With record heat hitting various regions of the world, the warming planet has come to depend on China to keep cool. The Asian country has become an essential supplier of air conditioning units to various parts of the globe.
Air conditioning represents a small share of Chinese exports to the European Union, but the sector has grown significantly. China has seized on this increase in sales as proof that European consumers need Chinese products.
This growing dependence occurs at a time when extreme temperatures are becoming more frequent around the world, increasing the demand for cooling solutions. The situation places China in a strategic position in international trade of air conditioning equipment.
