Core Viewpoint - The acetic acid ethyl ester (EA) industry in China is experiencing a significant recovery in production capacity and output in 2024, driven by new installations and increasing export demand, despite previous challenges related to overcapacity and environmental regulations [1][4][10]. Industry Overview - Acetic acid ethyl ester is a widely used fine chemical product and an important organic solvent, primarily consumed in the coatings, pharmaceuticals, and adhesives sectors, which together account for over 80% of its downstream consumption [2][4]. - The industry has seen a production capacity increase to 4.3 million tons in 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 21.1% [4][20]. Production Side - The production of acetic acid ethyl ester in China began in the 1970s, with significant growth in capacity observed in the 21st century, reaching 3.53 million tons by 2013 [4]. - In 2024, the total production volume is expected to reach 2.4 million tons, marking a 16.05% increase from the previous year, with the industry capacity utilization rate remaining above 50% for three consecutive years [4][10]. Import and Export - China has achieved self-sufficiency in acetic acid ethyl ester, with imports remaining below 0.15 million tons. However, exports are on the rise, projected to exceed 500,000 tons in 2024, reflecting a 19.3% increase [8][21]. - The average export price has been declining, with a 10.03% drop expected in 2024, indicating intensified competition in international markets [8][12]. Consumption Side - The demand for acetic acid ethyl ester has been weak in traditional sectors like coatings and adhesives due to adjustments in the real estate market, leading to a supply-demand imbalance [10][12]. - The apparent consumption volume is projected to reach 188,450 tons in 2024, showing a year-on-year growth of 15.19% as exports expand [10][12]. Competitive Landscape - The acetic acid ethyl ester market in China is characterized by intense competition among both international chemical giants and domestic companies such as Hualu Hengsheng, Jiangsu Sopo, and others [14][16]. - The market concentration is decreasing, with the CR3 dropping from 43.7% in 2023 to 38.4% in 2024, indicating a more fragmented competitive environment [20]. Development Trends 1. **Capacity Expansion and Increased Competition**: The industry is set to add 480,000 tons of new capacity in 2025, intensifying market competition and pressuring smaller firms [20]. 2. **Export Market as Growth Engine**: The export volume is expected to continue rising, particularly in Southeast Asia, driven by domestic capacity release and cost advantages [21]. 3. **Optimizing Downstream Demand Structure**: The demand for acetic acid ethyl ester is shifting towards high-end applications in coatings and pharmaceuticals, while traditional sectors face slower growth [22]. 4. **Accelerated Green and Smart Transformation**: The industry is moving towards greener and smarter production methods, including the use of new catalysts and biotechnological processes [23].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The report highlights the price increase of Bacillus thuringiensis (百菌清) and the potential benefits for related companies due to rising production costs and environmental policy upgrades [3][12] - The report indicates a positive outlook for the adipic acid (己二酸) market, with a price increase and strong demand from downstream nylon production [4][13][14] - The report suggests focusing on integrated leading companies in the adipic acid sector, as well as other segments like petrochemicals and agrochemicals, due to favorable supply conditions and rising prices [5][17] Summary by Sections 1. Industry News and Events - Bacillus thuringiensis price increased to 30,000 CNY/ton, with a 68.57% year-on-year rise, benefiting companies like Limin Co., Sulih Co., and Taihe Co. [3][12] - Adipic acid market price rose to 7,233 CNY/ton, a 6.63% increase, driven by strong demand from nylon production [4][13][14] 2. Chemical Sector Performance - The report notes that the Shanghai Composite Index fell by 0.25%, while the Shenwan Petrochemical Index rose by 3.50%, outperforming the market [5][18] - The top-performing sub-sectors included oil and gas engineering, with a 9.33% increase, while viscose saw a decline of 3.40% [20][24] 3. Key Product Price Trends - Key products with notable price increases included WTI crude oil (7.17%), Brent crude oil (6.22%), and adipic acid (3.77%) [28][29] - Products experiencing price declines included Vitamin E (-14.67%) and dichloromethane (-8.47%) [28][29] 4. Investment Recommendations - Recommendations include focusing on integrated players in the refining-PX-PTA chain, such as Hengli Petrochemical and Rongsheng Petrochemical [5][17] - Attention is also drawn to leading companies in the refrigerant sector and those involved in agricultural chemicals due to favorable market conditions [5][17]

