12. Latin America

Window RACs are dominant in the Latin American market, which is estimated at 2.2 million units in 2004 with around 1.5 million window units and 0.5 million units of ductless mini-splits. It is expected that mini-splits will gradually replace windows. Most of the Latin American countries have imposed very high import tariffs on products. 2004 was a record year for imports of air conditioning products according to customs in Latin American countries (apart from Argentina). An approach toward energy issues and refrigerants are expected to commence during 2005. The main issue will be whether the Latin America will follow a system like SEER in the US or not. Carrier, Trane, York, LGE and Samsung are the main players in most markets. In Latin America, the 2 largest markets are Brazil and Mexico whose outline is touched a bit hereunder.