Growth of Energy Recovery Ventilation in the Indian Commercial Sector India's Grade-A office space in India’s top seven cities reached about 72 million sq. ft in 2025, growing by 6% on better demand from domestic and foreign companies, according to real estate consultant Colliers. With this growth ventilation systems have gained importance even as Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) rating system require projects to meet minimum fresh air ventilation standards (often referen

Taiwanese Ceramics Manufacturers HCG Enters Defense Market With Advanced Drone Materials TAIWAN: Taiwanese bathroom ceramics manufacturer Hocheng Corp. (HCG) is expanding beyond its traditional sanitary ware business into defense by leveraging its expertise in advanced ceramics. The company has developed lightweight ceramic-carbon fiber composite materials for drones, unmanned surface vessels, and armored vehicle protection, with products verified for defense use by Taiwan’s

China's June Exports Surge 27% on AI-Driven Chip Demand, Trade Surplus Reaches USD 125.6 Billion China: China's June exports increased 27% year-on-year, surpassing forecasts of 18.2%, driven by strong global demand for chips and AI computing power, while imports rose 36%, marking a five-year high and exceeding the expected 24% growth. The country's trade surplus widened to USD 125.6 billion from USD 105.4 billion in May, keeping China on track to record an annual surplus exce

China Targets USD 9 Trillion in Annual Retail Sales by 2030 Under First Five-Year Consumption Plan China: China has unveiled its first five-year plan dedicated to boosting consumption, targeting annual retail sales of around USD 9 trillion by 2030, implying annual growth of about 3.7%, down from roughly 5% recorded during 2021–2025. The plan aims to raise household incomes, significantly increase household consumption's share of the economy from around 40%, and expand spendin

Sloan Acquires Controlling Stake in Essel Bath Fittings India: Sloan, a plumbing systems manufacturer based in Illinois, has acquired a controlling stake in Essel Bath Fittings as part of its expansion strategy in India's bath fittings market. The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the transaction. Sloan stated that the investment supports its strategy in India by expanding its local manufacturing footprint and strengthening its presence through Essel Bath Fitt

Uzbekistan Imports 132,691 Air Conditioners in First Five Months of 2026 Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan imported 132,691 air conditioners valued at USD 19.7 million during the first five months of 2026, according to the National Statistics Committee. Import volumes increased by 13,700 units, or 11.5%, compared with the corresponding period of 2025. China remained the largest supplier, accounting for 128,021 imported units. Kazakhstan supplied 4,644 units, while Turkey exported 17 uni

Air conditioner CHINA: China's air conditioner exports to the European Union increased by 43.2% year-on-year to US$3.76 billion in the first half of 2026, driven by an unprecedented heatwave across Europe and a significant gap between local production capacity and market demand. Chinese manufacturers, including Midea, Haier, Gree, Hisense, TCL, and Changhong, have expanded their presence in the region by offering energy-efficient and easy-to-install cooling solutions tailored

Hotel Vietnam has become Asia's largest branded residences market by value, overtaking Thailand and South Korea, according to the Asia Branded Residences Market Review 2026 by C9 Hotelworks. The country's branded residence sector is valued at approximately USD 8 billion, accounting for 20% of Asia's USD 40 billion branded residences market. Growth has been driven by a robust pipeline of 15,762 residential units across 47 projects, supported by strong tourism recovery, infrast

Why Air Conditioners Costs More in India Now - The BEE Effect Goes Beyond Raw Materials Revision of BEE Air-Conditioning Efficiency Standards Transforming India’s Air-Conditioning Industry The Indian air-conditioner industry is in the midst of one of the biggest transformations it has seen in years. While consumers are noticing higher air-conditioner prices in 2026, the reasons go well beyond the familiar story of rising copper or aluminium costs. AC prices have risen acros

Indonesia Raises Interest Rates to Support Rupiah Stability and Economic Growth INDONESIA: Bank Indonesia has increased its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 5.75% to strengthen the rupiah and keep inflation within its 2026–2027 target amid heightened global uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict. Alongside tighter monetary policy, the central bank will maintain supportive macroprudential measures and expand digital payment initiatives to encourage lending

