Problems in the chain industry

　　With the development of the global economy, China’s chain industry has become increasingly vibrant, undergoing significant changes in areas such as production growth, product mix, technological quality, market expansion, and economic performance, and achieving numerous new accomplishments. However, alongside these successes, the domestic chain industry still faces a number of challenges, including insufficient brand recognition, a limited supply of high-end products, and difficulties in ensuring the quality of steel used for chains.

　　I. There is a shortage of high-end products, and brand influence remains insufficient.

　　At present, China accounts for nearly 50 percent of global chain exports, yet its export quality remains stuck in the mid- to low‑end range; even domestic demand for high‑quality chains still relies on imports. Although China has become a major global producer of chains, most automotive manufacturers continue to source their chains from overseas. In terms of quality and branding, Chinese products lack international clout and fail to gain recognition in the global market.

　　II. The quality of the chain’s raw materials is not guaranteed.

　　In China, the supply conditions for steel used in the chain industry remain unfavorable, with the market still largely tilted in favor of suppliers. Although many companies have adopted diversified sourcing strategies, these efforts are confined to price and specification considerations, leaving the intrinsic quality of the steel difficult to guarantee. By contrast, the steels employed in overseas chain manufacturing are precisely matched by steel producers to meet specific requirements; their chemical composition, surface quality, and geometric accuracy all satisfy performance standards, thereby providing a reliable foundation for automated chain‑product processing. This is also why mid- and low‑end chains can be exported domestically, while high‑end products must be imported.

　　III. Insufficient R&D investment and relatively weak technical capabilities

　　As the chain industry is a low-margin sector, there are very few large and medium-sized chain manufacturers in China. Companies find it difficult to finance independent R&D and the adoption of advanced technologies through internal capital accumulation. Only a small number of financially robust enterprises have taken the lead in technological innovation and capability upgrading, leading to an ever-widening gap between firms. Consequently, in the context of intense market competition, the challenge of raising the industry’s overall technological level has become particularly pressing.