On December 26, 2025, Zhu Lei, Gree's marketing director, posted images showcasing a factory brimming with copper tubes destined for air conditioner production. This action was a direct response to the recent uproar, particularly following announcements by air - conditioning giants like Haier, Midea, and Xiaomi about their commitment to the 'Self - Regulatory Pact of the Air Conditioner Aluminum Reinforcement Application Research Working Group.' Since then, the issue of 'replacing copper with aluminum' has become a hot topic, attracting widespread attention from both the industry and consumers.

Gree Electric Appliances clarified that copper serves as a fundamental raw material for air conditioners, constituting roughly 20% of the production cost. While aluminum is more cost - effective, it falls short of copper in crucial performance metrics and long - term reliability. As a result, Gree currently has no intention of switching from copper to aluminum.