According the released data, China air conditioning market was saturated in 2018.  The growth rate of domestic air conditioning market obviously slowed down.  "2018 household air conditioning market report" released by AVC showed that in 2018, the total shipment of air conditioners increased 1.6% to 57 030 000 units. "2018 air conditioning industry report" launched by SIC showed that the sales volume and value in some major urban air conditioning market decreased by 10.6% and 7.6%, respectively.  Influenced by many factors, the air conditioning market is presenting three trends: deep optimization, intensive competition of brands and significant innovation-driven.

Top 10 brands occupied 95% of market

With the upgraded consumption and increased awareness of brands, consumers preferred to the brands with high reputation, which further expanded the market share of famous brands.  The report showed that the market share of top 3 brands - Gree, Midea and Haier increased to 71.17% in 2018 from 68.88% in 2017.  The top 10 brands, including Gree, Midea, Haier, Hisence, Chigo, Aux, TCL, Changhong, Kelon and Galanz occupied 95% of market, little space for small and new manufacturers.

Intelligent air conditioners increased

In 2018, the sale volume and value of intelligent air conditioners increased 24.98% and 31.17%, respectively, with Haier as a dominator.  However, the competition of intelligent air conditioner was still among Haier, Gree and Midea.  Intelligent and high level innovative products have become a majority to push the technology development of whole air conditioning industry.

Healthy and comfort air conditioner is a new trend

Beside intelligence, self-clean air conditioner with healthy and comfort function rapidly developed in 2018 and become a new trend.  According to the data, in 2018, the shipment of Top 5 brands accounted for 91.16%.

With a slowdown growth rate, difference and innovation became a key point to enhance the competition.  From many aspects of technical innovation, products upgrading and intelligence, Gree, Midea and Haier further led the market development.  SIC said that China air conditioning market still showed the scenery of high concentrate brands.