Philips Enters Philippine Air Conditioning Market with New Product Range PHILLIPINE: Philips has officially entered the Philippine air conditioning market with the launch of its Air Series, Classic Series, Noble Series, Elite Series, and Window-Type Air Conditioner Series at Philconstruct Expo 2026 in Manila. The launch marks the beginning of Philips' exclusive nationwide distribution partnership with Mulson’s Trading Corporation. Designed for residential and commercial appli

Daikin Selects India as Global R&D Hub for Data Centre Cooling Solutions INDIA: Daikin Industries Ltd has announced plans to establish a new research and development subsidiary, Daikin Research and Development India Private Limited, in Haryana, strengthening India's role as a global innovation hub for HVAC technologies. Scheduled for completion by June 2028, the new R&D centre will focus on developing advanced heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning solutions for Asia, Oce

Autec Carrier Expands Focus on Heat Pump Waste Heat Recovery for AI Data Centres SOUTH KOREA: Autec Carrier has announced plans to strengthen its position in the growing market for heat pump-based waste heat recovery systems, targeting the rising demand from AI data centres. As high-performance computing facilities consume more electricity and generate substantial waste heat, the company aims to deliver energy-efficient solutions that recover server heat for space heating and

Sri Lanka Bans Imports of HCFC-Based Air Conditioners and Refrigerators Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka has introduced a ban on the import of air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers and ice plants that operate exclusively on hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants, effective from 6 June 2026. The announcement was made in Parliament by Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera during discussions on several legislative measures. The import restrictions form part of

Monsoon Slows Air Conditioner Sales After Strong Summer Season India: India's room air conditioner (RAC) market recorded strong growth during the peak summer season, although demand began to moderate as the monsoon advanced in June. Industry representatives stated that the sector achieved around 25% growth in sales volume and 30% growth in value during the season. However, manufacturers reported continued pressure on margins as rising raw material and commodity costs, followi

Heatwave Boosts Demand for Air Conditioner Servicing in Malaysia Malaysia: Malaysia's prolonged period of high temperatures has led to increased demand for air conditioner servicing, repairs and energy-efficient cooling solutions. With daytime temperatures reaching between 35°C and 37°C in several parts of the country, installation and maintenance companies have reported a significant rise in service requests, resulting in longer waiting times as technicians face fully booked

Ceramic Tile Industry Raises Concerns Over Import Duty Reductions Pakistan: The All Pakistan Ceramic Tiles Manufacturers Association has raised concerns over the government's decision to reduce import duties on ceramic tiles under the second phase of the tariff rationalisation policy announced in the 2026–27 budget. According to the association, the Regulatory Duty on imported tiles has been reduced by 20% and the Additional Customs Duty by 50%, a move it believes could weake

TOTO Expands Semiconductor Business with JPY 80 Billion Investment Japan: TOTO has announced plans to strengthen its semiconductor-related business by investing JPY 80 million (USD 547 million; EUR 468 million) over the next five years. The company will allocate JPY 39 million (USD 267 million; EUR 228 million) to expand production capacity at its semiconductor component facilities in Buzen City, Fukuoka Prefecture, and Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture, while the remaining inves

Kitchen INDIA: Carysil reported a strong financial performance for the half year ended March 2026, driven by healthy revenue growth and improved profitability. Total income increased by 15.4% year-on-year to INR 257.7 crore (US$ 30 million), while EBIT rose 47.4% to INR 47.3 crore (US$ 5.5 million). Reported profit after tax (PAT) climbed 56.2% to INR 31 crore (US$3.6 million), reflecting stronger operating margins and effective cost management. The results underscore the com

Supply Chain and Labour Constraints Challenge Asia-Pacific Construction Growth Asia Pacific: The Asia-Pacific construction sector is facing growing execution risks as supply chain disruptions, labour shortages, and power constraints threaten project delivery despite strong market demand, according to Linesight's latest regional outlook. Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have pushed global supply chain pressures to their highest level since 2022, increasing c

