Core Viewpoint - The strategic cooperation between the National Carbon Measurement Center (Fujian) and CITIC Pacific Special Steel Group aims to establish a "dual carbon" innovation platform in the special steel sector, promoting green development in the industry [1][2]. Group 1: Strategic Cooperation - The signing ceremony took place in Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, focusing on major technological needs of the nation and enterprises [1]. - Both parties will leverage their strengths to create a national low-carbon high-end think tank and develop a differentiated low-carbon evaluation system for special steel [1][2]. - The collaboration aims to support the green and high-quality development of the special steel industry and achieve national "dual carbon" goals [1]. Group 2: Local Government Support - The Deputy Mayor of Nanping City emphasized the importance of green development and the need for intelligent upgrades in the industry [1]. - The local government hopes that this strategic partnership will enhance CITIC Pacific Special Steel's global leadership in the special steel sector and drive the green transformation of Jiangyin's overall industry [2]. Group 3: Technical Advancements - The cooperation will focus on the entire special steel industry chain, addressing key technical bottlenecks in carbon measurement, emission reduction, and certification [2]. - The initiative aims to enhance China's international influence in the special steel industry through systematic breakthroughs in key technologies [2].

Core Viewpoint - The recent report from China Galaxy highlights the "precise control of capacity and output" and "industry transformation and upgrading" as key development directions for the steel industry in the context of ongoing supply-side reforms [1][3]. Summary by Sections Industry Overview - In 2021, China's steel production faced significant supply-side capacity control measures, leading to a historic year-on-year decline in crude steel output by approximately 2.8%, reaching 1.035 billion tons [2]. - The combination of strong demand and strict production controls resulted in domestic steel prices rising sharply, maintaining historical highs, and the total profit for the black metal smelting and rolling industry reached 424.09 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 72.1% [2]. Policy Developments - The "Steel Industry Steady Growth Work Plan (2025-2026)" was jointly issued by multiple government departments, setting an average annual growth target of around 4% for the steel industry's added value over the next two years [3]. - The plan emphasizes "steady growth and prevention of internal competition," providing a clear path for structural adjustment and high-quality development in the steel sector [3]. Digital Transformation - The work plan focuses on industry upgrades, advocating for increased effective investment, modernization of processes and equipment, and accelerated digital transformation [4]. - By 2026, the steel industry aims to significantly enhance its digitalization level, integrating new information technologies deeply into the steel industry, transitioning from isolated applications to a comprehensive digital development approach [4]. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests that in the context of ongoing supply-side reforms, the steel industry's capacity will continue to concentrate on high-quality leading companies, with a focus on industry leaders and performance improvements [5]. - Recommended companies for investment include Shougang Group, Hebei Iron and Steel Group, and CITIC Special Steel [5].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" recommendation for several steel companies, including Hualing Steel, Baosteel, Nanjing Steel, and others, based on their projected earnings and valuation metrics [3][4]. Core Insights - The steel prices are showing a strong upward trend supported by raw material costs, with significant increases in various steel products as of September 19, 2025 [1][11]. - The overall steel profit margins have improved, with notable increases in the gross margins for rebar, hot-rolled, and cold-rolled steel [1][2]. - The report indicates a shift from inventory accumulation to inventory reduction for rebar, suggesting a recovery in demand as the industry enters its peak season [3]. Price Trends - As of September 19, 2025, the prices for key steel products in Shanghai are as follows: - Rebar (20mm HRB400) at 3280 CNY/ton, up 70 CNY/ton from the previous week - High-line (8.0mm) at 3420 CNY/ton, up 60 CNY/ton - Hot-rolled (3.0mm) at 3460 CNY/ton, up 10 CNY/ton - Cold-rolled (1.0mm) at 3830 CNY/ton, up 30 CNY/ton - Common medium plate (20mm) at 3510 CNY/ton, up 50 CNY/ton [1][11][12]. Production and Inventory - As of September 19, 2025, the total production of the five major steel products was 8.55 million tons, a decrease of 1.78 million tons week-on-week, with rebar production specifically down by 5.48 million tons to 2.0645 million tons [2]. - The total social inventory of the five major steel products increased by 63,200 tons to 11.0023 million tons, while steel mill inventory decreased by 11,400 tons [2]. Profitability - The report highlights an increase in steel profitability, with gross margins for rebar, hot-rolled, and cold-rolled steel rising by 24 CNY/ton, 28 CNY/ton, and 28 CNY/ton respectively, while electric arc furnace steel margins increased by 10 CNY/ton [1][3]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on the following companies: - For the general steel sector: Hualing Steel, Baosteel, Nanjing Steel - For the special steel sector: 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 [3].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the steel industry is "Positive" [2] Core Viewpoints - The report emphasizes the importance of the steel sector in investment allocation, particularly in light of expected policy-driven production limits in the fourth quarter [1][2] - Despite current supply-demand imbalances and declining overall industry profits, the steel demand is anticipated to stabilize or slightly increase due to supportive policies in real estate, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors [3][2] - The report suggests that the industry is likely to maintain a stable supply-demand situation, with a focus on high-margin specialty steel companies and leading enterprises with strong cost control [3][2] Supply Situation - As of September 19, the capacity utilization rate for blast furnaces among sample steel companies is 90.4%, a week-on-week increase of 0.17 percentage points [25] - The average daily pig iron production is 2.41 million tons, with a week-on-week increase of 0.47 tons and a year-on-year increase of 176,400 tons [25] - The total production of five major steel products is 7.437 million tons, a week-on-week decrease of 11,500 tons [25] Demand Situation - The consumption of five major steel products reached 8.503 million tons as of September 19, with a week-on-week increase of 70,000 tons [35] - The transaction volume of construction steel by mainstream traders is 107,000 tons, reflecting a week-on-week increase of 3.32% [35] Inventory Situation - The social inventory of five major steel products is 11.014 million tons, a week-on-week increase of 62,700 tons [43] - The factory inventory of five major steel products is 4.184 million tons, a week-on-week decrease of 1.14% [43] Price & Profit Situation - The comprehensive index for ordinary steel is 3,507.3 yuan/ton, with a week-on-week increase of 17.52 yuan/ton [49] - The profit for rebar produced in blast furnaces is 22 yuan/ton, a significant week-on-week increase of 257.14% [58] - The average cost of pig iron is 2,381 yuan/ton, with a slight week-on-week increase [58] Raw Material Prices - The spot price index for Australian iron ore (62% Fe) is 802 yuan/ton, a week-on-week increase of 6.0 yuan/ton [72] - The price of primary metallurgical coke is 1,715 yuan/ton, with a week-on-week decrease of 55.0 yuan/ton [72]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese steel industry is undergoing a transformation towards high-end, intelligent, and green development, driven by mergers and acquisitions that focus on resource integration and market expansion, as well as government policies encouraging industry consolidation [1][2][6]. Group 1: Industry Transformation - The steel industry is shifting from "physical accumulation" to "chemical integration," aiming for value creation rather than mere scale expansion [2][4]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has introduced the "Steel Industry Normative Conditions (2025 Edition)," which includes mergers and acquisitions as a key indicator for promoting efficiency and industry concentration [1][4]. - The integration of steel companies is expected to enhance operational efficiency and international competitiveness by eliminating redundant capacities and fostering collaboration across the industry [3][5]. Group 2: Case Studies of Successful Integration - China Baowu Steel Group exemplifies successful transformation through mergers, achieving a scale of "one billion tons" while transitioning from scale leadership to technological leadership [2][6]. - CITIC Special Steel has focused on niche markets, leading in seamless steel pipe production and bearing steel sales, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted integration strategies [2][4]. - The merger between Ansteel Group and Benxi Steel Group resulted in significant cost reductions and efficiency improvements, showcasing the benefits of resource optimization [5][6]. Group 3: Global Expansion and Competitiveness - Chinese steel giants are actively pursuing global expansion to secure scarce resources, acquire advanced technologies, and enhance international branding [6][7]. - Hebei Iron and Steel Group's acquisition of a struggling Serbian steel plant illustrates the application of "chemical integration" principles abroad, leading to a turnaround in profitability [6][7]. - China Baowu's involvement in international projects, such as the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, aims to establish a global value chain and enhance resource security [6][7]. Group 4: Technological and Environmental Advancements - The restructuring of steel companies has facilitated concentrated investment in R&D, enabling breakthroughs in advanced technologies and large-scale applications [4][5]. - The integration of digital and intelligent systems in production processes is enhancing operational efficiency and resource utilization [5][6]. - The industry's commitment to low-carbon transformation is exemplified by CITIC Special Steel's initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption significantly [5][6].

