Investment Rating - The industry is rated as "Buy" for key stocks such as Xining Steel, Nanjing Steel, Hualing Steel, and Baosteel, with a recommendation to increase holdings in New Steel Pipe and Ningjin Steel [6][9]. Core Insights - The black metallurgy industry is gradually recovering its profitability, with a total profit of 31.69 billion yuan from January to May 2025, compared to a loss of 12.72 billion yuan in the same period last year [4][13]. - The average daily pig iron production has slightly increased to 2.423 million tons, indicating a recovery in production capacity utilization [12][18]. - The total inventory of steel has shifted from a decrease to an increase, with social inventory showing a slower depletion rate [25][39]. - The demand for steel products has weakened, with apparent consumption of major steel varieties decreasing by 0.5% week-on-week [39][50]. - The iron ore price has slightly rebounded, with the Platts 62% iron ore price index at 94.4 USD/ton, reflecting a week-on-week increase of 1.5% [57][70]. Summary by Sections Supply - Daily pig iron production has increased by 0.1 million tons to 2.423 million tons, with a slight rise in production capacity utilization for blast furnaces [12][18]. Inventory - The total inventory of five major steel varieties has increased by 0.1%, with social inventory decreasing by 0.7% year-on-year [25][27]. Demand - Apparent consumption of five major steel varieties has decreased by 0.5% week-on-week, with rebar consumption slightly increasing by 0.3% [39][50]. Raw Materials - Iron ore prices have shown a slight increase, while coke prices have decreased, indicating potential pressure on raw material costs [50][57]. Prices and Profits - The current steel price index has slightly declined, but immediate gross margins have improved, with long-process steel products showing a cost of 3,177 yuan/ton and a loss of 77 yuan/ton [69][71].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" recommendation for the steel sector, highlighting specific companies within the industry [3][4]. Core Insights - The report indicates that iron water remains at a high level, with strong cost support. Although there is a long-term downward trend in iron water, the short-term decline is relatively slow. The supply of iron ore has not yet been released, solidifying the cost bottom in the short term [3][4]. - The overall production and inventory levels of steel are at low points year-on-year, with no significant supply-demand contradictions. The profitability of steel companies is expected to recover due to the optimization of crude steel supply and the gradual release of new iron ore production capacity [3][4]. Summary by Sections Price Trends - As of June 27, steel prices showed mixed trends, with rebar prices at 3,090 CNY/ton (up 20 CNY), high line prices at 3,300 CNY/ton (up 30 CNY), hot-rolled prices stable at 3,240 CNY/ton, cold-rolled prices down 20 CNY to 3,490 CNY/ton, and medium plate prices down 20 CNY to 3,280 CNY/ton [1][10][11]. Production and Inventory - The total production of five major steel varieties reached 8.81 million tons, an increase of 124,800 tons week-on-week. The apparent consumption of rebar was estimated at 2.1991 million tons, up 0.72 million tons from the previous week [2][3]. Profitability - The report estimates that the gross profit for rebar, hot-rolled, and cold-rolled steel changed by +1 CNY/ton, +5 CNY/ton, and -21 CNY/ton respectively compared to the previous week. Electric arc furnace steel saw a decrease of 6 CNY/ton in gross profit [1][3]. Investment Recommendations - Recommended stocks include: 1. General steel sector: Baosteel, Hualing Steel, Nanjing Steel 2. Special steel sector: Xianglou New Materials, CITIC Special Steel, Yongjin Co. 3. Pipe materials: Jiuli Special Materials, Youfa Group, Wujin Stainless Steel - Suggested to pay attention to high-temperature alloy stocks: Fushun Special Steel [3][4]. Key Company Earnings Forecasts - Baosteel (600019.SH): EPS forecast for 2024A at 0.34 CNY, PE at 19, rated as "Buy" - Hualing Steel (000932.SZ): EPS forecast for 2024A at 0.29 CNY, PE at 15, rated as "Buy" - Nanjing Steel (600282.SH): EPS forecast for 2024A at 0.37 CNY, PE at 11, rated as "Buy" [3].