China Air Purifier Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Technology (HEPA, Activated Carbon), By Application (Commercial, Residential), And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

China Air Purifier Market Size & Trends

The China air purifier market size was estimated at USD 2.58 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2024 to 2030. The market growth is primarily driven by the rising air pollution in major cities and the prevalence of respiratory and airborne diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and stroke. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2 million deaths occur due to pollution in China annually, of which 1 million deaths are caused due to ambient air pollution.

Rapid industrialization has contributed to the high levels of air quality degradation and presents serious economic, social, and political problems. Historically, electricity generation and coal industries have been the primary causes of air pollution in the country. However, by 2017 the steel industry became the biggest polluter. The WHO has emphasized controlling nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. According to AirNow, China’s PM2 levels exceeded the WHO guidelines, leaving the AQI higher than EPA recommendations. For instance, in 2020, Shenyang had 115 AQI and 41 μg/m3 PM2.5 concentration, which was four times the standard guidelines.

Approximately 1.9% of rural households in China use coal as their fuel source, and it disproportionately contributes to air pollution. Furthermore, vehicular emissions largely impact the air quality index (AQI), particularly in larger cities. In 2020, the total vehicle count in China reached 360 million, and as per China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, in 2018, 45% of Beijing's air pollution was due to vehicular emissions, and 30% in Shanghai.

Air pollution concerns China’s annual GDP. As per the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air, the associated economic cost comprises 6.6% of the GDP. China’s leaders have proactively responded with necessary measures to improve air quality. In November 2020, the Central Committee of the Communist Party suggested the establishment of stringent regulations for tackling ozone and particulate matter to “essentially eliminate” air toxins during the Fourteenth Five-Year Plan. The Government has poured resources into funding renewable energy alternatives. For instance, in 2017, the government announced an investment of USD365 for the production of renewable power, including nuclear, wind, hydroelectric, and solar energy through 2020.

Market Characteristics & Concentration

Mergers & acquisitions, new product developments, and strategic alliances are some of the strategies adopted by the market participants, thereby making the competitive rivalry more intense. Thus, the overall competitive rivalry is anticipated to be high over the forecast period.

Air conditioners can be considered as an alternative to air purifiers by consumers while making a purchase decision. Air conditioners maintain indoor temperature as well as air quality. Therefore, people living in regions with high temperate or tepid climatic conditions may choose air conditioners over air purifiers.

The threat of substitutes for air purifiers is likely to be low to moderate over the forecast period. Air-conditioners are used primarily to cool indoor environments as well as to purify the air, but to a limited extent, as it is not the main function of the equipment. Thus, they can act as a substitute in applications where cooling is the major requirement, with a secondary concern for air purification.

Although the market does not have any significant entry barriers, new entrants usually have to compete with multinational market participants as well as local players. Multinational public companies have substantial financial stability, coupled with a large client base and extensive distribution networks, which are expected to deter new entrants.

The China air purifier market is characterized by the presence of several multinational as well as local air purifier manufacturers that offer a wide range of products at competitive prices. Moreover, the availability of close substitutes further adds to the competitive rivalry in the market.

Technology Insights

The High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) segment accounted for the highest revenue share of 41.1% in 2023. American scientists discovered HEPA filters during the Manhattan Project to capture the radioactive particles released in the atomic bomb manufacturing process. HEPA finds widespread application in protecting laboratory and factory workers from respiratory issues in China. Moreover, worsening air pollution has driven its use in residential and commercial applications.

Chinese air purifiers had the highest export orders amid the COVID-19 pandemic. From April to November 2020, air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters, UVOR ozone sterilization function, and non-consumable water filters demand rose 10-fold from international consumers, with the U.S. being one of the largest export markets.

The other segment is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2030. Other technologies, such as electrostatic precipitators, UV light technology, and ozone generators, are used in air purifiers. UV lamps use ultraviolet light technology to destroy microorganisms, including viruses, mold (fungi), bacteria, and germs that pass through the lamp. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends UV light technology for preventing diseases and illnesses.

Application Insights

The commercial segment held the largest share in 2023 and is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to the high adoption of air purifiers in hospitals, offices, hotels, educational institutes, conference centers, shopping malls, movie theatres, and other recreational facilities. A massive surge in the use of air purifiers in hospitals and medical organizations was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rising awareness about cleaner indoor air quality is driving the segment growth in China.

The industrial segment is projected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Air purifiers are extensively used in pharmaceutical, petrochemical, power plants, food & beverage, printing, chemical, and manufacturing industries. HEPA filters in food & beverage industries are used to maintain cleanroom conditions.

The healthcare facilities commercial sector accounted for the largest revenue share in 2023 owing to growing COVID-19 cases in China. The purifiers are used in patient care rooms and Airborne Infection Isolation Rooms (AIIRs) for controlling infectious and communicable diseases as well as to eliminate airborne pathogens, viruses, bacteria, and allergens to maintain a clean environment.

The hospitality sector is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2030 owing to the rising demand for air purifiers in tourism and leisure industries to eliminate stubborn odors and maintain a calming ambiance.

Key China Air Purifier Company Insights

The Chinese air purifier market is highly competitive owing to the presence of both multinationals as well as local manufacturers. Strong and supportive government initiatives are also driving product innovations and collaborative activities. For instance, in the Paris Agreement, China committed to increasing the use of non-fossil fuels by 2030. Furthermore, in September 2020, at the UN assembly, President Xi Jinping discussed China’s plan to become carbon neutral by 2060.

Chinese companies have an expansive product portfolio and are sold via company-owned websites, retailers, distributors, and e-commerce channels, including Alibaba, Zunpulse, and Made-in-China, among others. New product launches, technological investments, licensing agreements, and mergers & acquisitions are some of the strategies adopted by the participants to gain share, strengthen their position in the market, and capitalize on the public’s growing health concerns.

China Air Purifier Market Report Scope

China Air Purifier Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the country level and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the China air purifier market report based on technology, and application:

• Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)

  • Activated Carbon

  • Ionic Filters

  • Electrostatic Precipitator

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Commercial

    • Retail Shops

    • Offices

    • Healthcare Facilities

    • Hospitality

    • Schools & Educational Institutions

    • Laboratories

    • Transport

    • Others

  • Residential

  • Industrial