是的,than引导的是比较状语从句。比较状语从句喜欢省略,是为了避免重复,补充完整是:The manufacturers had to pay more money than they(=the manufacturers) had anticipated (paying money). 厂商们不得不支付比他们早先预料(要支付的钱)的还要更多的钱。(支付的钱超过了事先估计的)
我认为是,这句强调的是给出去的钱要比得到的更多。