Europe is roasting and China is not cooling down the air conditioning crisis

Published on 2026-07-04 | Translated from Spanish

Europe is suffering a record heatwave that has already triggered a surge in air conditioner purchases in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The problem is that China, the world's largest manufacturer, cannot keep up with demand. European stores report stock shortages, leaving households without a cooling solution, increasing the risk of health problems due to the high temperatures.

European heatwave scene, empty AC unit shelves in a Parisian electronics store, a single remaining portable air conditioner box with Chinese brand label, dusty warehouse background, exhausted stock clerk wiping sweat while checking inventory tablet, glowing red temperature warning on a digital thermometer showing 42°C, broken cooling system pipes on ceiling dripping water, cinematic photorealistic technical illustration, dramatic sunlight through dusty windows, heat haze effect, realistic retail environment, ultra-detailed plastic packaging textures, urgent atmosphere, industrial lighting with warm color tones, shallow depth of field focusing on the last unit

Technology vs. Asphalt: The Logistics That Don't Arrive 🌡️

The climate control supply chain is showing its flaws. Chinese manufacturers are operating at full capacity, but semiconductors and compressors are scarce, delaying production. Additionally, European ports are struggling to manage the import peak. With no stock in warehouses, physical and online stores are hanging the sold out sign. Cooling technology exists, but the logistics system cannot deliver it to homes in time.

Iberian Solution: Pedestal Fan and Patience 🌀

Faced with the lack of air conditioners, Europeans are rediscovering the classic fan, the one that moves hot air from one side to the other without cooling anything. Homemade tutorials for making air conditioners with ice cubes and a fan are also proliferating. In the end, the most advanced technology turns out to be opening the window at night... and praying that a mosquito doesn't get in.