Core Viewpoint - Shandong Hualu Hengsheng Chemical Co., Ltd. is leading the green transformation in China's chemical industry by embedding the concept of "ecological priority and green development" into its corporate strategy, achieving a balance between economic growth and ecological civilization [1][2]. Group 1: Strategic Transformation - Hualu Hengsheng has evolved from a small-scale nitrogen fertilizer plant to a leader in high-end chemical products, recognized as a "head goose enterprise" in Shandong's green low-carbon high-quality development initiative for 2024 [2]. - The company has integrated green development into its corporate culture since its establishment, symbolized by the green oval embedded in its logo since 1996 [2]. - The concept of "intrinsic development" emphasizes sustainable growth, resource efficiency, and the dual focus on green strategy and traditional industry upgrades [2][3]. Group 2: Industrial Innovation - The company has implemented a "dual-wheel drive" industrial transformation, upgrading traditional businesses and developing a coupling production model between coal and petrochemicals [3]. - Hualu Hengsheng has launched multiple projects since the 14th Five-Year Plan, achieving leading positions in domestic production capacities for various high-end solvents and enhancing its supply capabilities in the lithium battery sector [3][8]. - The company has achieved a 50% revenue share from new energy materials and over 60% profit contribution from high-end chemical products in 2024, marking green momentum as a core growth driver [3]. Group 3: Resource Recycling and Efficiency - Hualu Hengsheng has established a comprehensive resource recycling network, focusing on maximizing resource utilization and reducing operational costs [7]. - The company has developed a flexible multi-production process based on gasification, allowing for high raw material utilization rates and strong synergistic effects [7][8]. - The company has reduced its comprehensive energy consumption per unit of output by over 20% compared to the industry average, showcasing its leadership in energy efficiency [8]. Group 4: Technological Innovation - Hualu Hengsheng has prioritized technological innovation, leading in clean coal gasification technology and continuously optimizing production processes [11]. - The company has implemented numerous energy-saving projects, achieving a 42% reduction in energy consumption per unit of output compared to five years ago [12]. - In 2024, the company completed carbon footprint certifications for eight product categories, enhancing its competitiveness in international markets [12][14]. Group 5: Environmental Responsibility - Hualu Hengsheng aims for harmony between humans and nature, integrating ecological considerations into its manufacturing processes and project planning [18]. - The company has established a comprehensive environmental monitoring system, ensuring compliance with pollution discharge standards [19]. - Hualu Hengsheng has achieved zero environmental pollution incidents for several consecutive years, contributing to the recognition of its industrial park as a "green industrial park" [9]. Group 6: Future Vision - Hualu Hengsheng's transformation reflects the principle that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," positioning itself as a model for high-quality development in the chemical industry [20]. - The company emphasizes a green foundation, innovation as a driving force, and a commitment to circular economy principles, aiming for a sustainable future [20].

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Overweight," indicating an expected outperformance of the industry index relative to the benchmark by more than 5% in the next six months [67]. Core Insights - The report highlights a decline in prices for coking coal and coke, with coking coal averaging 1093 yuan/ton, down 15 yuan/ton, and coke at 1129 yuan/ton, down 47 yuan/ton [10][42]. - The polyurethane sector shows a decrease in average prices for pure MDI, polymer MDI, and TDI, with respective averages of 17570, 15790, and 11558 yuan/ton, reflecting declines of 318, 285, and 892 yuan/ton [2][17]. - In the oil, coal, gas, and olefin sector, ethane and propane prices increased slightly, while the average price of polyethylene rose to 7807 yuan/ton, up 17 yuan/ton [2][25]. - The coal chemical sector reported average prices for synthetic ammonia, urea, DMF, and acetic acid at 2348, 1803, 3965, and 2376 yuan/ton, with minor declines [2][51]. Summary by Sections 1. Polyurethane Sector - Average prices for pure MDI, polymer MDI, and TDI are 17570, 15790, and 11558 yuan/ton, with corresponding gross profits of 4334, 3534, and 18 yuan/ton [2][19]. - The sector experienced significant price drops, with TDI seeing the largest decline of 892 yuan/ton [2][24]. 2. Oil, Coal, Gas, and Olefin Sector - Ethane and propane prices are 1387 and 4267 yuan/ton, with slight increases of 197 and 9 yuan/ton respectively [2][34]. - The average price of polyethylene is 7807 yuan/ton, reflecting a minor increase of 17 yuan/ton [2][25]. 3. Coal Chemical Sector - Average prices for synthetic ammonia, urea, DMF, and acetic acid are 2348, 1803, 3965, and 2376 yuan/ton, with slight declines noted [2][51]. - Gross profits for synthetic ammonia and urea are 462 and 137 yuan/ton, while DMF and acetic acid report losses of 119 and 32 yuan/ton respectively [2][51]. 4. Related Listed Companies - Key companies in the chemical sector include Wanhua Chemical, Baofeng Energy, Satellite Chemical, and Hualu Hengsheng, with varying stock performance noted [2][8].

