Core Insights - The article discusses the historical challenges faced by China in producing seamless steel pipes, which are critical for energy security, national defense, and high-end manufacturing [1][5][11] - It highlights the transformation from dependency on foreign technology to achieving self-sufficiency and technological advancement in seamless steel pipe production [3][9] Industry Overview - In the 1990s, China faced exorbitant prices for seamless steel pipes, with costs reaching $20,000 per ton, and was subject to restrictive technology transfers from Western countries [1][3] - The lack of access to core technologies and advanced equipment led to a sense of industrial vulnerability, prompting a national initiative to develop domestic capabilities [5][7] Technological Development - A dedicated team of engineers and scientists was formed to create seamless steel pipes from scratch, overcoming significant technical challenges without initial design blueprints [7][9] - The key equipment, a vertical extrusion machine, was developed, which allowed for the production of high-quality seamless steel pipes, marking a significant milestone in China's industrial capabilities [9] Market Impact - The successful production of seamless steel pipes led to a dramatic price drop from $20,000 to $6,000 per ton, disrupting the market and diminishing the pricing power of foreign suppliers [9] - China's self-sufficiency in seamless steel pipe production has increased significantly, with domestic production rates exceeding 70% to 80% in high-end sectors like nuclear power and aerospace [9][11]