Summary of Steel Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The steel industry is undergoing supply-side reforms driven by anti-involution policies, aiming to improve competition and reduce excess capacity, which presents long-term investment opportunities [1][4][29] - The profitability of steel companies is significantly influenced by supply-demand dynamics, with a strong production incentive when rebar profits exceed 100 yuan, but this can lead to price declines [1][7] Key Points Supply and Demand Dynamics - The real estate market downturn has negatively impacted demand for construction steel, with new housing starts and construction area both declining [1][12] - Infrastructure investment has increased but is insufficient to offset the decline in residential construction, leading to an expected 5%-6% decrease in construction steel demand by 2025 [1][13] - Global iron ore supply is expected to increase, with new low-cost projects disrupting oligopolistic structures and optimizing cost structures [1][18] - The steel industry is currently experiencing a low inventory cycle, which reflects pessimistic market expectations and could lead to a supply-demand tightening if restocking occurs [1][17] Policy and Regulatory Environment - The government has emphasized anti-involution policies, with measures aimed at controlling production and promoting industry consolidation [4][5] - The central government has set a production reduction target of 50 million tons for 2025, although local implementation has been slow [8][10] Company Performance and Outlook - Leading companies like CITIC Special Steel and Baosteel are expected to benefit from product upgrades and high-value income, with their PB valuations currently low [2][30] - Hualing Steel and Shougang have strong profit elasticity, with Hualing expected to recover profits to 1.4-1.5 billion yuan [2][31] - Fangda Special Steel is maintaining profitability due to its efficient business model, even in a downturn [2][33] Market Sentiment and Investment Opportunities - The steel sector is at the bottom of the profit cycle, with low valuations and low public fund allocations, indicating high potential returns [2][26] - The market anticipates that strict capacity reductions could lead to a rebound in steel prices and profitability in the second half of the year [2][26][34] Future Trends - The demand for construction steel is expected to decline by 6% in 2025, but a gradual recovery is anticipated from 2026 to 2028 [21] - The global steel production landscape is shifting, with non-China regions expected to see slight growth while developed countries face declines [22] - The steel industry is expected to see significant changes in the next three years, with a clear direction towards supply-side reforms [29] Additional Insights - The anti-involution policy is expected to significantly impact profit distribution within the steel industry, potentially improving domestic steel companies' profit margins [28] - Historical data suggests that strict enforcement of production cuts can have profound effects on market dynamics, emphasizing the importance of supply-demand relationships [27] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the conference call regarding the steel industry, highlighting the current challenges, regulatory environment, company performances, and future trends.

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommended" rating for the steel industry, suggesting to focus on the bottom repair opportunities in steel stocks [1]. Core Viewpoints - The steel market is currently experiencing a dual weakness in supply and demand during the off-season, but improved market sentiment has led to an increase in steel prices [2][3]. - The overall profitability of the steel industry has improved in the first half of the year due to a significant decline in raw material prices, which has positively impacted steel production costs [3][9]. - The "anti-involution" policy proposed by the Central Financial Committee is expected to enhance market conditions for the steel industry, leading to both valuation and performance recovery in the long term [4][10]. Industry Data Summary Production Data - As of July 11, the production of five major steel products totaled 8.7272 million tons, a week-on-week decrease of 124,000 tons [1]. - The average daily molten iron output from 247 steel enterprises was 2.3981 million tons, down 10,400 tons week-on-week, with a blast furnace capacity utilization rate of 89.9%, a decrease of 0.39 percentage points [1][2]. Consumption Data - The apparent consumption of the five major steel products was 8.7307 million tons, a week-on-week decrease of 121,900 tons [1][2]. - The consumption changes for specific