Summary of the Conference Call on Global Metals & Mining Industry Overview - The focus is on the **steel industry in China** and its implications for **iron ore demand** globally. The discussion revolves around the anticipated **Supply Side Reform 2.0** in China, which is expected to lead to a reduction in steel production and exports from China. Key Points and Arguments Supply Side Reform 2.0 - Supply side reform 2.0 is likely to result in a **5% supply curtailment** in steel production in 2025, leading to a gradual rebalancing of the steel market, which should support **average selling price (ASP) uplift** and margin improvement [2][41] - A reduction of **50 million tonnes** in steel production in China could lead to a decline in steel exports by the same amount, which would be beneficial for steel margins outside of China [2][10] Impact on Iron Ore Demand - The impact of a shift in steel production from China to other countries on iron ore demand is estimated to be around **15 million tonnes**, which is approximately **1% of the global seaborne iron ore market** [3][20] - Steel production outside of China is less iron ore intensive, with **66%** of steel production globally using iron ore compared to **85%** in China [3][18] Correlation Between Iron Ore Prices and Steel Margins - In the short term, iron ore prices are more correlated with **steel producer margins** than with steel production rates. If production cuts in China lead to higher margins globally, this could support iron ore prices [4][26] - The premium for higher-grade iron ore is also expected to rise as steel producer margins increase, potentially offsetting any small declines in base iron ore prices [4][33] Risks from Simandou - The **Simandou project** poses a significant risk to global iron ore prices, with an expected capacity addition of **120 million tonnes** over the next few years, which represents a **7% increase** in the global seaborne iron ore market [5][39] Inventory Levels - Iron ore inventories at Chinese ports have remained steady at around **150 million tonnes**, while steel mill inventories are at approximately **20 days of use**. Overall, iron ore inventories in China are estimated to be around **60 days**, compared to a **15-year average** of **51 days** [43][46] Government Policy Changes - The Chinese government has shifted its stance on steel production, moving from avoiding "rat-race style competition" to actively rectifying it, indicating a more aggressive approach to supply reform [40][41] Conclusion on Iron Ore Prices - The conclusion drawn is that significant declines in iron ore prices are only likely under specific circumstances related to a decline in steel demand, both in China and globally. However, even in such scenarios, iron ore prices may have been due for a decline regardless of the supply side reform [11][39] Additional Important Insights - The **steel industry** is considered a pillar of the Chinese economy, and the government is focused on optimizing the structure and improving the quality of production [40][41] - The anticipated changes in policy and production levels are expected to have a long-term impact on the dynamics of the steel and iron ore markets, with implications for global pricing and production strategies [39][41]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the industry, but it provides insights into inventory trends and production data that may influence investment decisions. Core Insights - China's physical inventory trends for metals such as steel, iron ore, copper, aluminum, and zinc are being closely monitored, particularly following recent monetary policy loosening [1][2]. - Steel production in China has shown a slight increase of 2% week-over-week, with iron ore arrivals reaching the highest levels in over five years [1][2]. - Copper premiums in China fell by 20% last week, indicating a potential shift in demand dynamics [1][7]. - The report highlights that while steel inventories have decreased significantly, there is a risk of inventory buildup if production outpaces actual consumption [2][6]. Summary by Sections Steel Production and Inventory - CISA data indicates a 1.6% increase in steel production for the first ten days of October, with production now only 4% lower year-over-year [1]. - Preliminary data shows a 10% increase in steel exports for September compared to August, reaching an annualized rate of 124 million tons, the highest since June 2016 [1][12]. - Total steel inventory in China has decreased by 25% over the last two months, now at its lowest level since January 2024 [10]. Iron Ore Trends - Landed iron ore arrivals in China rose by 45% week-over-week to 30.43 million tons, marking a 6% year-over-year increase [2][4]. - Global iron ore shipments increased by 1% week-over-week but were down 2% year-over-year [4][11]. - Iron ore portside inventory in China is approximately 25 million tons above the normal seasonal average, but it has decreased by 5 million tons in the last month [11]. Copper and Aluminum Insights - Copper inventories in China have increased by 25,000 tons over the last two weeks, although they remain below the five-year average [7][12]. - Aluminum inventory de-stocking has slowed in October, but it remains slightly stronger than the five-year average [8][16]. - The report forecasts copper prices to reach $11,000 per ton in Q2 2025 and $11,500 in Q3 2025, approximately 15% above current spot prices [7]. Market Dynamics - The report notes that steel mill margins have improved to their highest levels in about two years, although margins for hot-rolled coil (HRC) have weakened recently [8][10]. - Overall steel demand in China remains 6% lower year-over-year, despite a 2% week-over-week increase in domestic consumption [1][6].

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is Attractive [1]. Core Insights - Steel apparent consumption is increasing following the National Day Holiday, with long products showing a significant rise in output due to low inventory and improved profitability [1][1]. - Steel inventory has decreased at both traders and mills, with traders' inventory down by 205 kt (2.2% WoW) and mills' inventory down to 3,954 kt (2.1% WoW) as of October 10 [1][1]. - Iron ore inventory at small- and medium-sized mills decreased by 19.7 kt (9.6%) from September 25, indicating a tightening supply [1][1]. Summary by Sections Steel Consumption and Inventory - Apparent consumption of long and flat products increased by 25.5% WoW and 3.3% WoW, respectively, but decreased by 8.6% and 0.4% YoY [1]. - The inventory at traders decreased by 205 kt, with long products down 3.4% WoW and flat products down 1.4% WoW [1]. Iron Ore Market - Iron ore inventory at ports decreased by 1.5% WoW to 143.8 mt as of September 27, with the operating rate at sample mines increasing to 63.3% [1]. - Combined shipments from Australia and Brazil fell by 2.2 Mt week-on-week, primarily due to softer shipments from Rio Tinto [1]. Production Insights - The utilization rate of 247 mills increased by 0.39 ppts WoW to 84.5%, with CISA member mills' production at 1.99 mnt per day, up 2.7% from the preceding 10 days but down 6.8% YoY [1]. - Weekly output for long products rose by 3.8% WoW to 3.28 mnt, while flat products fell by 0.3% WoW to 5.36 mnt [1].