Rinnai Strengthens Energy-Efficient Gas Heating Portfolio for Long-Term Growth JAPAN: Rinnai continues to strengthen its position in the gas appliance market by focusing on energy-efficient heating, hot water and cooking solutions for residential and commercial customers. The company benefits from steady replacement demand for ageing equipment, alongside new housing and renovation projects, providing a stable long-term revenue base. Rinnai is expanding its portfolio of high-e

European Heatwave Fuels Thailand’s Air Conditioner Exports THAILAND: Thailand is benefiting from Europe's prolonged heatwave through stronger tourism and rising exports of air conditioners. The country is promoting its cooler rainy season to attract European visitors seeking relief from extreme temperatures. Meanwhile, exports of air conditioners to Europe rose 41.3% year-on-year in May, driven by growing demand for cooling appliances. Germany and France recorded strong impor

Philippines Advances HCFC Phase-Out to Support Sustainable Cooling by 2030 PHILIPPINES: The Philippines has launched the final stage of its HCFC Phase-out Management Plan, aiming to eliminate hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 2030 in line with its commitments under the Montreal Protocol. The initiative will support industries in adopting cleaner, more energy-efficient cooling technologies while protecting economic growth. The government will strengthen training for refriger

Samsung Launches b.IoT Lite to Enhance Smart HVAC and Energy Management for Commercial Buildings South Korea: Samsung has introduced b.IoT Lite, a cost-effective, centralized building management solution for B2B customers, designed to control Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF/DVM S2) HVAC systems in small, medium and large commercial buildings. The platform features AI-driven algorithms, energy usage monitoring per device, scheduling, operation monitoring and integrated control

Daikin and NTT DATA Launch AI-Based Data Centre Cooling Optimization Proof of Concept Japan: Daikin Industries and NTT DATA Japan will begin a joint proof of concept (PoC) in July 2026 to develop an AI-driven cooling optimization solution that predicts server thermal conditions using indirect data, such as power consumption and temperature, and enables integrated control of HVAC, chiller and liquid cooling systems. The PoC will run at an NTT DATA data centre in Japan from Jul

Haier Pakistan Achieves Record AC Sales in H1 2026 with Over 45% Market Share Pakistan: Haier Pakistan Achieves Record AC Sales in H1 2026 with Over 45% Market Share: Haier Pakistan reported that its H1 2026 air conditioner sales exceeded its full-year 2025 total, reaching an all-time high while maintaining a market share of over 45% and retaining the industry's No. 1 position for 18 consecutive years. Growth was driven by coordinated online, offline and service initiatives,

Samsung Electronics Forecasts Strong Second-Quarter 2026 Performance SOUTH KOREA: Samsung Electronics has projected robust financial results for the second quarter of 2026, supported by continued business momentum across its operations. The company expects consolidated sales of approximately US$112.1 billion and operating profit of around US$58.6 billion, based on preliminary earnings guidance. Sales are estimated to range between US$111.4 billion and US$112.7 billion, while

Philippine Home Improvement Retailers Begin 2026 on a Strong Note PHILIPPINE: The Philippine home improvement retail sector delivered a solid performance in the first quarter of 2026, supported by stronger store sales and continued network expansion. Market leader Wilcon Depot reported net sales of approximately US$164 million, representing a 9.1% year-on-year increase. Growth was driven by a 4.7% rise in same-store sales and a 4.0% contribution from newly opened stores. Wilc

ShinFlow Launches AI-Powered Smart Air Conditioners in Southeast Asia VIETNAM: ShinFlow, a premium air conditioning brand backed by Japanese research and development and manufactured in Thailand, has officially launched its global expansion with its debut in Southeast Asia. The company introduced its I-Series Smart Inverter Air Conditioners, featuring AI-driven technologies such as AI ECO mode with energy savings of up to 40%, human-sensing airflow, voice and Wi-Fi control, U

Thai inflation past peak THAILAND: Thailand inflation appears to have passed its peak as easing global oil prices and lower production costs moderated headline inflation in June 2026. However, elevated prices for ready-made meals and public transport continue to keep household living costs high, with core inflation rising despite softer energy prices. Economists believe inflationary pressures will remain within the government's 1.5–2.5% target range, supported by weaker domes