Thailand's air conditioner production peaked in eight years, driven by unusually hot summers, high dust concentrations and expanding export markets. It also led Thailand to become the second largest exporter of air conditioners after China, said Office of Industrial Economics (OIE) CEO Varavan Chitarun.
In March, the manufacturing index (MPI) of the air-conditioning industry alone rose to 144.39, up 7.1% from the same period last year, Varavan said.
By the end of March, air conditioners worth $849.60 million (28.64 billion baht) were exported, which is 16.67% more than in the same period last year. This surge in air conditioner orders boosted the country's total exports to $2.27 billion in the first quarter of this year, up 12.85% from the same period last year.
The main importers of air conditioners from Thailand are the United States, the European Union, ASEAN countries, Central East Asia and India. Varavan noted that 75% of air conditioners produced in Thailand are exported.
She added that she expects even more orders for air conditioners due to the ongoing heat wave that has gripped many countries, including Thailand.
In addition, features such as energy efficiency, filters against fine dust and other harmful contaminants, automatic temperature control and voice commands should attract even more customers, she added.
