Grohe and Gaurs Group Sign Four-Year Residential Supply Agreement India: Grohe has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Gaurs Group to supply bathroom solutions for the developer's residential projects in Delhi-NCR. The four-year agreement is expected to cover approximately 40,000 homes across the company's upcoming luxury residential developments. Under the partnership, Grohe will supply bathroom fittings, showers and complete bathroom solutions, while selected re

European Heatwaves Increase Demand for Turkish HVAC Exports Turkey: Rising heatwaves across Europe are increasing demand for Turkish air conditioning and climate control systems, creating export opportunities for the country's HVAC sector. Industry representatives reported growing demand not only from southern Europe but also from central and northern European markets as higher temperatures influence cooling requirements across residential, commercial and industrial buildings

LG Expands Residential Heat Pump Portfolio in Europe Europe: LG Electronics has expanded its portfolio of residential heat pump solutions in Europe to address growing demand for heating systems using low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants. The expanded range includes the Therma V R290 Monobloc air-to-water heat pump, Multi V i and Multi V S Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, along with new indoor units designed for European residential applications. The product

Autech Carrier Begins Mass Production of Residential Heat Pump Boilers South Korea: Autech Carrier announced on 2 July that it has started mass production of residential heat pump boilers at its manufacturing facility in Gwangju, South Korea. The new air-to-water heat pump system combines floor heating and domestic hot water supply within a single unit by extracting heat from outdoor air using electricity rather than burning gas or oil. The system can provide hot water at tem

Kuwait Introduces New Energy Efficiency Requirements for Water Heaters Kuwait: Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy has introduced a new technical code establishing minimum standards for the design and installation of water heating systems in residential and non-residential buildings. The regulation applies to all new buildings and extensions that increase electrical load, with the objective of improving energy efficiency and reducing hot water energy

European Heatwave Drives Air Conditioner Demand Across Italy Italy: Demand for air conditioners has increased across Italy and other European markets following prolonged periods of high temperatures during the summer. Industry reports indicate that Italy's air conditioning market is now valued at approximately EUR 3 billion (USD 3.5 billion), with manufacturers, retailers and installers reporting higher orders and sales. Demand has also extended to portable cooling products,

Handshake ITALY: Roberto Cavalli has entered into an exclusive multi-year licensing agreement with RAK Ceramics, a global provider of ceramic lifestyle solutions, to design, manufacture, and distribute Roberto Cavalli-branded ceramic tiles, sanitaryware, and faucets. As part of the agreement, RAK Ceramics will develop and market the Roberto Cavalli collections across key markets, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt,

Handshake GERMANY: Dr. Stefan Hartung will step down as chairman of the board of management of Bosch, effective June 30, 2026, at his own request and in mutual agreement with the company's shareholders. He will also resign from the boards of Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG. Effective July 1, 2026, Dr. Christian Fischer will succeed him as chairman, while Dr. Markus Forschner and Dr. Markus Heyn will assume the roles of vice chairmen of the board of management. During his te

Voltas Voltas is expanding exports of its air conditioners to Europe and the Middle East to improve the utilization of its existing manufacturing capacity. The company announced the initiative during its 72nd Annual General Meeting, noting that its manufacturing facilities are currently operating at around 80% capacity and that exports will help optimize production. The company also announced that non-executive Chairman Noel Tata will retire later this year upon reaching the

Daikin Daikin Applied has appointed Yu Nishiwaki as President and Chief Executive Officer, James Moe as Chief Operating Officer, and Hirokazu Hirao as Chief Operating Officer of Manufacturing, effective July 1, 2026. The leadership changes are aimed at strengthening the company's operating model as it expands its capabilities to support customers and execute its strategic priorities for fiscal year 2026 and beyond. Nishiwaki, who has served as Chief Operating Officer since 20

Handshake Carrier Global Corporation has completed the sale of its Riello business to Ariston Group for gross proceeds of approximately USD 440 million. "The sale of Riello reflects Carrier's disciplined portfolio management as we continue to focus our resources on delivering differentiated climate and energy solutions. Sale proceeds enhance our ability to invest in our core businesses, innovation and value creation for our customers and shareowners," said David Gitlin, Chair

LG South Korea: LG Electronics is strengthening its HVAC business presence in Asia by opening new HVAC academies in Taiwan and Singapore to enhance training and technical support for local business-to-business (B2B) customers and engineers. The company recently inaugurated HVAC academies in Taichung, Taiwan, and Singapore to expand its air solutions business in rapidly urbanizing markets with rising demand for industrial infrastructure. The new facilities are designed to pro

