Inverter air conditioning costs rise brewing price adjustment: the concept of rare earth or be used

Yesterday, a number of air-conditioning companies complained to this reporter, "The skyrocketing prices of rare earths have directly led to the increase in the cost of inverter air conditioners and the pressure on the price increase of inverter terminal products."

However, some people in the industry point out that the amount of rare earth used in air-conditioning is quite limited. It is not ruled out that this is an air-conditioning company using the concept of “rare earth” to find an excuse to raise prices for its end products.

News of the newspaper (Reporter Liu Xinyu) After the NDRC’s “interview” effect gradually faded, the impulse of air-conditioning companies to increase prices has become more apparent. Recently, the price of "rare earth" has skyrocketed as a tool for companies to increase the price of inverter air conditioners.

Compressor costs increase by about 30%

Sun Zhongliang, a steel analyst at Midea Group's procurement center, disclosed to the reporter yesterday that the price of rare earth has doubled or doubled this year. Rising prices of rare earths mean that the cost of inverter compressors has skyrocketed. According to analysis, rare earths accounted for less than one-tenth of the total cost of inverter compressors, and now they have risen sharply to 20%. Relative to other raw materials, rare earths have clearly become the main reason for rising compressor prices.

Air-conditioned enterprises have reported to this reporter that the price of inverter compressors has been raised two or three times this year. Taking the product of a certain model as an example, the price rose from 300 yuan to more than 400 yuan, and the overall increase rate was about 30%.

The increase in the price of the compressor will eventually lead to the end consumer. "We have received a price adjustment notice for inverter air conditioners." Yesterday, a regional head of Gree Electric expressed to this reporter.

In the face of air-conditioning companies "surge" price increase plan, a long-term tracking of household appliances raw materials industry pointed out to this reporter, only 20% to 30% of inverter air conditioner compressor will use rare earth, even if you want to use rare earth The amount of compressors is not very large. The price of a rare earth used in a compressor will not exceed 10 yuan. The impact of rare earth price increases on the overall cost is very small.

More importantly, “If the price of rare earths increases significantly, it is also possible to use high-grade silicon steel as an alternative material, which can achieve the high energy efficiency requirements of inverter compressors”, Sun Zhongliang said, while the high-grade silicon steel prices have been relatively stable. After the solution to the capacity issue in the future, the price is expected to go down.

Manufacturers use "concept" prices

In June of this year, the state cancelled the “energy-saving subsidies” for fixed-frequency air-conditioners. Consumers who purchase fixed-frequency air-conditioners will no longer receive the national “energy-saving benefits” subsidy of up to RMB 250. However, after the subsidy was cancelled, the increase in air-conditioning was far more than 250 yuan.

After the completion of the fixed-frequency air-conditioning price increase by taking advantage of the “subsidy cancellation”, will air-conditioning companies use the concept of “rare earth” to generate prices for inverter air conditioners? Liu Buchen, an observer of the household appliance industry, believes that air-conditioning companies are facing greater pressures for rising raw materials, but they intend to absorb the rise in their overall costs through a concept that will be resented by consumers and will damage the brand image.