Group 1 - The report highlights that the tariff impact has not yet manifested, and demand-side expectations may become crucial, as indicated by the US May CPI data showing a year-on-year increase of 2.4% and a month-on-month increase of 0.1% [5][6] - The refrigerant industry continues to experience high prosperity, with prices for third-generation refrigerants R32, R125, and R134a increasing by 4.08%, 1.11%, and 2.11% respectively as of May 30, 2025 [10][11] - The short-term fundamentals for adipic acid are expected to improve, with market prices rising to 7233 yuan/ton, reflecting a 6.63% increase [13][14] Group 2 - The report discusses the financial support measures issued by the central bank and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange to explore cross-strait integration development in Fujian [19] - It notes that the Chinese government is willing to strengthen market connectivity and industrial collaboration with the European Central Bank [20] - The report mentions the key parts of a US-UK trade agreement that will lower tariffs on car exports from the UK to the US [20] Group 3 - The report provides an overview of the A-share market, indicating that the Shanghai Composite Index closed slightly higher at 3402 points, with mixed performance among major indices [21][22] - It highlights that the precious metals sector saw significant gains, while the white liquor sector experienced declines [23][25] - The report includes market data showing the closing prices and changes for various indices and commodities, such as the WTI crude oil price at $66.64 per barrel [27]

Industry Overview - China is the largest producer and consumer of liquid ammonia, with an estimated production of approximately 62.1 million tons in 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 2.39% [1][13] - The stable agricultural demand is a key factor supporting the growth of liquid ammonia production, as it is a core raw material for nitrogen fertilizer [1][13] - China's total grain production is expected to reach a new high of over 1.4 trillion jin in 2024, which directly drives the demand for nitrogen fertilizers and subsequently boosts liquid ammonia production [1][13] - The recovery of industrial demand, particularly in the chemical and refrigeration sectors, is also contributing to the growth of liquid ammonia production [1][13] Industry Development History - The development of China's liquid ammonia industry has gone through four stages, starting from the establishment of the first synthetic ammonia production workshop in 1935 [4][5] - The industry expanded significantly from the 1950s to the 1970s, with applications extending to lawn maintenance and greenhouse planting [5] - From the 1970s to 2015, the industry faced strict environmental regulations, leading to technological innovations and the development of more environmentally friendly production methods [5][6] - Since 2015, the industry has been undergoing a transformation towards green ammonia production, utilizing renewable energy sources [6][7] Industry Chain - The upstream of the liquid ammonia industry includes raw materials such as coal, natural gas, and production equipment [9] - The midstream involves the manufacturing process of liquid ammonia, while the downstream applications span agriculture, industry, and new energy sectors [9] Market Size - The stable growth in grain production and the recovery of industrial demand are expected to drive liquid ammonia production in 2024 [1][13] - The price of liquid ammonia in April 2025 was reported at 2,650 yuan per ton, reflecting a month-on-month increase of 3.52% but a year-on-year decrease of 13.96% [15] Key Enterprises - The competitive landscape of the liquid ammonia industry is characterized by a concentration of leading companies such as Yuntianhua, Hubei Yihua, and Hualu Hengsheng, which dominate the market [17] - These leading enterprises are extending their operations upstream to raw material production and downstream to fertilizer and chemical markets, forming a closed loop from raw materials to production and application [17] Industry Development Trends - The industry is accelerating its transition to green and low-carbon production methods, with green ammonia technology becoming a key breakthrough [23][25] - There is a trend towards deeper capacity integration, with leading companies expanding their market share through mergers and acquisitions [24][25] - The demand for liquid ammonia in the new energy sector is rising, with its potential applications in energy storage and shipping becoming increasingly significant [26]

Group 1: Equipment Manufacturing Industry - The equipment manufacturing industry shows improving prosperity, with the manufacturing PMI for May 2025 at 49.5%, up 0.5 percentage points from the previous month [5][6] - Large enterprises have a PMI above the critical point, while small and medium-sized enterprises remain below it, with small enterprises showing a 0.6 percentage point increase in May [5] - The robot industry is advancing applications in the pharmaceutical sector, with a strategic partnership between Yujian Technology and Yaoshi Bang to develop intelligent robots for medical applications [6][7] Group 2: Refrigerant Industry - The refrigerant industry continues to experience high prosperity, with prices for third-generation refrigerants R32, R125, and R134a increasing by 4.08%, 1.11%, and 2.11% respectively as of May 30, 2025 [11][12] - The production of household air conditioners is expected to maintain year-on-year growth, supporting demand for refrigerants [12] - Investment recommendations focus on leading companies in the refrigerant industry and those with a complete industrial chain, such as Juhua Co., Ltd. and Sanmei Co., Ltd. [12] Group 3: Adipic Acid Industry - The adipic acid market is showing positive short-term fundamentals, with prices rising to 7,233 yuan/ton, an increase of 6.63% [13][14] - The demand for adipic acid is supported by significant expansions in downstream nylon production, with domestic nylon 66 capacity expected to reach 1.27 million tons by the end of 2024 [14][16] - Integrated enterprises in the adipic acid sector are expected to have a competitive advantage due to their scale and complete industrial chain, with recommendations to focus on companies like Hualu Hengsheng and Huafeng Chemical [17]

