France will hold the first round of its presidential election on April 18.

Data show household AC penetration in Europe is only about 20%. A concentrated surge in European cooling demand has driven sustained growth in overseas orders for Chinese-made air conditioners, prompting factories to run overtime to meet export demand. Since March, Europe-targeted export orders have jumped sharply; May exports exceeded 800,000 units, up 20.3% YoY.

Iran deputy foreign minister Gharibabadi led a delegation to Doha and met Qatari prime minister and foreign minister Mohammed to discuss implementation of the US‑Iran memorandum, including removing obstacles to a ceasefire in Lebanon. Iran, Qatar and Pakistan held tripartite talks to review execution of the memorandum. Gharibabadi said Tehran has set up a working group to follow up on implementation and to negotiate a final agreement, but formal talks have not yet started; Iran is consulting via mediators on timing and location and the group will begin negotiations only if necessary conditions are met.