GREE(SZ:000651) Hang Zhou Ri Bao·2025-12-24 04:51Core Viewpoint - The air conditioning industry is actively exploring the use of aluminum as a substitute for copper, but significant technical challenges remain, particularly regarding the performance and reliability of aluminum compared to copper [1][2][3]. Group 1: Company Insights - Gree Electric stated that copper constitutes about 20% of air conditioning costs, and despite aluminum being cheaper, it currently lacks the performance and reliability of copper, leading to no immediate plans for aluminum substitution [1][2]. - Gree's Chairman, Dong Mingzhu, emphasized that while aluminum can technically replace copper, the company will not adopt it until it meets the same technical standards as copper [1][2]. - The rising copper prices, which have exceeded $10,000 per ton, have prompted discussions about aluminum substitution as a cost-reduction strategy in the industry [1][3]. Group 2: Industry Developments - The Chinese home appliance industry is accelerating the development of standards for aluminum substitution, with various companies participating in the formulation of guidelines and standards [2][4]. - A group of leading air conditioning companies, including Haier and Midea, has committed to a self-regulatory agreement to promote responsible communication regarding aluminum heat exchangers [2][4]. - The China Household Electrical Appliances Association has proposed five initiatives to guide the responsible application of aluminum in air conditioning, emphasizing quality assurance and consumer rights [4][5]. Group 3: Technical Challenges - The primary challenges in substituting aluminum for copper include aluminum's inferior thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and long-term reliability, which necessitate further technological advancements [2][8]. - The complexity of aluminum welding processes poses additional challenges for manufacturers, requiring enhanced capabilities and skills [2][8]. - Despite the challenges, the industry is making progress in developing aluminum technologies, with some companies achieving breakthroughs in specific applications [7][9]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - China is the largest producer and consumer of air conditioning units, with about 80% of its copper supply imported, while it controls 60% of global aluminum production, making aluminum a more stable resource option [1][8]. - The significant cost pressures from fluctuating copper prices have led the industry to consider aluminum as a viable alternative to maintain competitive pricing [9][10]. - The ongoing technological advancements in aluminum materials aim to enhance their performance, making them a more feasible option for air conditioning applications in the future [9][10].