董明珠回应空调“铝代铜”：坚持不用，除非铝能够完全替代铜

Core Viewpoint - The air conditioning industry is increasingly focused on the "aluminum replacing copper" issue due to rising copper prices, with major companies like Gree Electric expressing caution about the feasibility of this transition [1][3][5]. Group 1: Industry Context - Gree Electric's chairman, Dong Mingzhu, stated that while aluminum can potentially replace copper, the technology has not yet reached the same level of reliability and performance as copper [1][3]. - Gree has repeatedly emphasized that there are currently no plans to implement "aluminum replacing copper" in their air conditioning products, citing copper's superior thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and long-term reliability [5][7]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - By the end of 2025, global copper supply is expected to tighten significantly, with demand surging and potential tariffs from the U.S. contributing to rising prices, which are anticipated to reach new historical highs [3][7]. - The International Energy Agency projects that even with high production levels, the global copper supply gap could reach 20% by 2035 [3][7]. - Goldman Sachs forecasts that copper prices will enter a new high-price trading phase starting next year [3][7]. Group 3: Standards and Regulations - At the recent 2025 China Home Appliance Technology Annual Conference, a group standard for the construction of aluminum tube fin heat exchangers for air conditioners was released, with additional standards for aluminum heat exchanger raw material requirements currently being developed [3][7]. - Several air conditioning companies have joined a self-regulatory agreement to promote the scientific benefits of aluminum heat exchangers while avoiding exaggerated claims, aiming to enhance consumer trust in industry products and technologies [3][7]. - Gree participated in the revision of national standards for heat exchangers but did not join the self-regulatory agreement [7].