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Positive" (maintained) [1] Core Viewpoints - The 2025 Indian potash fertilizer contract price has been set at $349 per ton, which is expected to boost the potash fertilizer market [4][20] - The domestic potassium chloride market is experiencing limited supply and tight circulation, with domestic potassium chloride production reduced and inventory at low levels [21][22] Summary by Sections Industry Trends - The chemical industry index outperformed the CSI 300 index by 1.73% this week [15] - The CCPI (China Chemical Product Price Index) reported 4033 points, down 1.08% from last week [17] Key Product Tracking - The price difference for polyester filament POY has expanded, while the price of chlorantraniliprole 97% continues to rise [29] - The domestic potassium chloride market is characterized by limited supply and cautious purchasing behavior from downstream buyers [21][22] Recommended and Beneficiary Stocks - Recommended stocks include Salt Lake Co., and Yaqi International; beneficiary stocks include Cangge Mining and Dongfang Iron Tower [27] - Other recommended stocks span various sectors including chemical leaders and fluorine chemicals [5]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the report indicates that the 2025 Indian potash contract price has been set at $349 per ton, which may boost the potash market's prosperity [2] - The transaction between Belarus and India's IPL involves a shipment of 650,000 tons, with the price being $70 per ton higher than the 2024 Indian contract price and $76 per ton higher than the 2024 Chinese import contract price [2] - Domestic potash prices are currently tight, with 60% potash self-delivery prices ranging from 2800 to 2830 RMB per ton, and market prices for 57% powder around 2400 to 2450 RMB per ton [2] Group 2 - The supply side shows limited circulation of potash due to reduced domestic production and low inventory levels, with port inventories at 2.062 million tons as of May 30 [2] - Demand for potash is currently weak, with cautious replenishment from buyers, but the low domestic inventory and the new Indian contract price may stimulate market activity [2] - Recommended stocks include Salt Lake Co. and Yara International, while benefiting stocks include Zangge Mining and Oriental Tower [2] Group 3 - A significant development in the nylon industry was reported, with the launch of a 100,000 tons/year acetonitrile facility by China Pingmei Shenma Group, marking a breakthrough in the production of key raw materials for nylon 66 [3] - The establishment of this facility is expected to reshape the nylon industry landscape in China [3] Group 4 - Recommended stocks in the chemical sector include Wanhu Chemical, Hualu Hengsheng, Hengli Petrochemical, and others, while benefiting stocks span various sectors including fluorine chemicals and new materials [4][5]

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Buy" for companies with strong fundamentals and low correlation to oil prices, suggesting a bottom-fishing strategy [10][18]. Core Viewpoints - The report indicates a recovery in macro expectations, with a notable increase in oil prices due to supply risks from geopolitical tensions and seasonal demand [10][14]. - The report emphasizes the importance of focusing on domestic demand and opportunities in new material substitutions, particularly in the agricultural chemical sector during the spring planting season [10][18]. Summary by Sections 1. Core Viewpoints - Oil prices have risen this week, with a focus on companies that have strong fundamentals and are less affected by oil price fluctuations [10][18]. - Recommendations include companies like Wanhua Chemical, Huamao Technology, Runfeng Co., Guoguang Co., and Hualu Hengsheng, highlighting their unique market positions and growth potential [10][18]. 2. Oil and Chemical Price Information 2.1 Oil - As of June 6, Brent oil prices increased by 4.02% to $66.47 per barrel, driven by supply risks and seasonal demand [14]. - U.S. crude oil commercial inventories decreased by 4.3 million barrels to 436.1 million barrels [14]. 2.2 Chemicals - Among 188 monitored chemical products, the top three price increases this week were for liquid chlorine (up 11.8%), natural gas (up 9.3%), and hydrochloric acid (up 4.6%) [15]. - The report notes significant monthly price changes, with hydrochloric acid increasing by 54.5% [10][15]. 3. Price and Spread Changes - The report highlights the top three products with the largest weekly spread increases: R410a spread (up 200.0%), acrylic acid butyl ester spread (up 58.2%), and PTA (up 45.9%) [10][20]. - Monthly spread changes show significant increases in the electric stone method PVC spread (up 216.9%) [10][20].