Market Overview - On September 19, the special steel sector declined by 0.35%, with Xianglou New Materials leading the drop [1] - The Shanghai Composite Index closed at 3820.09, down 0.3%, while the Shenzhen Component Index closed at 13070.86, down 0.04% [1] Stock Performance - Key stocks in the special steel sector showed varied performance, with Jinzhou Pipeline up by 2.14% and Xianglou New Materials down by 3.47% [1][2] - The closing prices and changes for notable stocks include: - Jinzhou Pipeline: 7.15, +2.14% - Xianglou New Materials: 63.40, -3.47% - Xining Special Steel: 3.31, +0.61% - Taiyuan Iron & Steel: 3.93, 0.00% [1][2] Trading Volume and Capital Flow - The total trading volume for the special steel sector was significant, with Jinzhou Pipeline achieving a transaction amount of 1.28 billion yuan [1] - The net capital flow showed a net outflow of 403.62 million yuan from main funds, while retail investors had a net inflow of 2328.13 million yuan [2][3] Individual Stock Capital Flow - Notable capital flows for specific stocks include: - Xining Special Steel: Main funds net inflow of 18.89 million yuan, retail net outflow of 39.89 million yuan [3] - Jinzhou Pipeline: Main funds net inflow of 12.61 million yuan, retail net outflow of 6.93 million yuan [3] - Xianglou New Materials: Main funds net outflow of 1.91 million yuan, retail net inflow of 14.58 million yuan [3]

