AC Export ALGERIA: Algeria is accelerating efforts to diversify its economy beyond hydrocarbons, with domestic manufacturers gaining traction in European markets. Condor Electronics, the country’s largest appliance manufacturer, has secured orders for 250,000 air conditioners from European buyers, highlighting the growing competitiveness of North African manufacturers in Europe’s consumer appliance supply chain. The milestone was underscored during a visit by Algeria’s Minist

European Ventilation Market Returns to Growth in 2025 Following several years of contraction, the European ventilation market returned to growth in 2025. Based on the latest update of the 15 recently published BRG Ventilation reports, demand for several ventilation products increased modestly. Overall sales increased despite a further decline in new housing completions. Growth in the residential replacement market and non-housing segment offset continued weakness in residenti

How Policy, Not Technology, Is Driving the Decline of Gas Heating in Australia Australia's transition away from gas heating is often framed as a technological shift driven by the rise of heat pumps, reverse cycle air conditioning and other electric alternatives. Yet this explanation overlooks a more important reality. The technologies capable of replacing gas heating have existed for years and, in many cases, have been widely adopted for decades. What has changed is not only

Samsung and LG Intensify Competition in South Korea's Residential Heat Pump Market SOUTH KOREA: Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are expanding their presence in South Korea's emerging residential heat pump market, supported by the government's heating electrification initiative. Heat pumps are gaining traction as an energy-efficient, low-carbon alternative to gas boilers, creating long-term opportunities in new housing, apartment renovations and maintenance services. LG

Rinnai Water Heater CANADA: Rinnai has been recognised as the leading brand in Canada's residential gas tankless condensing water heater market, according to the 2026 North American Heating and Cooling Markets Report by BRG Building Solutions. The company's strong market position has been supported by continued investment in high-efficiency products, expanded distribution and enhanced contractor support. Its SENSEI RX Series offers high energy efficiency, smart recirculation

AI-Driven Customised Cooling Reshapes South Korea's Air Conditioning Market SOUTH KOREA: Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Autech Carrier are advancing AI-enabled air conditioning systems that deliver customised cooling by adjusting airflow and energy consumption according to occupants' location, room usage and daily routines. The latest systems use sensors and artificial intelligence to direct or divert airflow, optimise comfort and improve energy efficiency. LG claims

Why Electric Storage Water Heaters Remain Relevant in Emerging Asian Markets Electric storage water heaters continue to hold a significant position across emerging Asian markets, including India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Although electric instantaneous water heaters dominate residential demand in several Southeast Asian markets, particularly the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia, electric storage water heaters continue to mainta

Housing Australia Future Fund Progress Remains Below Target Australia: Official figures show that Australia's Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) had delivered 1,432 social and affordable homes by April, more than two years after its launch. The AUD 10 billion programme aims to deliver 40,000 homes by 2029. According to Housing Australia, a further 5,189 homes are in planning, 4,927 are in pre-development and 6,851 are under development. However, only 82 of the 173 projects

Australia Housing Market Slows Amid Higher Borrowing Costs Australia: Australia's housing market has recorded its sharpest slowdown since the pandemic as higher borrowing costs and changes to tax incentives have weakened market activity. House prices in Sydney and Melbourne have fallen by nearly 5% since the beginning of the year, accompanied by lower auction clearance rates, reduced loan enquiries and declining property sales. The slowdown is expected to affect related indus

New Zealand Updates Infrastructure Funding Framework for Housing Development New Zealand: New Zealand has passed the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Amendment Bill, introducing changes intended to expand funding options for infrastructure supporting residential development. The legislation allows councils, developers and infrastructure providers to use a wider range of financing mechanisms without increasing council borrowing. Under the framework, private investors can f

tiles India's robust housing market is helping the country's tile and marble industry withstand supply-chain disruptions, higher freight rates and fuel price volatility stemming from geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The ongoing conflict in the region has disrupted shipping routes through the Red Sea, leading to higher freight costs, longer transit times and increased marine insurance premiums. Ceramic manufacturers, particularly those in Gujarat's Morbi manufacturing hub,

India's New PVC Import Rule Could Raise Costs for Construction and Building Products India: India has introduced a minimum import price (MIP) on Suspension Grade Polyvinyl Chloride (S-PVC) resin, a material widely used in construction products such as pipes, plumbing fittings and electrical conduits. Under a notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), imports with a Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) value of USD 0.766 per kg or below will require a