TCT Monthly | June 2026-Commercial Freezer & Refrigerator

Jul 10
5 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

COLD-TECH Poland 2026

Editor's Note

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the June issue of the TCT Monthly – Commercial Refrigeration Industry Special.

In June, the global commercial refrigeration sector was defined by two major trade events: Fresh Logistics Asia in Shanghai and COLD-TECH Poland 2026 in Warsaw. Both shows centred on coldchain logistics, coldstorage construction, and advanced refrigeration technologies.

On the corporate front, Epta showcased its CO₂ modular systems and the Zenith line of ecofriendly cabinets at COLDTECH Poland. Carrier Transicold continued to expand its transport refrigeration business, delivering thousands of refrigerated container gensets. Hussmann moved its full A2L refrigerant product line into the market launch phase.

On materials, copper and aluminium prices trended downward, while PVC continued its decline. The RMB strengthened further against the USD. Details follow.

Section 1: Raw Material Prices & Exchange Rates

I. Raw Material Prices for Commercial Refrigerators

Month-on-Month Highlights (vs. May):

Electrolytic Copper: Copper prices trended down in June. The June 25 spot average of RMB 101,700/t was lower than the earlyMay level of RMB 102,715/t.

A00 Aluminium: Aluminium weakened steadily through June, falling from RMB 23,900/t on June 9 to RMB 22,880/t on June 26 – a notable monthly drop.

304 Stainless Steel: The June 25 mainstream range of RMB 14,450–14,700/t was slightly lower than the lateMay level of RMB 14,700–14,750/t.

Galvanised Steel Coil: The June 26 average of RMB 4,199/t was higher than the May average of RMB 4,018/t.

PVC: PVC prices continued to shift lower, with East China calcium carbide Type 5 dropping to RMB 4,300–4,450/t, a significant decline from lateMay levels of RMB 4,850–4,960/t.

II. RMB Exchange Rate vs. USD

In June 2026, the RMB extended its appreciation against the USD, with the central parity rate moving further downward.

Trend Summary: The central parity rate strengthened from around 6.85 at the start of June to near 6.81 at monthend, representing an appreciation of roughly 0.5% over the month.

Section 2: Global Trade Show Highlights

COLD-TECH Poland 2026

June 9–11

Ptak Warsaw Expo, Warsaw, Poland

Central Europe's core refrigeration technology event, covering commercial refrigeration, coldchain logistics, and system solutions.

Fresh Logistics Asia

June 24–26

Shanghai New International Expo Centre, China

Asia's premier fresh supply chain expo, showcasing coldchain transport, coldstorage construction, warehousing, and refrigerated equipment.

Section 3: International Company News & Product Technology

【International Company News】

Epta Group: Participated in COLDTECH Poland 2026 (June 9–11) in Warsaw, highlighting its sustainable refrigeration solutions. Key exhibits included the EptaTechnica modular CO₂ refrigeration system, the Zenith cabinet line (compatible with CO₂ or R290 natural refrigerants), and the Servitization digital service management platform. Source: Epta (https://www.eptarefrigeration.com)

Carrier Commercial Refrigeration: In June, Carrier, through its Carrier Transicold division, delivered 1,750 PrimeLINE and EverFRESH 40ft refrigerated container gensets to Pacific International Lines (PIL) to expand its reefer shipping capacity. Additionally, Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) purchased 300 Carrier Transicold PrimeLINE units. Source: World Ports (https://www.worldports.org)

Hussmann (a Panasonic subsidiary): Following its May launch, the full A2L refrigerant product line entered the market launch phase in June. Hussmann, with over a century of presence in U.S. supermarket refrigeration, continues to expand its natural refrigerant portfolio, especially CO₂ transcritical systems. Source: Hussmann (https://www.hussmann.com)

Hillphoenix (Dover Food Retail): As a major player in refrigerated display cases, Hillphoenix maintains a leading position in CO₂ natural refrigerants and sustainable systems. Its Second Nature® series covers ecofriendly refrigerants including glycol, CO₂, and ammonia. Source: Hillphoenix (https://www.hillphoenix.com)