Market Performance - The special steel sector experienced a decline of 2.42% on September 18, with Shengde Xintai leading the drop [1] - The Shanghai Composite Index closed at 3831.66, down 1.15%, while the Shenzhen Component Index closed at 13075.66, down 1.06% [1] Individual Stock Performance - Shengde Xintai (300881) closed at 34.10, down 4.91% with a trading volume of 35,000 shares and a turnover of 122 million yuan [1] - Shagang Group (002075) closed at 5.86, down 3.93% with a trading volume of 849,300 shares and a turnover of 506 million yuan [1] - Fangda Special Steel (600507) closed at 5.32, down 2.92% with a trading volume of 270,500 shares [1] - CITIC Special Steel (000708) closed at 12.72, down 2.90% with a trading volume of 200,300 shares and a turnover of 257 million yuan [1] - Xianglou New Materials (301160) closed at 65.68, down 2.71% with a trading volume of 67,000 shares and a turnover of 452 million yuan [1] Capital Flow Analysis - The special steel sector saw a net outflow of 143 million yuan from main funds, while retail investors contributed a net inflow of 51.37 million yuan [1] - The table of capital flow indicates that Jiuli Special Materials (002318) had a main fund net inflow of 5.58 million yuan, while Shengde Xintai (300881) experienced a significant net outflow of 21.40 million yuan [2]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Accumulate" rating for the steel industry [5] Core Viewpoints - The ROA of the ordinary steel sector is at a low level since 2010, with a projected ROA of 0.93% for H1 2025 due to declining industry demand and profits [1] - The PB_LF of the ordinary steel sector is 0.96, which is 6.67% below the average since 2013, indicating potential for growth [1] - There are currently 12 ordinary steel companies with a PB_LF below 1, while 11 companies have a dividend yield above 3% [2][3] - The report anticipates an increase in dividend payout ratios for ordinary steel companies as low-emission transformation projects are completed by 2025 [3] Summary by Sections Section 1: Financial Metrics - The ordinary steel sector's ROA is projected to be 0.93% for H1 2025, marking a low since 2010 [1] - The current PB_LF of 0.96 is 6.67% below the average since 2013, with significant room for growth compared to peaks in 2017 and 2021 [1] Section 2: Company Analysis - Among the ordinary steel companies, 12 have a PB_LF below 1, with notable companies like Hebei Steel at 0.51, New Steel at 0.52, and Ansteel at 0.54 [2] - 11 companies in the steel sector have a dividend yield exceeding 3%, with the highest being Youfa Group at 6.09% [2][3] Section 3: Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on Baosteel, Ordos, CITIC Special Steel, and Jiuli Special Materials for investment, while also suggesting to pay attention to Youfa Group, Nanjing Steel, and others [3]

Market Performance - On September 17, the special steel sector rose by 0.77% compared to the previous trading day, with Shagang Co., Ltd. leading the gains [1] - The Shanghai Composite Index closed at 3876.34, up 0.37%, while the Shenzhen Component Index closed at 13215.46, up 1.16% [1] Individual Stock Performance - Shagang Co., Ltd. (002075) closed at 6.10, with a gain of 3.92% and a trading volume of 1.11 million shares, amounting to a transaction value of 677 million yuan [1] - CITIC Special Steel (000708) closed at 13.10, up 1.63%, with a trading volume of 189,800 shares and a transaction value of 247 million yuan [1] - Fushun Special Steel (600399) closed at 5.42, up 0.37%, with a trading volume of 317,900 shares and a transaction value of 172 million yuan [1] - Other notable performances include Taiyuan Iron & Steel (000825) at 4.01 (up 0.25%) and Jiu Li Special Materials (002318) at 22.19 (up 0.09%) [1] Capital Flow Analysis - The special steel sector experienced a net outflow of 13.12 million yuan from main funds, while retail funds saw a net inflow of 28.99 million yuan [2] - The individual stock capital flow indicates that Shagang Co., Ltd. had a main fund net outflow of 42.04 million yuan, while retail funds saw a net inflow of 4.30 million yuan [3] - Taiyuan Iron & Steel had a main fund net inflow of 14.73 million yuan, while retail funds experienced a net outflow of 1.76 million yuan [3]

Core Viewpoint - The strategic cooperation agreement signed between CITIC Pacific Special Steel Group and the National Carbon Measurement Center (Fujian) aims to promote the green and high-quality development of the special steel industry while achieving national dual carbon goals [1] Group 1: Strategic Cooperation - CITIC Pacific Special Steel Group and the National Carbon Measurement Center (Fujian) have signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement [1] - The partnership will leverage each party's strengths to establish a national low-carbon high-end think tank [1] - The collaboration will involve policy pilot projects and the construction of a differentiated low-carbon evaluation system for special steel [1] Group 2: Industry Development - The agreement aims to support the construction of a national major platform for low-carbon special steel [1] - The initiative is focused on promoting the green and high-quality development of the special steel industry [1] - The efforts are aligned with the national dual carbon goals, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in the industry [1]