19家空调企业抱团，董明珠依旧不跟

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese air conditioning industry is experiencing a shift towards aluminum replacing copper in manufacturing, leading to a complex competitive landscape among major players like Gree, Haier, and Xiaomi [2][5][11]. Group 1: Industry Developments - The China Refrigeration Society released a standard for aluminum tube heat exchangers for air conditioners, with 19 companies, including Haier and Midea, joining a self-regulatory agreement to promote aluminum use [2][5]. - Gree Electric, a major player in the air conditioning sector, has opted not to participate in the aluminum initiative, citing concerns over aluminum's performance compared to copper [5][7]. - The global trend shows a significant shift towards aluminum in air conditioning, with North America and Japan having over 50% and 40% adoption rates, respectively [11]. Group 2: Cost and Material Comparison - Copper constitutes about 20% of the total cost of an air conditioner, while aluminum costs approximately 1/12 of copper, leading to potential cost savings if aluminum is fully adopted [5][12]. - Current copper prices are around 93,000 yuan per ton, while aluminum prices are about 22,000 yuan, creating a price difference of over four times [11][12]. Group 3: Consumer Trust and Market Dynamics - Consumer trust remains a significant issue, with 68% of users concerned about whether Gree's products are fully copper, indicating a strong preference for perceived quality [10][16]. - Past experiences with aluminum in lower-end models have led to consumer skepticism, as many have faced issues like corrosion and leaks [16][18]. - The Chinese Household Electrical Appliances Association suggests that companies should carefully consider the introduction of aluminum products based on regional climate and usage patterns to mitigate risks [19][20].