products included a decrease of 33,700 tons for rebar, 29,100 tons for wire rod, and 18,600 tons for hot-rolled products [1]. Inventory Situation - Total steel inventory was reported at 13.3958 million tons, with a slight week-on-week decrease of 3,500 tons [1]. - Social inventory decreased by 21,200 tons to 9.1401 million tons, while steel mill inventory increased by 17,700 tons to 4.2557 million tons [1]. Profitability Data - The average cost of molten iron for 114 steel mills was stable at 2,256 yuan per ton [1]. - As of July 11, the gross profit per ton for high furnace rebar was 196 yuan, hot-rolled sheets 142 yuan, and cold-rolled sheets 31 yuan, with week-on-week increases of 9 yuan, 16 yuan, and 20 yuan respectively [1][3].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the metals and new materials industry [2] Core Views - The report highlights the unexpected increase in US copper tariffs, which may impact supply and demand dynamics in the market [3] - The overall performance of the metals sector has been strong, with the non-ferrous metals index outperforming the broader market indices [4][7] - The report suggests that the long-term trend for gold prices is upward due to central bank purchases and a shift in monetary credit dynamics [3][21] Weekly Market Review - The Shanghai Composite Index rose by 1.09%, while the Shenzhen Component increased by 1.78% [4] - The non-ferrous metals index increased by 1.02%, outperforming the CSI 300 by 0.20 percentage points [4][6] - Year-to-date, the non-ferrous metals index has risen by 20.42%, significantly outperforming the CSI 300 [7] Price Changes - Industrial metals and precious metals saw varied price movements, with copper prices down by 2.07% and aluminum prices up by 0.50% [13] - Lithium prices have shown an upward trend, with battery-grade lithium carbonate increasing by 2.01% [17] - Gold prices increased by 1.03%, while silver prices rose by 5.49% [14] Precious Metals - The report notes an increase in gold ETF holdings, indicating a positive sentiment towards gold [21] - The Chinese central bank has resumed gold purchases, which may bolster market confidence [21] Industrial Metals - Copper supply is tightening due to unexpected production cuts, while demand remains stable [3][33] - The report indicates that aluminum prices are expected to trend upward due to supply constraints and policy support [3][49] Steel Industry - The report observes a decrease in steel production and a stable demand environment, with slight price increases for rebar and hot-rolled coils [71] - The overall steel inventory remains stable, indicating a balanced supply-demand situation [71] Growth Cycle Investment Analysis - The report recommends focusing on stable supply-demand dynamics in the new energy manufacturing sector, highlighting companies like Huafeng Aluminum and Asia-Pacific Technology [3]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" recommendation for the steel sector, highlighting strong price performance and potential recovery in profitability for steel companies [5][6]. Core Insights - The "anti-involution" policy continues to influence the market, leading to stronger expectations for supply-side constraints and supporting higher steel prices [5]. - As of July 11, 2025, steel prices have increased, with notable rises in various categories such as rebar and hot-rolled steel [3][11]. - The report indicates a decrease in steel production and inventory levels, suggesting a tightening supply situation [4][5]. Price Summary - As of July 11, 2025, the prices for key steel products are as follows: - Rebar (20mm HRB400): 3,240 CNY/ton, up 60 CNY/ton from last week - High-line (8.0mm): 3,410 CNY/ton, up 50 CNY/ton - Hot-rolled (3.0mm): 3,350 CNY/ton, up 60 CNY/ton - Cold-rolled (1.0mm): 3,680 CNY/ton, up 70 CNY/ton - Common medium plate (20mm): 3,330 CNY/ton, up 10 CNY/ton [3][11][12]. Production and Inventory - As of July 11, 2025, total steel production for the five major categories was 8.73 million tons, a decrease of 124,400 tons week-on-week [4]. - Total social inventory of the five major steel products decreased by 20,200 tons to 9.1278 million tons, while steel mill inventory increased by 17,700 tons to 4.2557 million tons [4]. Profitability Analysis - The report notes fluctuations in steel profitability, with rebar, hot-rolled, and cold-rolled steel margins changing by -14 CNY/ton, -13 CNY/ton, and +33 CNY/ton respectively week-on-week [3][4]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends several companies based on their performance and market position: - 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 suggests paying attention to high-temperature alloy companies like Fushun Special Steel [5].

