**Abstract**
In recent years, despite the steady growth of China's machine tool industry, the hardware tools sector has lagged significantly behind. According to available data, China's annual tool sales amount to approximately 14.5 billion yuan, yet the share of cemented carbide tools remains below 25%. This is far from the global standard in tool product structure and fails to meet the rising domestic demand for advanced carbide tools. The imbalance in the current tool market is evident: high-speed steel cutters are overproduced, while carbide cutters—highly needed by users—are insufficient. Similarly, modern manufacturing requires high-efficiency cutting tools, but low-grade standard tools still dominate the market.
Luo Baihui, Secretary General of the International Association of Mould & Hardware Plastics Industry Suppliers, pointed out that as the machinery manufacturing industry evolves, the proportion of high-efficiency CNC machines in Chinese factories is expected to rise. This will drive a surge in demand for advanced, high-performance tools, while the need for traditional, low-end tools will gradually decline. However, many domestic manufacturers remain focused on short-term profits, neglecting long-term innovation and technological upgrades. This approach hinders their ability to compete globally and limits their potential for sustainable growth.
China is a major producer and exporter of hardware tools, with most power tools sold worldwide being made and exported from the country. As a result, China has become the world’s leading supplier of power tools. Despite this scale, the industry faces challenges such as weak technological innovation, a narrow market structure, and limited brand influence. Many companies lack core competitiveness, making it difficult for them to grow into global leaders.
The development system within the industry is also imperfect. Basic management issues have not been effectively addressed, becoming a bottleneck for enterprises aiming to improve and expand. R&D management, in particular, lags behind international standards. Domestic companies struggle with setting up effective R&D centers, managing projects efficiently, and attracting top talent. Additionally, there is a lack of strategic coordination among research teams, preventing the formation of collaborative breakthroughs in critical areas.
Another challenge lies in the lack of systematic R&D accumulation. The tool industry involves complex disciplines such as material design, coating technology, and digital development. Any advancement in one area can trigger a ripple effect across the entire industry. However, inconsistencies in production processes often lead to unstable product performance. While domestic companies may produce tools that look similar to foreign counterparts, their actual performance falls short. To overcome this gap, a comprehensive and integrated R&D strategy is essential to ensure consistency and reliability in tool production.
Moreover, the lack of supporting services is a major obstacle. Foreign tool companies offer more than just products—they provide tailored solutions and support based on customer needs. In contrast, many Chinese tool companies maintain only transactional relationships with clients, often relying on agents rather than direct engagement. As a result, they lack the service capability necessary to match their tools with customers’ specific processing requirements. This leads to underutilization of high-quality products on the production line, failing to deliver the full potential of the tools.
To address these issues, Liu Yuling, Chief Engineer at Beiyi CNC Machine Tool Co., Ltd., emphasized the importance of "original innovation, excellent production, and turnkey capabilities." Domestic companies must shift their focus from merely replacing foreign tools to developing products that meet real-world demands. They need not only the ability to manufacture tools but also the expertise to apply them effectively in production. This dual approach will help build a solid foundation for independent innovation and intellectual property development.
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