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the metals and new materials industry [2] Core Viewpoints - The report highlights a strong performance in the metals sector, with the non-ferrous metals index outperforming the broader market indices [3][4] - It emphasizes the upward trend in industrial metal prices, particularly copper and aluminum, driven by supply-demand dynamics and macroeconomic factors [3][9] - The report suggests a long-term bullish outlook for gold prices due to central bank purchasing trends and geopolitical uncertainties [3][21] Weekly Market Review - The Shanghai Composite Index rose by 1.91%, while the non-ferrous metals index increased by 5.11%, outperforming the CSI 300 by 3.16 percentage points [3][4] - Year-to-date, the non-ferrous metals index has risen by 17.99%, significantly outpacing the CSI 300 [4][8] - Key metal price movements include a 7.33% increase in copper and a 5.37% rise in aluminum over the past week [3][9] Price Changes - Industrial metal prices saw increases: copper up by 2.54%, aluminum by 1.78%, and zinc by 5.65% [3][15] - Precious metals experienced a decline, with gold prices down by 2.90% [3][15] - Lithium prices showed a slight increase, with battery-grade lithium carbonate rising by 1.67% [3][15] Supply and Demand Analysis - Copper supply remains tight, with domestic social inventory decreasing by 1.6 million tons [3][29] - Aluminum production capacity is stable, with a reported operating rate of 97.6% [3][46] - Steel production has increased, but demand from downstream sectors has softened, leading to a mixed outlook for the steel market [3][67] Key Company Valuations - Notable companies in the sector include Zijin Mining, with a PE ratio of 25, and China Aluminum, with a PE ratio of 16 [3][18] - The report suggests focusing on companies with stable earnings and dividend attributes, such as Baosteel and Shandong Steel [3][19]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Aluminum Corporation of China (Chalco) is "Buy" with a target price of Rmb9.62 per share based on a 2.22x 2025E P/B [18] - The investment rating for Baoshan Iron & Steel is "Buy" with a target price of Rmb8.2 per share based on a 0.85x 2025E P/B [22] - The investment rating for Tianqi Lithium is "Hold" with a target price of HK$23.0 for H-shares and Rmb26.26 for A-shares [24][27] Core Insights - The report indicates cautious market expectations regarding demand recovery in the aluminum sector in China, with a near-term pecking order of steel > aluminum > lithium > copper > gold > battery > thermal coal > cement [1] - Total aluminum production in China for the week of June 12-18, 2025, was 845kt, flat week-over-week (WoW), and up 3% year-over-year (YoY) [2] - Total aluminum inventory in China stood at 722kt on June 19, 2025, reflecting a 1% increase WoW but a significant 38% decrease YoY [3] - Apparent aluminum consumption in China was 849kt during the same week, down 6% WoW but up 5.8% YoY for the year-to-date [4] Production Summary - China's total aluminum production year-to-date reached 20.9 million tonnes (mnt), representing a 3.2% increase YoY, while aluminum billet production was 8.4mnt, up 6.2% YoY [2] - Aluminum billet production for the week was 365kt, flat WoW, and up 9% YoY [2] Inventory Summary - The total inventory of aluminum ingots was 493kt, down 3% WoW and 40% YoY, while aluminum billet inventory was 229kt, up 9% WoW but down 30% YoY [3] - The inventory levels are lower than the same period in 2021-2024 on a lunar calendar basis [7] Consumption Summary - Apparent consumption of aluminum ingots was 885kt, down 3% WoW but up 1% YoY, while aluminum billet apparent consumption was 329kt, down 7% WoW but up 3% YoY [4] - Year-to-date apparent consumption of aluminum in China reached 21.6mnt, reflecting a 5.8% increase YoY [4]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" recommendation for the steel sector, highlighting specific companies for investment [3]. Core Viewpoints - The steel market is experiencing weak supply and demand, leading to price fluctuations. As of June 20, 2025, the price of 20mm HRB400 rebar in Shanghai is 3070 CNY/ton, unchanged from the previous week [1][10]. - Steel profits have increased slightly, with rebar, hot-rolled, and cold-rolled steel margins changing by +6 CNY/ton, +20 CNY/ton, and -26 CNY/ton respectively [1][3]. - Steel production has risen, with a total output of 8.69 million tons for major steel products, a week-on-week increase of 96,600 tons [2][3]. Summary by Sections Price Trends - As of June 20, 2025, various steel prices show mixed trends, with rebar prices stable at 3070 CNY/ton, hot-rolled steel increasing by 40 CNY/ton to 3240 CNY/ton, and cold-rolled steel decreasing by 30 CNY/ton to 3510 CNY/ton [1][10][11]. Production and Inventory - The total production of major steel products reached 8.69 million tons, with rebar production increasing by 46,100 tons to 2.12 million tons. Total social inventory decreased by 144,300 tons to 9.12 million tons [2][3]. Profitability - The report indicates a slight increase in steel profitability, with long-process steel margins showing minor increases while short-process margins have decreased [1][3]. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on the following companies: - For flat steel: Baosteel, Hualing Steel, Nanjing Steel - For special steel: Xianglou New Materials, CITIC Special Steel, Yongjin Co. - For pipe materials: Jiuli Special Materials, Youfa Group, Wujin Stainless Steel - Additionally, it recommends paying attention to high-temperature alloy companies like Fushun Special Steel [3].