Market Overview - The Shanghai Composite Index rose by 0.01% on July 11, with 19 out of 28 sectors experiencing gains, led by non-bank financials and steel, which increased by 2.02% and 1.93% respectively [1] - The banking and building materials sectors saw the largest declines, with decreases of 2.41% and 0.67% [1] Fund Flow Analysis - The main funds in the two markets experienced a net outflow of 6.21 billion yuan, with 7 sectors seeing net inflows [1] - The non-bank financial sector had the highest net inflow of 8.21 billion yuan, coinciding with its 2.02% increase [1] - The computer sector followed with a 1.93% increase and a net inflow of 6.20 billion yuan [1] Steel Industry Performance - The steel sector increased by 1.93% with a net inflow of 865 million yuan, comprising 44 stocks, of which 31 rose and 12 fell [2] - Among the stocks, Baogang Co. led with a net inflow of 650 million yuan, followed by Fushun Special Steel and Anyang Steel with inflows of 321 million yuan and 63 million yuan respectively [2] - The sector also had 9 stocks with net outflows exceeding 10 million yuan, with Hangang Co., Baosteel, and Xinxing Ductile Iron Pipe leading in outflows [2] Individual Stock Highlights - Baogang Co. saw a significant increase of 10.00% with a turnover rate of 4.45% and a main fund flow of 649.71 million yuan [2] - Fushun Special Steel also performed well with a 10.06% increase and a main fund flow of 320.66 million yuan [2] - Conversely, stocks like Hangang Co. and Baosteel experienced notable outflows of 81.56 million yuan and 67.70 million yuan respectively [3]

Group 1 - Thailand's Ministry of Commerce initiated an anti-circumvention investigation on cold-rolled carbon steel products from mainland China, following requests from domestic companies [1] - The investigation aims to determine if the products have been slightly altered to circumvent existing anti-dumping measures [1] - Thailand previously imposed anti-dumping duties on cold-rolled carbon steel from mainland China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, with the current measures set to expire on January 24, 2024 [1] Group 2 - Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. and its five subsidiaries are involved in the investigation, including Baosteel Zhanjiang Iron and Steel Co., Ltd. and Wuhan Iron and Steel Co., Ltd. [2] - The Maanshan Group and its six subsidiaries, including Maanshan Iron and Steel Co., Ltd. and China BaoWu Steel Group Corporation Limited, are also implicated [2]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the news is the performance of the CSI 800 Materials Theme Index, which has shown significant growth over various time frames, indicating a positive trend in the materials sector [1][2] - The CSI 800 Materials Theme Index reported a value of 2899.41 points, with a 3.48% increase over the past month, a 12.06% increase over the past three months, and an 8.07% increase year-to-date [1] - The index is composed of listed companies in the materials sector selected from the CSI 800 Index, reflecting the overall performance of these companies [1] Group 2 - The top ten weighted companies in the CSI 800 Materials Theme Index include Zijin Mining (12.74%), Wanhua Chemical (4.0%), and Yilong Co. (2.48%), among others [1] - The market share of the index's holdings is predominantly from the Shanghai Stock Exchange (65.19%) and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (34.81%) [1] - In terms of industry composition, non-ferrous metals account for 50.67%, chemicals for 32.62%, steel for 8.63%, non-metallic materials for 6.87%, and paper and packaging for 1.22% [2] Group 3 - The index samples are adjusted biannually, with adjustments occurring on the next trading day after the second Friday of June and December [2] - Weight factors are generally fixed until the next scheduled adjustment, with special circumstances allowing for temporary adjustments [2] - Companies that are delisted or undergo mergers, acquisitions, or splits are handled according to specific calculation and maintenance guidelines [2]

Core Viewpoint - The development of "Danxia Steel®" by Baowu Steel is a significant innovation aimed at addressing the challenges faced by photovoltaic (PV) installations in harsh desert environments, particularly regarding the durability and maintenance of steel supports [7][19]. Group 1: Industry Challenges - Desert regions are ideal for large-scale solar power plants due to abundant sunlight and vast land, but they present severe environmental challenges that can significantly reduce the lifespan of conventional steel supports [3][5]. - Ordinary galvanized steel supports can suffer over 30% reduction in lifespan due to corrosion from wind, sand, and saline soil, leading to increased maintenance costs and operational difficulties [5][16]. Group 2: Innovation in Materials - "Danxia Steel®" is a specially developed weather-resistant steel that utilizes a protective rust layer to prevent further corrosion, effectively allowing the material to "rust" in a controlled manner to protect itself [7][9]. - This innovative steel has a denser and stronger rust layer compared to traditional weather-resistant steels, enhancing its durability in extreme conditions [10][13]. Group 3: Benefits of Danxia Steel® - The protective rust layer formed on Danxia Steel® acts as a robust barrier against corrosive elements, eliminating the need for additional coatings and maintenance throughout its lifecycle [16]. - With a thickness of only 1.5 to 1.8 mm, Danxia Steel® is 20% lighter than traditional materials, facilitating easier transportation and installation while also reducing carbon emissions by 35% during projects [17]. - The successful application of Danxia Steel® in various photovoltaic projects across different terrains demonstrates its reliability and effectiveness in combating the harsh conditions of desert environments [19].

