According to the latest statistics from the Tool Branch of China Machine Tool & Tool Builders Association, Chinas machine tool industry demonstrated export growth and import decline trends in global markets during the first nine months of 2023. Particularly in the export sectors of cutting tools and measuring instruments, the data showed significant growth.

Export Decline:Cutting tools exports amounted to 17.007 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 2.74%.
Import Decline:Imports reached 6.48 billion yuan, showing a substantial year-on-year decrease of 11.76%.
Cemented Carbide Inserts Trends:
? Import value (2.742 billion yuan) was 1.44 times the export value (1.905 billion yuan).
? Coated cemented carbide inserts exports grew by 47.20% year-on-year, while imports decreased by 9.83%.
? Non-coated cemented carbide inserts exports increased by 12.52%, with imports declining by 14.06%.
Higher Import Prices for Cutting Tools:Comparing products with identical HS codes, the average price of imported cutting tools was significantly higher than export prices.

Export Growth:Total exports reached 1.39 billion yuan, an 18.87% year-on-year increase.
? Measuring tools (micrometers, calipers, and gauges) exports were 1.04 billion yuan, up 11.11%.
? Measuring instruments (coordinate measuring machines, profile projectors) exports were 350 million yuan, growing by 50.04%.

Import Growth:Total imports amounted to 1.177 billion yuan, a 24.13% year-on-year increase.
? Measuring tools imports were 298 million yuan, up 32.01%.
? Measuring instruments imports were 880 million yuan, growing by 21.67%.

These figures reflect the gradually strengthening competitiveness of Chinas machine tool industry in international markets, particularly in niche segments like cemented carbide inserts and measuring instruments. The export growth and import decline may indicate technological advancements and quality improvements in domestic manufacturing. Additionally, the phenomenon of higher import prices for cutting tools might be related to differences in product quality and brand influence between domestic and foreign products.