Ningbo cooling appliances see export boom amid Europe's heatwave

A production line of ice makers. [Photo/Yongpai App]

Demand for cooling appliances such as electric fans and ice makers has surged as extreme heat sweeps across many parts of Europe, with Ningbo manufacturers and exporters seizing the export opportunity.

From January to May, Ningbo Heallux International Trade's fan exports jumped by around 60 percent year-on-year. One of the company's best-selling products is a smart tower fan featuring a digital display, an extra-long 64-centimeter air outlet, and 80-degree oscillation for more even airflow. Designed with compact European apartments in mind, the fan also features a sleek white exterior that complements modern home decor.

Demand is also driving production at Ningbo Hicon Industry Technology, where ice maker production lines are running at full capacity. A leading global manufacturer with 25 years of expertise, Hicon produces roughly one in every three household ice makers sold in Europe. The company reported exports exceeding 600 million yuan ($88.39 million) during the first five months of the year, up 28.6 percent from the same period in 2025.

Exports of cooling appliances, including fans, refrigerators, air conditioners, and ice makers, to Europe reached 2.73 billion yuan from January to May. Fan exports rose 29.3 percent to 950 million yuan, while ice maker exports climbed 36.8 percent to 290 million yuan.