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

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

SCG Home Opens First Retail Destination in Vietnam Vietnam: SCG Home, the home improvement retail arm of Siam Cement Group (SCG), opened its first retail destination in Vietnam on 19 September, spanning 5,500 sq m in Long Bien. The store distributes and retails home finishing materials including tiles, SPC flooring, fibre cement boards, roofing tiles, sanitary ware, furniture and home décor, with mock-up houses, bathroom showrooms and professional consultations. The launch ma

Brand K Group Acquires Utopia Furniture UK: UK radiator and bathroom supplier Brand K Group has acquired Midlands-based Utopia Furniture, adding the bathroom furniture manufacturer to a portfolio that includes Just Trays, Kartell UK and Carron Bathrooms. Utopia, which has operated for more than 35 years, hand-builds bathroom furniture to order at its Wolverhampton facility and supplies more than 600 independent bathroom showrooms alongside leading housebuilders through its co

TOTO Advances Green Hydrogen in Sanitaryware Manufacturing JAPAN: TOTO has become the world’s first sanitaryware manufacturer to achieve commercial production using green hydrogen in the firing process at its Kokura Plant in Japan, a milestone recognized by Euromonitor International. The company has reduced CO₂ emissions from sanitaryware manufacturing by around 40% since 2022 through advances in firing technology and cleaner fuels. The use of hydrogen is expected to support

Samsung Opens Built-In Appliance Showroom in Germany GERMANY: Samsung Electronics has opened a permanent built-in appliance showroom in Löhne, Germany, strengthening its focus on the European kitchen appliance market. Located at the Kitchen Center Löhne, the facility provides retailers, kitchen planners and industry partners with year-round access to Samsung’s built-in portfolio and connected kitchen solutions. The showroom features refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers and the E

Masterhaus Joins Edra/Ghin Network EUROPE: Bulgarian DIY retailer Masterhaus has joined the European DIY-Retail Association (Edra) and Global Home Improvement Network (Ghin), strengthening the organisations’ presence in Bulgaria and South-Eastern Europe. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Burgas, Masterhaus is a family-run retailer with more than three decades of experience in the DIY sector. The company operates six large-scale hypermarkets offering a broad range of buildi

Zhejiang Construction Investment Wins US$191 Million Hong Kong Public Housing Contract HONG KONG: A subsidiary of Zhejiang Construction Investment Group, Huaying Construction Co. Ltd., has secured a public housing contract at Wang Cheong Factory Estate in Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, Hong Kong. The contract is valued at HKD 1.5 billion (~US$191.2 million) and has a planned construction period of 1,096 days. The award aligns with Hong Kong’s push to expand public housing supply, w

Growing Share of Rimless Water Closets in South Africa Adoption of rimless water closets is growing in South Africa as consumers show greater interest in products that are easier to clean, more hygienic, and better suited to contemporary bathroom designs. This shift reflects a change in buying preferences, with consumers increasingly looking beyond basic functionality and paying more attention to hygiene, appearance, and ease of maintenance. Developers, retailers, and install