Core Insights - The report highlights the steel industry's two main contradictions: weak demand and strong costs, with the industry entering its fourth year of a downward cycle in 2025. The effective demand has significantly decreased, particularly in the real estate sector, leading to a 42.9% drop in demand for steel used in real estate from 377 million tons in 2020 to 215 million tons in 2024 [6][18][25]. - The report anticipates a marginal rebound in the steel sector due to weakening costs and resilient demand, driven by a decline in coking coal prices and an expected increase in iron ore supply [6][37][45]. Demand and Cost Analysis - Weak demand is characterized by insufficient effective demand, making it easier to maintain volume than prices. The real estate sector's demand for steel has plummeted, contributing to a significant overall decline in steel prices [6][18][25]. - Strong costs are attributed to tight supply of raw materials like iron ore and coking coal, which have severely squeezed steel profits. The profit share of steel in the industrial chain has dropped to 16%, significantly below the historical average of 28% [6][31][34]. Supply-Side Strategies - The report discusses the "anti-involution" policy aimed at addressing excess capacity in the steel industry, which is expected to stabilize steel prices and improve profitability for steel companies. A potential reduction of 30 million tons in crude steel production in 2025 could lead to a price increase of 229 yuan per ton for rebar [6][8][37]. - Long-term capacity reduction is expected to be gradual, with approximately 20% of capacity facing compliance challenges, particularly among small private enterprises, which may face pressure to exit the market starting in 2026 [6][8][37]. Investment Opportunities - The report suggests focusing on leading companies in high-end steel products, such as Nanjing Steel, Hualing Steel, and Baosteel, which are expected to maintain profitability and enhance shareholder returns through capital expenditure and asset optimization [6][8][37]. - It also highlights the potential for recovery in valuation and performance for companies with low price-to-book ratios, such as New Steel and Fangda Special Steel, as well as opportunities in state-owned enterprise reforms and mergers and acquisitions [6][8][37].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the steel industry, consistent with the previous rating [2]. Core Viewpoints - The "anti-involution" policy has driven an increase in steel prices, leading to a positive outlook for value recovery in the steel sector [3][4]. - The steel sector outperformed the broader market, with a weekly increase of 5.27%, compared to a 1.54% rise in the CSI 300 index [11]. - The report highlights that while the steel industry faces supply-demand imbalances, the implementation of "stability growth" policies is expected to support steel demand, particularly in real estate and infrastructure [4]. Summary by Sections Market Performance - The steel sector saw a weekly increase of 5.27%, outperforming the market, with specific segments like long products rising by 8.32% and flat products by 6.95% [3][11]. - The average daily pig iron production was 2.4085 million tons, showing a week-on-week decrease of 1.44 tons but a year-on-year increase of 1.41 tons [3][26]. Supply Data - As of July 4, the capacity utilization rate for blast furnaces was 90.3%, down 0.54 percentage points week-on-week, while electric furnace utilization was at 51.1%, down 3.45 percentage points [3][26]. - The total production of five major steel products reached 7.734 million tons, a week-on-week increase of 3.06 thousand tons [3][26]. Demand Data - The consumption of five major steel products increased to 8.853 million tons, a week-on-week rise of 5.41 thousand tons [3][35]. - The transaction volume of construction steel by mainstream traders was 107 thousand tons, up 0.81 thousand tons week-on-week, reflecting an increase of 8.23% [3][35]. Inventory Levels - Social inventory of five major steel products rose to 9.161 million tons, an increase of 9.62 thousand tons week-on-week, but down 29.01% year-on-year [3][42]. - Factory inventory decreased to 4.238 million tons, down 9.72 thousand tons week-on-week, and down 13.43% year-on-year [3][42]. Price Trends - The comprehensive index for ordinary steel increased to 3,390.0 CNY/ton, a week-on-week rise of 45.42 CNY/ton [3][49]. - The comprehensive index for special steel decreased to 6,576.5 CNY/ton, down 14.61 CNY/ton week-on-week [3][49]. Profitability - The profit per ton for rebar was 187 CNY, an increase of 42.0 CNY/ton week-on-week [3][58]. - The average iron water cost was 2,148 CNY/ton, with a week-on-week increase of 10.0 CNY/ton [3][58]. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on regional leaders with advanced equipment and environmental standards, as well as companies benefiting from the new energy cycle and high-margin special steel producers [4].