIA: Slovakia is restructuring its household renewable energy subsidy programme, cutting the maximum rooftop solar grant from US$ 4578.42 (€4,025) to US$ 1308.1 (€1,150) and reducing the supported system size to 2 kW. The changes are intended to encourage households to use more of their solar electricity directly rather than exporting excess generation. At the same time, support for heat pumps is increas

FGI Industries Reports Revenue Growth Despite Tariff Pressure USA: FGI Industries reported a 5.5% year on year increase in second quarter revenue to $31 million, supported by growth in sanitaryware and bath furniture. However, gross profit declined 2.9% to $8.7 million, with gross margin falling to 28.1% due to tariff related pressures. Sanitaryware revenue increased 4.3%, while shower systems declined 11.2%. Europe recorded strong revenue growth of 36.7%, compared with a sli

Oil Prices Rise Again as Middle East Conflict Tightens Global Supply Global: Benchmark oil prices have resumed an upward trend as renewed hostilities in the Middle East have further disrupted regional oil exports, despite earlier easing from April peaks following IEA emergency stock releases, bypass routes around the Strait of Hormuz, higher non-Gulf production and weaker global demand. Oil flows through the Strait averaged 7.6 million barrels per day (mb/d) in August, 13.1 m

Ruhe India to Expand Exclusive Store Network to 50 Outlets Across India India: D2C kitchen and bathware fittings brand Ruhe India plans to expand its exclusive store network from 9 to 50 outlets over the next 12 months and is targeting approximately USD 57 million in revenue over the next three financial years, supported by a reported 90% CAGR. Offline retail currently contributes nearly one-third of the company’s revenue, with stores complementing its digital-first model by

Hoa Sen Home Reports USD 70.6 Million in Q3 2026 Revenue Vietnam: Hoa Sen Home, the recently formed home improvement subsidiary of Vietnam’s Hoa Sen Group (HSG), generated VND 1.86 trillion (USD 70.6 million) in net revenue from sales of goods and services during April–June 2026. The subsidiary contributed less to HSG’s overall revenue than before its spinoff, although no year-on-year comparison is available as Hoa Sen Home only became a subsidiary in January 2026. Previously