World air-conditioning market in 2013

In 2013, the world air conditioning market was valued at USD 91.6 billion; grew over 6% compared with USD 86.8 billion in 2012, evidence that the global AC market is finally showing an upturn.
In 2013, the world air conditioning market was valued at USD 91.6 billion; grew over 6% compared with USD 86.8 billion in 2012, evidence that the global AC market is finally showing an upturn.

The biggest growth was seen in the Americas region by over 8% by value followed by Asia with 8 %, Europe grew by 2% and finally Middle East, India and Africa grew by 2%. 

Asia Pacific is still the largest world region in terms of air conditioning sales with USD 51.7 billion, or 56% of the world market in 2013. Within the region, as in previous years, China and Japan represent 82% of the market by value.

In contrast to 2012, many markets showed signs of recovery in 2013 with the biggest growth seen in Argentina, Vietnam, Brazil and South Africa.  This rise was due to several factors: general economic growth, transition from R22 to R410A which has increased average selling prices, increases in average due to currency fluctuations in local currencies against the Euro and USD, and in Brazil the boost of forthcoming sporting events such as the football world cup 2014 and the Olympics in 2016.

The US has also seen a recovery with total air conditioning market growth at 6% in value terms reaching almost USD 12.8 billion in 2013.  Growth was primarily generated by strong performance in domestic demand and a reduction of the fiscal drag after the most recent adjustments in the public budget.  
 
Europe is in slow recovery, but any significant change is not expected until 2015. Out of top seven countries: Russia, Italy, Germany, Turkey, France, UK and Spain, only Italy and Spain declined in 2013.  The top seven countries comprise 70% of the European market by value. Energy efficiency driven legislation continues to add to market strain, including the potential switch to new refrigerants such as R32 and tax threats on HFCs .
 
Market conditions in the Middle East, Africa and Indian subcontinent were further dampened following the Arab Spring uprisings, with the civil war in Syria. The overall the region managed a 2% growth  by value.  The best performing countries were South Africa, Nigeria and India, in order of increase.
 
Source : BSRIA