HVAC KENYA: Kenya’s High Court has upheld a Tax Appeals Tribunal decision allowing certain imported heat pumps to remain eligible for a zero-duty tariff, a ruling that is expected to impact pricing, procurement, and investment across the country's HVAC and renewable energy sectors. The decision provides greater clarity for industry stakeholders regarding the tariff treatment of energy-efficient technologies. The case involved Tile & Carpet Centre Ltd’s Aertech All-in-One hea

HVAC CANADA: As part of the federal government's pre-budget consultation process, HRAI submitted its recommendations in May, continuing its annual practice of providing policy input. The submission was developed based on feedback from HRAI members and reviewed by the association’s Policy and Priorities Committee. HRAI’s recommendations focused on four key priorities: Protecting Canada’s HVACR industry from potential trade disputes with the United States by preventing tariff

HVAC USA: Three HVAC industry associations have filed a legal challenge against portions of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Technology Transitions Reconsideration Rule, arguing that the revisions could drive up refrigerant costs and disrupt the industry's transition to lower-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. The petition was filed by the Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Cont

Shower USA: USA Cabinet Store has launched a free Walk-In Shower Layout Simulator as part of its updated "22 Walk-In Shower Ideas in 2026" guide, addressing growing demand for accessible and functional bathroom designs amid changing demographics and remodeling trends. The launch comes as the United States enters the "Peak 65" period, during which approximately 4.1 million Americans turn 65 each year. According to the AARP 2024 Home & Community Preferences Survey, 75% of adul

handshake INDIA: Astral Ltd. has approved a composite scheme of arrangement to demerge its chemicals business into a new company, Astral Chemie Limited, while simultaneously merging its wholly owned subsidiary, Al-Aziz Plastics, with Astral Ltd. Subject to regulatory approvals, Astral Chemie will be listed on both the NSE and BSE, with the chemicals business being transferred as a going concern. The restructuring will establish two independent business platforms—plumbing und

stores UK: Magnet has proposed a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) as part of its restructuring plan, which includes the closure of 15 underperforming stores to improve the business's financial position. The proposal follows the retailer's acquisition by private equity firm Alteri Partners earlier this year, after former parent company Nobia exited the UK market. According to Magnet, the CVA is intended to reduce legacy property costs, strengthen the business, and support i

US-Iran War Consequences The escalation of the Iran war in early 2026 has triggered widespread disruption across global commodities, with steel and aluminium prices emerging as key pressure points for Asian manufacturing. As conflict-related risks spread through Middle Eastern energy corridors and shipping routes, Asian producers of building products, particularly HVAC equipment and iron‑based sanitaryware, are facing sharply higher input and logistics costs. These increases

Indonesia Records First Trade Deficit in Six Years as Imports Surge and Inflation Accelerates Indonesia: Indonesia posted a USD 1.61 billion trade deficit in May, its first in six years and the widest since April 2019, as exports fell 5.73% year-on-year to USD 23.2 billion, driven by a 7% decline in mining exports, while imports rose 22.16% to USD 24.81 billion, supported by a 99.5% increase in refined oil purchases, a 13% rise in import volume and a 25.2% increase in raw mat

Amana Recalls 13,500 Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps in the US Over Fire Hazard Risk USA: Daikin Comfort Technologies has recalled more than 13,500 Amana window air conditioners, through-the-wall units and heat pumps in the United States due to a potential fire and burn hazard. The defect may allow the heating element to remain energised during a ground fault even when the unit is switched off. The affected products were sold between April and December 2025 and are commonly i

France to Reduce MaPrimeRénov Grants for Single Home Renovation Projects FRANCE: France plans to scale back MaPrimeRénov funding for most single-project home renovations and focus support on comprehensive, multi-measure energy upgrades. Proposed changes would remove grant eligibility for standalone projects such as roof insulation, window replacement, ventilation systems, solar water heaters and wood-burning stoves. The government argues that larger renovation packages delive

European Heatwave Drives Surge in Demand for Chinese Portable Air Conditioners EUROPE: A severe heatwave across Europe, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in some areas, has triggered a sharp increase in demand for portable air conditioners. Chinese manufacturers, particularly Midea and Gree Electric Appliances, have reported strong sales growth as consumers seek cooling solutions that avoid strict installation, noise and building regulations in several European countries. Mide

Ontario Expands Investment in Skilled Trades Training CANADA: The Government of Ontario has announced an investment of approximately US$ 5.7 million (CAD 8 million) to strengthen skilled trades training across Northern Ontario. Funding has been allocated to three training projects supporting individuals facing employment barriers and Indigenous communities, helping prepare participants for careers in construction, environmental monitoring and other skilled trades. In addition