Full-Year Prices Remain Weak China: China’s annual consumer price inflation climbed to a 34-month high of 0.8% year-on-year in December, up from 0.7% in November and in line with market expectations, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. The increase was largely driven by higher food prices, with fresh vegetable prices rising 18.2% and beef prices up 6.9%, supported by pre–New Year holiday demand and policy measures. On a monthly basis, the consumer price

USD 1.19 Trillion Trade Surplus China: China reported a record full-year USD 1.19 Trillion Trade Surplus in 2025, breaking the trillion-dollar mark for the first time in November, according to customs data. The strong export performance comes as Chinese producers brace for three more years of a Donald Trump administration focused on slowing China’s manufacturing strength by diverting U.S. orders to other markets. Despite renewed tariff pressures, China has shown resilience, w

Signs Free Trade Agreement Philippines: The Philippines signed a free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking Manila’s first trade pact with a Gulf country and a key step in expanding its global trade footprint. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 Summit at the

Open Markets to Foreign Investors Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia will open its capital markets to all foreign investors from February 1, after the Capital Markets Authority approved rule changes removing the Qualified Foreign Investor framework that previously limited access. The move is aimed at attracting overseas inflows and improving market liquidity as the kingdom advances its economic diversification plans. While JP Morgan expects the immediate impact to be limited since mo

Azerbaijan 2025 HVAC Imports from Turkiye Azerbaijan: In 2025, Azerbaijan imported heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems valued at about US$ 134.571 million from Turkiye, according to trade data reported in January 2026. These imports covered systems used for heating, cooling, and ventilation purposes, reflecting ongoing trade activity in building services equipment between the two neighbouring countries. The figure marks a snapshot of Azerbaijan’s relianc

South Korea Boiler Manufacturers Expand into Residential Cooling Segment South Korea: KyungDong Navien and Kiturami, the two largest home boiler manufacturers in South Korea, are expanding their presence in the cooling market as part of efforts to diversify beyond heating. KyungDong Navien has entered the segment with the introduction of its Condensing Air Conditioner Hybrid, which offers cooling, dehumidification, and ventilation functions. The company is also preparing to l

Bluon Partners with Helios HVACR to Deploy AI Diagnostics Across Field Operations US: Bluon has announced a strategic partnership with Helios HVACR Services, under which Helios HVACR is deploying Bluon’s AI driven diagnostics and equipment intelligence platform across its nationwide field operations. Helios HVACR operates in more than 40 US states and provides commercial HVACR installation, maintenance, and repair services. The platform is being integrated into existing workf

Lecico Bathrooms UK: Lecico Bathrooms has announced the appointment of Dan Banks as Commercial Director, effective from January 2026. In this senior leadership role, Dan will oversee commercial operations, customer management, and sales activities. He brings experience from senior sales and marketing roles at Velux, Adey, and most recently Brand K. Source: Bathroom & Kitchen Update

LG Electronics Posts Second Consecutive Year of Record Revenue in 2025 South Korea: South Korean tech giant LG Electronics announced preliminary full-year 2025 results, recording consolidated revenue of USD 61.6 billion and operating profit of USD 1.7 billion, marking its second consecutive year of record sales. “Qualitative growth” businesses including B2B, webOS, product-based services and direct-to-consumer models now contribute nearly half of total revenue, while home app

Haier Bangladesh Launches 24/7 Call Centre, Expands Nationwide After-Sales Network Bangladesh: Haier Bangladesh has launched a 24/7 customer call centre and expanded its after-sales service network by adding 17 exclusive service centres and 7 direct service centres across the country. The initiative provides uninterrupted customer support, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and aims to improve response times and service quality nationwide. The company said the expan

U.S. Justice Department Sues California Cities Over Natural Gas Bans U.S.: The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the cities of Morgan Hill and Petaluma in California over local ordinances that ban natural gas infrastructure and appliances in new construction. Filed in the Northern District of California, the complaint argues that the bans increase energy costs for consumers and undermine U.S. energy dominance by restricting federally regulated appliances

Midea Partners with WS Weinmann & Schanz to Expand Nationwide HVAC Distribution in Germany Germany: Midea has announced a major expansion of its sales network, confirming that from February 2026 it will become a listed HVAC supplier of specialist wholesaler WS Weinmann & Schanz GmbH. The partnership covers Midea’s full HVAC portfolio, including plug-and-play solutions such as PortaSplit, as well as dehumidifiers, air conditioners, and heat pumps. This marks Midea’s first whol