Liquid Chromatography Instrument Import-Export Landscape Transformation and the Development Prospects of the Second-Hand Market Amid Economic Downturn

Abstract
As a core tool in modern analytical chemistry, liquid chromatography instruments play an indispensable role in pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, food safety, and life sciences research. In recent years, the global liquid chromatography market has undergone significant structural adjustments, with China's import-export landscape exhibiting a distinct "import contraction, export expansion" trend. Simultaneously, factors such as slowing global economic growth, escalating trade frictions, and declining investment in China's biopharmaceutical industry have collectively spurred a "consumption downgrade" phenomenon in the scientific instrument market, creating unique opportunities for the second-hand liquid chromatography instrument sector.

This paper systematically analyzes the changing trends in China's liquid chromatography instrument import-export data from 2017 to 2024, delves into the driving factors behind the halving of imports and export growth, and explores the development potential, challenges, and future evolution of the second-hand market under current economic pressures.

Profound Transformation in the Import-Export Landscape of Liquid Chromatography Instruments

China's liquid chromatography instrument market has recently exhibited a striking "two-track" phenomenon: a sharp decline in imports alongside sustained export growth. Customs data reveals that in 2022, China imported 22,463 liquid chromatography units, valued at ¥6.565 billion RMB, marking a peak. By 2024, however, imports plummeted to 10,311 units, worth only ¥2.934 billion—a drop of over 50%. This dramatic decline is not coincidental but rather the result of multiple converging factors.

Import Sources: Germany, Japan, and Singapore have long dominated China's liquid chromatography import market, collectively accounting for nearly 70% in 2024. Germany, leveraging local production bases of global giants like Agilent and Thermo Fisher, led with 3,334 units (¥938 million, 32% share). Japan followed with 2,393 units (¥573 million), while Singapore ranked third with 1,427 units (¥446 million). Notably, "imports" from China itself rose from 0.565% in 2017 to 7.072% in 2024, reflecting international brands' accelerated localization strategies.

Export Growth: In contrast, China's liquid chromatography exports have surged in both volume and value. In 2024, exports reached 2,017 units (¥460 million), up significantly from 1,786 units (¥134 million) in 2022. More strikingly, the average export price jumped from ~$20,000 in 2023 to$34,000 in 2024—a 69.42% increase—signaling a shift from low-cost competition to mid-to-high-end market penetration.

Export Destinations: Russia emerged as the largest buyer (541 units, ¥154 million), driven by deepening Sino-Russian trade amid Western sanctions. India saw a staggering 342.6% export growth, becoming the second-largest market. Traditional developed markets like Japan and Hong Kong maintained stable demand. This export diversification underscores the rising global competitiveness of Chinese liquid chromatography instruments.

Underlying Drivers of Import-Export Restructuring

The reshaping of China's liquid chromatography trade landscape stems from multiple factors, including technological advancements, industrial policies, and geopolitical shifts.

1. Accelerated Domestic Substitution:

   • Companies like Hanbon Sci. & Tech. have achieved breakthroughs in niche segments, capturing 39.2% of the small-molecule LC market and 8.8% of the macromolecular chromatography sector.
   • Government policies (e.g., the 14th Five-Year Plan for Bioeconomy Development) further incentivize localization through tax breaks and R&D subsidies.

2. Localization Strategies of Global Brands:

   • Agilent (Shanghai), Thermo Fisher, and Shimadzu have shifted production to China, reducing import dependency.
   • Germany’s import share fell from ~40% to 32%, reflecting this transition.

3. Geopolitical and Supply Chain Shifts:

   • U.S.-China trade tensions slashed exports to the U.S. by 94.71% in 2024, while Russia’s imports from China surged 969% in 2023.

4. Technological Upgrades:

   • Innovations like dynamic axial compression columns and simulated moving bed chromatography have elevated product quality.
   • The average export price from Jiangsu hit $110,000 in 2024, signaling high-end market entry.

Opportunities for the Second-Hand Market Amid Economic Slowdown

As biopharma funding cools and budget constraints tighten, the second-hand liquid chromatography market is gaining traction.

Demand Drivers:

• Cost-Conscious Buyers: R&D budget cuts have pushed labs toward second-hand instruments (priced at 30–50% of new ones).
• Startups & Academia: Cash-strapped biotech firms and teaching labs increasingly opt for affordable used equipment.

Supply Sources:

• Lab closures/mergers, equipment upgrades (e.g., HPLC → UHPLC transitions), and seized/customs-held devices.

Challenges:

• Lack of standardized quality certifications and after-sales support.
• Price opacity and information asymmetry.

Emerging Solutions:

• Online platforms offering inspection reports, warranties, and logistics.
• Regional "gradient transfers" (e.g., surplus instruments from Beijing/Shanghai resold to smaller inland labs).

Future Outlook and Development Pathways

The second-hand market is poised for 15–20% annual growth, driven by:

1. Market Segmentation:

   • Basic research/teaching labs → low-cost units.
   • Pharma/QC labs → certified refurbished UHPLC systems.

2. Technological Enablers:

   • IoT/AI for usage history tracking and lifespan prediction.
   • Modular designs simplifying repairs.

3. Regulatory & Ecosystem Maturation:

   • Third-party grading systems (e.g., "A/B/C" tiers).
   • OEM-certified refurbishment programs (e.g., Agilent’s Certified Pre-Owned).
   • Lease-to-own and rental models gaining traction.

4. Policy Tailwinds:

   • Potential relaxation of research grant rules to permit second-hand purchases.
   • Stricter e-waste regulations phasing out obsolete models.

Projected Trends (2024–2029):

Conclusion:
China’s second-hand liquid chromatography market is transitioning from a niche to a mainstream channel. Success will hinge on standardization, service innovation, and adaptive policies—offering both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders navigating this evolving landscape.

(Note: Figures and citations (e.g., "2", "4") reference original Chinese sources omitted here for brevity.)