Source: China Appliance magazine under CHEAA
In 2026, overseas markets are becoming increasingly important for Chinese refrigerator compressor manufacturers seeking to balance industry cycles and optimize capacity utilization. China accounts for more than 60% of global output, making it a major supply hub. However, international expansion brings challenges ranging from trade barriers and energy-efficiency regulations to currency volatility, local certification requirements and geopolitical risks. In response, Chinese manufacturers are shifting from product exports toward broader global capabilities, including localized operations, supply chains and customer support.
Expanding Global Market Presence
In the first seven months of 2026, China exported 56.57 million refrigerator compressors, up 5.63% year on year, while export value fell 1.19% to US$1.069 billion, according to the General Administration of Customs of China. The divergence highlights the pressure on manufacturers to improve returns as overseas sales expand.
Changhong Huayi Compressor Co., Ltd. reported first-half revenue of RMB 5.809 billion in 2026, with overseas markets accounting for 34.19% of total revenue. General manager Xiao Wenyi said the company supplies customers in more than 70 countries and regions, serving over 680 refrigeration appliance manufacturers. Key export markets include Türkiye, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil and India. Its customers include Whirlpool, Electrolux, Bosch, Siemens and Liebherr. In 2026, Changhong Huayi is focusing on growth opportunities in Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Africa, aligning supply with local demand to expand its international business, Xiao said.
Jiaxipera Compressor Co., Ltd. will maintain its integrated strategy of global partnerships, supply and service, while shifting from product exports to refrigeration system solutions to strengthen overseas customer relationships. Over the medium to long term, the company will continue to assess opportunities to establish manufacturing, component support and supply networks in key regions. To address overseas market challenges, marketing director Xiong Xing told China Appliance magazine that Jiaxipera plans to track regulatory developments and standards in target markets and obtain product certifications earlier, adopt regional inventory strategies to shorten delivery times, and optimize its overseas product mix with a focus on higher-value inverter compressors. The company also plans to strengthen global regulatory monitoring and integrate compliance requirements earlier into new product development.
At Hubei Donper Electromechanical Group Co., Ltd., the ratio of domestic to overseas sales shifted from 6:4 in 2025 to 5:5 in the first half of 2026. Chairman Jiang Min said the company had expanded into markets across Southeast Asia and the Americas, as well as Türkiye. Its customers include Whirlpool, BSH Home Appliances, Arçelik and Vestel. Donper plans to continue developing its international business on a regional basis.
Guangzhou Wanbao Group Compressor Co., Ltd. exported 3.52 million compressors in the first half of 2026, up 10% year on year, meeting its export target for the period.
Hangzhou Qianjiang Refrigeration Compressor Group also reported growth in overseas sales. Deputy general manager Wang Wenhan said direct exports reached 1.2 million units in 2025 and exceeded 1.6 million units in the first half of 2026. Its markets include Asia, Europe and the Americas, with customers such as Haier, Hisense, Midea, Arçelik, Vestel and Daewoo. Wang noted that geopolitical tensions had weakened demand in some regional markets, while developing new customer relationships required time. Qianjiang plans to expand into new markets, diversify its trade channels and build additional sources of growth.
Sichuan Danfu Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. said exports account for 12% of its total compressor sales volume. Its export business grew significantly in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, supported by market acceptance of its product reliability and service capabilities.
Overseas Manufacturing Gains Strategic Importance
As reliance on domestic factories to serve international markets presents growing limitations, Chinese compressor manufacturers are expanding overseas production to improve supply-chain flexibility, serve local customers and manage trade risks.
Changhong Huayi has established manufacturing operations in multiple markets. Xiao Wenyi said the company's decision to build a factory in Mexico was based on expectations of increased trade friction and the growing competitiveness of Chinese manufacturing. The Mexico plant is operating in line with its original strategic objectives, strengthening cooperation with North American and European customers and improving service efficiency, Xiao said. Changhong Huayi began a project in Thailand in April 2026 to serve Southeast Asian markets and key domestic customers. Trial production is expected to start by the end of the year. The initial plan includes two production lines with a designed annual capacity of 4 million units. The company plans to leverage its facilities in Spain and Mexico, accelerate construction of the Thailand plant and improve coordination across its global operations, Xiao said.
Guangzhou Wanbao also plans to establish a manufacturing presence in Thailand, with production expected to begin in 2027. Sales manager Duan Songtao said the project is intended to help manage geopolitical risks, support customers' overseas expansion and meet demand for more geographically diversified supply chains.
Embraco, a refrigeration solutions brand under Nidec Global Appliance, is preparing to bring a new factory in India into operation in the second half of 2026. The plant will produce compressors and electronic components for residential and commercial refrigeration, with an annual capacity of 6 million units. The investment exceeds US$120 million, and the facility covers 55,000 square meters.
For Chinese refrigerator compressor manufacturers, international expansion is increasingly about more than growing export volumes. Local production, regulatory compliance, customer support and regional supply-chain coordination are becoming central to their global strategies. As companies develop these capabilities, their ability to balance market opportunities with costs and geopolitical uncertainty will be key to sustaining overseas growth.