As Europe faces an ongoing energy crisis, residents are looking for affordable heating solutions to stay warm during winter. Among the top choices, “Made in China” heaters have gained immense popularity. Due to a mix of efficiency, affordability, and supply capacity, batch after batch of orders is being sent from Europe to manufacturers in China.
Chinese heater
The Growing Presence of Chinese Heaters in Europe
Even before the energy crisis, Made in China heaters had already secured a significant market share in Europe. This was especially true for energy-saving models that align with Europe’s energy conservation policies. For instance, China’s air source heat pump products have been in high demand for years. Statistics reveal that in the past five years, France, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands have become the largest buyers of these heating systems.
With the current crisis, demand for these products has surged, further strengthening China’s hold on the European heating market.
Manufacturing Pressure and Supply Challenges
China is the world’s largest producer of heating products, manufacturing about 60% of the global supply of air-source heat pumps. Consequently, when European orders spiked unexpectedly, Chinese manufacturers faced significant pressure. Some factories saw a 200% increase in production demands, making it difficult to fulfill all orders on time.
In Cixi City, Ningbo, Zhejiang—one of China’s key heater production hubs—over 100 companies manufacture heating products. This region alone accounts for 30% of the country’s heater exports. According to reports from CCTV Finance, some companies have repeatedly received additional orders from Europe, with some orders exceeding 20 million yuan. Furthermore, customs data indicates that heater exports from Cixi to the EU grew by more than 50% in the first eight months of the year.
China’s heaters are welcoming back orders (Source: CCTV Finance)
Competitive Pricing Gives Chinese Heaters an Edge
One major reason behind the success of “Made in China” heaters in Europe is their affordability. Chinese manufacturers often compete on price, making these heaters cost-effective for European buyers. Data suggests that the average price of a heater exported from China to Europe is around 11 euros (approximately 76 RMB). For most European households, this price point is highly attractive, especially given rising energy costs.
The Popularity of Electric Blankets in Europe
Among the various heating products exported to Europe, electric blankets have become a best-seller. According to the China Household Electrical Appliances Association, from January to July, exports of electric blankets surged by 97%. In July alone, EU countries imported 1.29 million electric blankets from China, marking a 150% month-on-month increase.
For many European families, running an air conditioning system has become a luxury due to electricity restrictions. In contrast, electric blankets provide an affordable and energy-efficient way to stay warm. For example, in the UK, a 100W electric blanket costs only 42 pence (about 4.3 RMB) to run for eight hours a night, making it a budget-friendly solution.
electric blanket
Energy-Efficient Heating Solutions Gain Traction
Apart from small appliances like electric blankets, Europe is also importing large quantities of energy-efficient heating equipment. A prime example is the air source heat pump. This technology harnesses energy from the air to generate heat, reducing electricity consumption significantly.
Europe’s strong demand for energy-efficient heating solutions is largely due to its limited electricity generation capacity. Severe droughts have affected hydropower production, while the closure of nuclear power plants has further reduced electricity availability. Statistics show that hydroelectric power generation in Europe has decreased by 26%, while nuclear power output has dropped by 12% in just the first seven months of the year.
Skyrocketing Electricity Prices Drive Demand
Electricity prices in Europe have surged dramatically. As of mid-September, electricity costs in France were projected to reach 1,130 euros per MWh for the following year. This translates to approximately 7.73 yuan per kilowatt-hour—far higher than China’s stable domestic electricity price of around 1 yuan per kilowatt-hour.
Due to these high costs, most European countries are now rationing electricity. This shift has pushed European consumers toward energy-efficient heating alternatives, further fueling demand for Chinese-made heaters. With the energy crisis expected to persist, the market for energy-efficient heaters will likely continue to grow.
air source heat pump
The Future of Chinese Heating Exports
Although Chinese heater manufacturers have received a flood of European orders, they face intense competition among themselves. Price-cutting strategies often drive profits down, as heaters are generally low-margin products. However, the increasing demand for energy-saving heating solutions presents an opportunity for Chinese manufacturers to shift toward high-value, energy-efficient heating equipment.
French nuclear power plant
Conclusion
With the ongoing energy crisis in Europe, the demand for “Made in China” heaters continues to rise. Thanks to their affordability, efficiency, and high production capacity, Chinese heaters have become a go-to option for European consumers. Moving forward, the market for energy-saving heating solutions is expected to expand, offering new growth opportunities for Chinese manufacturers.
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