Group 1: Company Innovations - Wuhan Tianming Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd. has developed an automatic cutting bed that utilizes a vacuum suction platform and a nano-sensing knife head, marking a significant advancement in the textile industry [1] - Hubei Huawu Heavy Industry Group has introduced a smart debris removal robot for underground transportation belts, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing labor costs in mining [2] - Hubei Hongrun High-tech New Materials Co., Ltd. is leading a project on high-performance sodium-ion battery cathode materials, benefiting from financial support under the "racehorse system" technology projects [7] Group 2: Industry Trends - The city of Ezhou has seen a 28% increase in technology contract transaction volume and a 19.2% rise in high-tech industry added value in the first quarter of this year, indicating a strong trend towards digital transformation [1] - Ezhou's metallurgical industry, led by Baowu Group Ezhou Steel Co., Ltd., has over 20 enterprises with an annual R&D investment exceeding 1 billion yuan, contributing to a total industry output value of over 40 billion yuan [3] - The establishment of 164 technology innovation platforms in Ezhou reflects a systematic approach to promoting technological innovation across various sectors [5] Group 3: Collaborative Efforts - Ezhou has established multiple joint innovation centers with universities, enhancing the collaboration between academia and industry to drive technological advancements [3][5] - The Hubei Science and Technology Innovation Supply Chain Platform has facilitated the connection between enterprises and research institutions, leading to the development of advanced agricultural machinery [4] - The Ezhou Industrial Technology Research Institute has incubated 79 enterprises and introduced 75 research projects, showcasing the effectiveness of collaborative innovation efforts [5] Group 4: Policy Support - Ezhou's government has implemented policies to encourage R&D investment, providing financial support and guidance to local enterprises, particularly startups [6] - The National Development Bank has issued 105 million yuan in special loans to support innovation projects in local companies, demonstrating strong financial backing for technological development [6] - Ezhou's measures to incentivize technological innovation have resulted in a 18.3% year-on-year increase in high-tech industry added value, reaching 25.565 billion yuan [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the transformation of the Wuhan Steel Cultural Tourism Zone into a popular industrial tourism destination, showcasing the history and technological advancements of the steel industry in China, particularly through the legacy of the Wuhan Iron and Steel Corporation [1][9][10]. Group 1: Industrial Tourism Development - The Wuhan Steel Cultural Tourism Zone is located within the Wuhan Steel Plant, featuring giant pipelines and towering structures that reflect the active production environment [1]. - The hot-rolled factory allows visitors to witness the process of steel production, with temperatures reaching up to 1600 degrees Celsius, emphasizing the automation of the industry [6][8]. - The site has become increasingly popular, attracting over 80,000 visitors from 11 countries and regions in 2024, indicating a growing interest in industrial tourism [16]. Group 2: Historical Significance - The No. 1 blast furnace, known as the "Champion Furnace," has a historical significance as it produced 54.26 million tons of pig iron over its 61 years of operation before being retired in 2019 [9]. - The blast furnace has been repurposed as a cultural and educational site, preserving its historical essence while serving as a base for science education and red culture transmission [9][10]. - Visitors, especially students, find the site meaningful as it connects them to the industrial history and the efforts of past generations in the steel industry [10].

