How Europe’s rush for Chinese air conditioners exposes the gap in Brussels’ trade policy

Europe is experiencing unprecedented demand for Chinese air conditioners due to a severe heatwave. This surge in demand highlights a contradiction in Brussels' trade policy, as the European Union is simultaneously attempting to reduce its record trade deficit with China through new restrictions. Observers suggest this situation reveals a gap between public needs and political aims, with the EU reportedly shifting blame for the deficit rather than addressing its own structural issues. The heatwave has caused widespread disruption across the continent, including infrastructure problems, droughts, and a significant number of heat-related deaths, prompting red alerts in countries like France and the Netherlands.