抄録
In recent years the air conditioner makers in China have rapidly elevated their competitive strength. I would like to point out that their competitive edge depends on not only low labor cost but also a unique procurement system. First, this paper considers how the Chinese air conditioner makers procure basic parts such as compressors, and how the procurement system has contributed to the cost advantage of Chinese firms in domestic and global markets. Secondly, this paper compares Chinese firms with Japanese firms by focusing on differences in the procurement system. Through this analysis it will be possible to clarify that the key competitive advantage of Chinese air conditioner makers is their low-cost procurement system, which is open to all basic air conditioner part makers and has relatively short transaction periods.