Global Steel Production - In 2024, global crude steel production is projected to reach 1.885 billion tons, remaining stable compared to previous years, with China producing 1.005 billion tons, accounting for 53.3% of the total [1][2] - India ranks second with a production of 149 million tons, showing a year-on-year growth of 6%, while traditional steel-producing countries like Japan, the US, and Russia are experiencing declines [1][2] - The production process is dominated by the blast furnace-converter method, accounting for 70.4%, while electric arc furnace processes represent 29.1% [1][2] Steel Consumption - The global apparent steel consumption in 2024 is estimated at 1.742 billion tons, with a per capita consumption of 214.7 kg [2][3] - China leads in per capita consumption at 601.1 kg, while India lags at 102.6 kg, highlighting significant disparities between developing and developed nations [2][3] - Asia accounts for 72.4% of global consumption, with China and India contributing the majority of the growth, while Europe and North America see declining shares [2][3] Raw Materials and Trade - Iron ore remains a critical raw material, with Australia and Brazil together accounting for 72% of global exports; China is the largest importer, with imports reaching 1.18 billion tons in 2024 [3][4] - The reliance on iron ore has prompted the industry to seek alternatives, with direct reduced iron production increasing from 106 million tons in 2020 to 144 million tons in 2024 [3][4] - Global trade in scrap steel is on the rise, with a total of 95.8 million tons traded in 2024, primarily involving the EU, the US, and China [3][4] Sustainability - The steel industry's carbon emission intensity has decreased, with 2023 figures showing 1.92 tons of CO2 emitted per ton of crude steel produced [4][5] - Energy consumption intensity is reported at 21.27 GJ/ton, with material efficiency reaching 98.15%, indicating ongoing efforts in energy conservation and emissions reduction [4][5] - The industry is investing in new technologies, including electric arc furnaces and hydrogen metallurgy, to meet sustainability goals [4][5] Trade Dynamics - In 2024, global steel trade volume is expected to reach 449 million tons, with China exporting 117 million tons, primarily to emerging markets in Southeast Asia and Africa [5][6] - The EU and the US are major importers, with net imports of 15 million tons and 18.6 million tons, respectively [5][6] - Indirect trade, involving steel-containing products, significantly impacts global supply and demand dynamics, with 2019 figures showing 359 million tons traded [5][6] Future Outlook - The steel industry faces challenges and opportunities in low-carbon transformation, with technologies like hydrogen metallurgy and carbon capture set to play crucial roles [6][7] - Smart manufacturing through industrial internet and AI is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce energy consumption [6][7] - Emerging markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and Africa, are anticipated to drive future steel demand, with India's consumption projected to exceed 200 million tons by 2030 [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - The performance of the CSI 300 Dividend Low Volatility Index shows mixed results among its constituent stocks, with a slight overall decline, while the ETF associated with this index has seen significant inflows and strong long-term performance metrics [1][5]. Group 1: Index Performance - As of June 13, 2025, the CSI 300 Dividend Low Volatility Index decreased by 0.37% [1]. - The ETF associated with this index, CSI 300 Dividend Low Volatility ETF (515300), experienced a turnover of 4.49% during the trading session, with a total transaction value of 268 million yuan [1]. - Over the past month, the average daily transaction value of the ETF was 11.7 million yuan, and its latest scale reached 5.975 billion yuan [1]. Group 2: Stock Performance - Among the constituent stocks, Shanghai Port Group led with a gain of 1.39%, while Shanghai Bank, Industrial Bank, and Jiangsu Bank saw declines [1]. - The top ten weighted stocks in the index accounted for 36.97% of the total index weight, with China Shenhua and Gree Electric Appliances being the most significant contributors [2][4]. Group 3: Dividend and Investment Trends - The upcoming dividend season from May to July is expected to attract more investments into dividend-paying stocks, as the yield on dividend indices reaches new highs [5]. - Regulatory support for increasing insurance funds' market participation is anticipated to enhance the valuation expectations for dividend stocks [5]. - Investors without stock accounts can access investment opportunities through the corresponding CSI 300 Dividend Low Volatility ETF linked funds [5].

Core Viewpoint - Mexico's Ministry of Economy has initiated a second sunset review investigation into anti-dumping measures on cold-rolled steel sheets originating from China, following a request from Ternium México, S.A. de C.V. [1] Group 1: Investigation Details - The investigation period for dumping is set from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, while the damage investigation period spans from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2025 [1] - The products involved are cold-rolled steel sheets with a width of at least 600 mm and a thickness between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, containing a boron content of at least 0.0008%, regardless of whether they are coated or not [1] - The relevant TIGIE tax codes for the products are 7209.16.01, 7209.17.01, and 7225.50.91 [1] Group 2: Historical Context - Mexico first initiated an anti-dumping investigation on cold-rolled steel sheets from China on April 24, 2014, and made a definitive ruling on June 19, 2015, imposing anti-dumping duties ranging from 65.99% to 103.41% on various Chinese companies [1] - The anti-dumping duties were reaffirmed during the first sunset review on August 16, 2021, maintaining the existing rates for another five years [1] - In July 2016, Mexico expanded the scope of the anti-dumping measures to include cold-rolled steel sheets with a boron content of at least 0.0008% under additional TIGIE tax codes [1]