According to customs data, Zhongshan's home appliance exports surpassed 29.5 billion yuan in the first 5 months of the year, up 5.2% year on year. Cooling appliances, such as air conditioners, electric fans and refrigerators, accounted for over half the total at 16.31 billion yuan.

"Our ice cream makers and refrigerated beer dispensers target overseas supermarkets and restaurant chains. During hot-weather peak seasons, sales surge more than 80% year on year," said the customs affairs chief at Guangdong Welly Electrical Appliances Co.

Guangdong Homa Refrigerator Co, based in Zhongshan's Nantou town, manufactures and sells refrigerators and freezers. "Our products are well received overseas. So far this year, exports have topped 6.4 million units, up 9.3% year on year," said the company's customs affairs chief.