The "cost" of an axe from China

[Steve Tall]

Although this data is from 1991, it gives a glimpse into the costs of axe production in China.

These costs include the costs of importing axe components into Canada (including freight and brokerage) for a documented example:

3 pound axe head (China) -- $1.46
Handle (USA) -- $2.42 (more than the cost of the axe head)
Wooden Wedge (USA) -- $0.09
Steel Wedge (USA) -- $0.01
Labels (Taiwan) -- $0.07
Packaging (Canada) -- $0.18
Labor (Canada) -- $0.65

Adding these costs gives $4.88

The content from the USA and Canada adds up to $3.35 which is greater than 50%, so this axe can be "treated as goods originating in the territory of Canada and/or the United States".


Information source:
United States International Trade Commision Rulings And Harmonized Tariff Schedule
http://www.faqs.org/rulings/rulings1991NY0862781.html

 

[Pipeman]

Yup ;-((( And unfortunately for American axe makers the smart Chinese companies do some very nice work. Some of the knives coming out of China are pretty amazing, even at 5 times the cost.

Regards

Robin

 

[Ravaillac]

Well, just have a look at those prices:

http://www.alibaba.com/Axe_pid14200301

The "funny" part is that they are not remotely shy about trademarks:
http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/422428868/Axe_Head_Cutting_Instrument_with_nylon.html

(for the record this is no endorsment, importing counterfeit products is illegal in most countries, and you don't get any guarantee those axes bear are any close to original in terms of performance).

 

[Ahnkochee]

It looks they're putting the heads on upside down too.
http://www.alibaba.com/catalogs/--14200301------------6-100016844,100006018-6965

 

[Steve Tall]

...they are not remotely shy about trademarks...

It gives "forged axe" a whole new meaning.