日本制造，拼命撤出中国？背后不简单

Core Viewpoint - Japanese companies are facing significant challenges in the Chinese market, leading to closures and exits from various sectors, but they are simultaneously increasing investments in high-end technology within China [1][9][23]. Group 1: Company Closures and Exits - Canon has closed its printer production base in Zhongshan, which was once a significant employment hub, producing millions of laser printers and generating nearly 3.2 billion in industrial output in 2022 [1][4]. - Nissan announced the closure of its Wuhan factory, which had a production capacity of 300,000 vehicles per year but struggled with low sales, achieving only 3% utilization [5]. - Mitsubishi has completely exited the Chinese automotive market after over 40 years, ceasing its joint engine project and halting vehicle production [5][7]. - Sony has officially withdrawn its Xperia smartphone business from China, and Yakult has closed its first factory in Guangzhou due to a significant drop in sales [6][7]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Competition - The decline of Japanese brands in China is attributed to the rapid advancement of domestic brands, which have overtaken their Japanese counterparts in market share [9][11]. - Japanese companies have been slow to adapt to market changes, relying heavily on brand reputation and quality premiums, which have diminished due to various scandals [13][15]. - The market share of Japanese cars in China has dropped from nearly 25% in 2020 to 11.2% last year, while domestic brands dominate the appliance and electronics sectors [12]. Group 3: Strategic Shifts and Investments - Despite the closures, Japanese investment in China has surged, with a 55.5% year-on-year increase in the first three quarters of this year, indicating a strategic pivot towards high-end technology [17][23]. - Toyota has invested $2 billion to establish a wholly-owned electric vehicle company in Shanghai, marking a shift from joint ventures to direct investment in high-end technology [19]. - Panasonic is focusing on semiconductor packaging materials in Shanghai, reflecting a commitment to the Chinese market as a critical battleground for global electronics manufacturing [22]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The current situation represents a significant restructuring of Japanese companies in China, moving away from low-end production towards high-end sectors, indicating a fundamental strategic shift [23][24]. - Companies that can innovate and localize effectively are likely to thrive in the competitive Chinese market, which is seen as a global strategic high ground rather than just a low-cost manufacturing base [24][25].