Voltas INDIA: Voltas' share price surged by as much as 5% on the NSE during Monday's trading session after the company announced that it had surpassed 1 million air conditioner sales in less than three months of FY27. The milestone reflects strong consumer demand, growing customer confidence, and the company's continued focus on innovation, operational excellence, and market expansion. It also highlights the success of several strategic initiatives undertaken over the past ye

Samsung Expands Presence in Premium Residential HVAC Market INDIA: Samsung Electronics has strengthened its HVAC presence in India by securing a major contract to supply air-conditioning solutions for The Orchard, a luxury residential development in Gurugram, in partnership with real estate developer Central Park. The project involves the installation of Samsung's HVAC systems across more than 3,000 residential units, with resident move-ins scheduled to begin in the following

Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Visits Malaysia and China to Boost Investment and Economic Cooperation Bangladesh: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has begun his first overseas visit since taking office, undertaking a six-day trip to Malaysia and China to attract investment, expand overseas employment and strengthen economic ties. During his China visit, Bangladesh is expected to sign 15–17 bilateral agreements, while discussions will include the Teesta River project and

Hyundai L&C Strengthens Premium Building Materials Portfolio Through European Partnerships South Korea: Hyundai L&C, the comprehensive building materials company under the Hyundai Department Store Group, is strengthening its presence in the high-end market by signing exclusive domestic distribution agreements with Italian hardwood flooring manufacturer Florian and German bathroom fixtures maker KEUCO. Florian, which has more than 50 years of experience in hardwood processing,

Morbi Ceramic Industry Rebounds as Fuel Supplies Stabilize INDIA: Morbi ceramic industry has largely resumed operations following a two-month disruption caused by fuel shortages linked to the Iran conflict. Nearly all of the town's 750 ceramic manufacturing units are now operational as supplies of piped natural gas and propane have normalised, enabling thousands of migrant workers to return. However, the crisis has significantly increased production costs, with manufacturers

Consolidation in the Consumer Electronics Retail Sector is Driving Air Conditioner Sales in Japan JAPAN: Japan’s consumer electronics retail sector is attracting renewed investor attention as industry consolidation and anticipated air conditioner demand support growth prospects. The proposed business integration between Yamada Holdings and Edion is expected to create the country’s largest electronics retailer and could trigger further industry realignment. Meanwhile, Nojima h

Saudi Arabia Construction Deals with China and Awards US$506 Million Housing Projects SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi Arabia has awarded US$506 million in housing projects across Riyadh and Dammam and signed six deals and memorandums of understanding with Chinese partners to strengthen cooperation in the construction sector. The agreements cover modern construction technologies, engineering design, financing solutions, knowledge transfer, and public-private partnerships, supporting the K

India to Remain Key Growth Market for LG’s Air Conditioning Business India: LG Electronics has stated that India is expected to remain its largest residential air conditioning market globally by sales volume, supported by growing demand and relatively low air conditioner penetration. According to the company, India is among its top three HVAC markets worldwide, alongside the United States and Brazil. LG also noted that the country offers further growth opportunities in the co

Waves Home Appliances Resumes Air Conditioner Production and Sales in Pakistan Pakistan: Waves Home Appliances Limited has resumed the assembly and nationwide sale of air conditioners in Pakistan after suspending the product category following import restrictions introduced in 2022. The company informed the Pakistan Stock Exchange that its first shipment of 5,000 completely knocked-down air-conditioner kits had arrived from China, enabling the restart of local assembly for T1

Uzbekistan and RAK Ceramics Discuss Investment Opportunities in Building Materials Sector Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Umid Shadiev, met with Abdallah Massaad, Group Chief Executive Officer of RAK Ceramics, to discuss opportunities for cooperation in the building materials industry. The discussions focused on expanding investment collaboration, increasing the production of value-added construction materials and introducing modern technologi