The Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (OTPS) revealed that the global heat crisis and heatwaves in Europe boosted Thailand's air conditioner and component exports in May 2026 to 148.6 million USD, marking the highest growth in seven months.
Recently, Mr. Nanthapong Jiralertpong, Director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (OTPS), disclosed that Thailand's air conditioner and component exports to Europe in May 2026 reached 148.6 million USD, growing 40.7% compared to May 2025. This was a sharp acceleration from April 2026's 8.5% growth and the highest expansion rate since October 2025. Exports for the first five months (January-May) of 2026 totaled 783.9 million USD, up 18.9%. Key growing products included heat pump air conditioners, which expanded 70.6%, air conditioner components up 49.6%, and window or wall-mounted units rising 21.6%.
The export increase stemmed from an intense and earlier-than-usual heatwave, especially in Western Europe during May 2026. Western, Central, and some Eastern European regions experienced unusually dry weather. Additionally, forecasts predicted a hotter-than-normal summer, prompting European importers and retailers to accelerate advance orders to meet peak demand between June and August.
A country-by-country survey showed interesting growth trends in Thailand's key European markets as follows:
| Trading Partners | Export Value (May 2026) | Growth Rate (MoM / YoY) |
| Germany (Top Market) | 30.8 million USD | +89.6% |
| France | — | +50.9% |
| United Kingdom | — | +58.2% |
| Spain | — | +42.2% |
| Finland (Northern Europe) | — | +366.6% |
| Sweden (Northern Europe) | — | +177.3% |
Looking ahead, demand for air conditioners in Europe is expected to continue growing in the third quarter due to a new, more intense heatwave hitting in late June. Many countries are breaking temperature records, nearing 40 degrees Celsius. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) forecasts above-average temperatures for Europe from July to September 2026, especially in Southern and Central Europe, driven by a strengthening El Niño. These factors have led European retailers to rapidly deplete inventories and are likely to continue ordering to replenish stocks. In the long term, European imports are expected to rise due to rapidly increasing temperatures. Importantly, household air conditioner ownership remains low, and EU policies promote heat pump systems usable year-round. As a result, air conditioners in Europe are shifting from "luxury goods" to "necessities," presenting a significant opportunity for Thai exporters to expand their market continuously.
"Europe is becoming an increasingly strategic market that helps diversify Thailand's export risks amid growing uncertainties in some major markets. This is reflected in the rising share of Thailand's air conditioner exports to Europe, increasing from 19.4% in January to 23.8% in May 2026, which is notably higher than the shares of 21.4%, 18.2%, and 16.0% in May 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively," he said.
However, the European market enforces strict environmental standards. Therefore, Thai manufacturers should develop high-efficiency energy-saving products and heat pump systems aligned with the EU's energy and carbon reduction policies. They must also monitor tightening environmental regulations, especially phased restrictions on refrigerants with high global warming potential. Upgrading competitiveness from price to quality, energy efficiency, and environmental standards is essential to create sustainable added value and seize growth opportunities in Europe's still-expanding market.
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