After removing my worn out pressure washer pump unit from the 5.5 HP Honda engine, I am finding replacements in the USA for around $230 to $250. But I am seeing the same pump for around $45 US from various overseas Asian industrial suppliers.

My gut tells me no, unless these types of things are not typically imitated. But then again, China imitates pretty much everything, withoutout regard to quality, copyright, etc.

So, do you think the Comet manufactured Model VRX 2527G is the real thing coming from overseas ? I have my doubts. What say you ?

I dont see how it could be made that cheaply and be any good. Check Surplus Center, they may have what you need. I'd go for the quality myself and skip the cheap one.

Where are the high priced pumps actually made?

This isn't an answer to your question but the 5.5 Honda engine is probably the economy built engine of Honda's line. Depending on it's age and condition you may be better off looking at a whole new unit for not a lot more money. At least consider checking it out.

Follow your gut. Do not buy Chinese garbage. You’ll be replacing it again and feeling the sting of a foolish choice.

Surely there is a pressure washer out there with a good pump and a blown engine, maybe arrange a marriage?

Unless it's a catastrophic failure, a pump kit usually spruces them up and doesn't cost much.
https://www.toolbarn.com/comet...jR9rISsaAmRZEALw_wcB

Well I looked at everything, and bought a new Comet manufactured pump from a USA Retailer, Northern Tool. It's an exact replacement with one model number digit difference, same crankshaft key drive and bolt patterns, same GPM, just 100 more PSI than my original. I called the manufacturer first to make sure I was doing the right thing. When it arrives it will be simple a simple plug-n-play. Taking the old one apart was educational. I understand the general principle of how it works after looking at it, but not in detail in my mind. But they certainly are simple, which is a good thing for a consumer product like this.

Fun fact: It's possible I accellerated the demise of my old pump, because when I called Comet pumps tech support, the man told me that the hydraulic fluid I had used in the pump may have killed it, since that small pump is actually supposed to use SAE 30 non-detergent motor oil as the pump fluid. I was really suprised. Apparently hydraulic fluid is a radically different material for pressure washer pumps, versus actual hydraulic systems. Interesting. Oops.