【Product & Technology Highlights】

CO₂ Natural Refrigerant Systems Expanding: Epta showcased its EptaTechnica modular CO₂ system at COLDTECH Poland, designed to meet diverse needs from smallformat stores to large supermarkets. Source: Epta (https://www.eptarefrigeration.com)

Digital Service Management Platform: Epta's Servitization platform combines highperformance refrigeration equipment with fulllifecycle service offerings. Source: Epta (https://www.eptarefrigeration.com)

Electrification in Transport Refrigeration: Carrier Transicold continues to expand its electric transport refrigeration product line and has partnered with ConMet eMobility to provide a zeroemission system for commercial evaluation with Sysco. Source: Carrier (https://www.carrier.com)

【Policy & Energy Efficiency】

China: The new energyefficiency national standard for commercial refrigeration equipment, GB 269202024 "Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for commercial refrigerating appliances", took effect on April 1, 2026, and entered its regular enforcement phase in June. Under the rules, commercial refrigeration appliances manufactured from April 1, 2026, must carry the new energy label; noncompliant products may not be sold or shipped. Products manufactured or imported before April 1, 2026, are granted a grace period until April 1, 2028, to affix the label. Source: National Standard Disclosure System

China (Energy Conservation Certification): For refrigeration vending machines, household refrigerators, and similar products, energyconservation certification will adopt new standards as of June 1, 2026. Certification bodies will issue certificates under the revised standards from that date. Source: China Quality Certification Centre (https://www.cqc.com.cn)

【Tariff Updates】

Supplementary Note: The impact of the U.S. Section 232 rule on finished commercial refrigerator cabinets (HS code 841850) depends on the specific product's metal content. Derivatives with less than 15% metal content may be exempt or receive preferential treatment; highercontent products remain subject to applicable tariffs. Exporters should assess tariff exposure based on actual product composition.

Section 5: Key Events to Watch in July

【Major Global Events】

Strong El Niño Event Continues to Develop: On July 3, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) issued a report stating that El Niño conditions have emerged in the tropical Pacific and are expected to intensify rapidly in the coming months. The WMO's monthly Global Seasonal Climate Update indicates that the El Niño state will rapidly develop into a strong El Niño event during the July–September 2026 period. Multimodel ensemble forecasts from leading global prediction centres show that sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific continue to rise significantly, with seasonal average sea surface temperatures in key monitoring regions expected to exceed the longterm average by more than 2°C. El Niño is expected to continue strengthening through the northern hemisphere autumn, with its impacts extending across multiple global regions, increasing the risk of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall.

Source: WMO (https://wmo.int/media/news/el-nino-forecast-intensify-increasing-likelihood-of-extreme-weather); Xinhua News (https://app.xinhuanet.com)

2026 FIFA World Cup (Knockout Stage): The 2026 World Cup is being held from June 11 to July 19 across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico – the first ever cohosted by three nations and the first with 48 teams. July brings the decisive knockout rounds: Round of 16 (July 5–8), Quarterfinals (July 9–11), Semifinals (July 14–15), and the Final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Inaugural Global AI Governance Dialogue: July 6–7 in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together about 1,500 delegates from around the world to discuss AI governance. Source: CNR (https://news.cnr.cn)

2026 Global Digital Economy Conference: July 2–4 in Beijing, focusing on AI, digital governance, and data elements, featuring over 80 cuttingedge achievements. Source: CNR (https://www.cnr.cn)

2026 World Internet Conference – Digital Silk Road Development Forum: July 21–22 in Xi'an, themed "Smart Silk Road, Digital New Journey – Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace." Source: World Internet Conference (https://www.wic.cn)

【Global Commercial Refrigeration Exhibition Calendar (Preview)】

For any questions regarding this issue, please contact the TCT Monthly Editorial Office.