Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-08-07 09:20Core Viewpoint - The competition in China's air conditioning industry for the 2025-2026 cooling year has intensified, with a focus on technology integration, price competition, and channel efficiency as key trends [2][3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The air conditioning market is experiencing a slowdown in growth, with domestic retail sales of household air conditioners reaching CNY 126.3 billion, a year-on-year increase of 12.4%, and retail volume at 38.45 million units, up 15.6% in the first half of 2025 [3]. - The export volume of air conditioners is expected to exceed 90 million units for the year, driven by extreme high temperatures [3]. - The competitive landscape is shifting, with Xiaomi gaining market share through low pricing, while Midea and Gree are countering with sub-brands targeting the mid-to-low price segment [3]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - AI technology is becoming a focal point, with companies like Gree and Midea launching AI energy-saving air conditioners and integrating advanced AI models into their products [2][3]. - The demand for energy-efficient and comfortable air conditioning solutions is driving innovation in AI features such as AI energy-saving and AI voice control [2]. Group 3: Supply Chain and Retail Strategies - Companies are focusing on improving supply chain efficiency to cope with profit growth pressures, with Midea and Gree implementing direct-to-consumer (DTC) and new retail strategies [4]. - Retail capabilities are becoming a competitive edge, with various platforms and channels being utilized to enhance consumer engagement and streamline distribution [5]. Group 4: Long-term Strategic Initiatives - Companies are exploring the development of smart home ecosystems, with partnerships aimed at integrating air conditioning with automotive technology [5]. - There is a push for breakthroughs in upstream core components and new materials, with Gree and Midea investing in research for innovative magnetic materials and energy-efficient technologies [5]. Group 5: Competitive Positioning - Despite Xiaomi's close market share to Gree in June, there remains a 9.32 percentage point gap in the online air conditioning market as of August 3, 2025, indicating ongoing competitive pressures [6].