WHY IS JAPANESE STEEL MORE EXPENSIVE THAN CHINESE STEEL?

Japanese steel is often more expensive than Chinese steel for several key reasons:

1. Higher Quality and Production Standards

• Japan is known for its strict manufacturing processes and rigorous quality control.
• Japanese steel typically has higher purity, better durability, rust resistance, and strength.
• It is suitable for projects requiring high technical standards or export-grade quality.

2. Advanced Manufacturing Technology

• Steel mills in Japan use advanced, environmentally friendly technologies.
• This results in more consistent and defect-free products, but also increases production costs.

3. Labor and Raw Material Costs

• Japan has significantly higher labor and operational costs compared to China.
• This leads to higher product prices.

4. More Limited Supply Compared to China

• China is the world’s largest steel exporter, producing on a massive industrial scale, which enables lower pricing due to economies of scale.
• In contrast, Japan produces less and focuses mainly on high-end segments.

5. Brand Value and Reliability

• Japanese steel is associated with being “durable – precise – safe.”
• Large-scale or foreign-invested projects often prioritize materials sourced from Japan.