China's corrosion-resistant pump development is facing difficulties
Corrosion-resistant pumps are widely used in industrial production and play a crucial role across various sectors such as petroleum, chemical processing, fertilizer manufacturing, textile, food, and environmental protection. With the evolving market demands, there has been a growing need for high-tech corrosion-resistant pumps that can withstand harsh chemical environments. To meet these changing requirements, Chinese manufacturers have made efforts to adjust their product structures, but they still face challenges in terms of operational reliability, batch consistency, and anti-corrosion performance. Every year, approximately $80 million worth of corrosion-resistant pumps are imported into China, and this figure continues to rise. This highlights a significant gap between domestic capabilities and international standards.
Currently, over 3,500 pump manufacturers operate in China, with only around 628 large-scale factories. The majority of these companies fail to achieve economies of scale, operating at low levels with limited technical development. As market competition intensifies, it is expected to shift toward large-scale, high-tech operations—similar to what we've seen in industries like consumer electronics. According to customs data, about 16% of the total pump market is met through imports, with 85% of those being corrosion-resistant models. The domestic market for corrosion-resistant pumps is valued at roughly 4.5 billion yuan, making up 30% of the overall pump industry, with an annual demand of about 300,000 units.
Despite this, most corrosion-resistant pump production is concentrated among 160 member companies of the Zhongtong Pump Association, none of which have reached true economies of scale. Only a few enterprises, such as Dalian Acid-Resistant Pump Plant, Shijiazhuang Pump Factory, and Shanghai KSB, have developed some level of expertise. However, even these companies struggle to meet the growing demand and often remain at a basic production level.
In terms of market demand, corrosion-resistant pumps are primarily used in energy systems, chemical industries, oil, and mining. Over the years, Chinese manufacturers have introduced advanced foreign technologies, especially after the 1980s. However, most joint ventures and technology transfers have not led to strong market presence, except for a few key players. Different industries prefer different brands based on specific needs—such as Big Resistance for ammonia projects or Hangzhou Alkali Pump for chlor-alkali applications. These preferences highlight the increasing demands for better corrosion resistance, wear resistance, sealing performance, and long-term stability. Yet, domestic pumps still lag behind international standards.
The corrosion-resistant pump market has seen a decline in production growth due to rising imports, leading to imbalanced operations, reduced profitability, and increased losses. Small factories, lacking proper capacity, have flooded the market with low-quality products, driving down prices and increasing sales costs. While some companies have expanded through mergers and shareholding systems, many have neglected technological advancement, resulting in inefficient operations and poor competitiveness.
To improve the situation, Chinese manufacturers must focus on building real brand value, enhancing product quality, and adopting modern marketing strategies. Collaborating with global leaders and integrating advanced technologies could help them develop efficient, high-performance corrosion-resistant pumps that meet both domestic and international standards. This approach is essential for sustainable growth and long-term success in the competitive pump industry.
Dongguan Anding Technology Manufacturing Co., Ltd , https://www.cn-moulds.com