Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. 2. Report's Core View - The total global iron ore shipping volume this period was 3657 (+24) million tons. Specifically, Australia's shipping volume decreased quarter - on - quarter, while Brazil and non - mainstream countries' shipping volume increased quarter - on - quarter. The domestic ore arrival volume was 2526 (+133) million tons, as the ore from the previous shipping peak period arrived successively [2]. 3. Summary According to Relevant Catalog Global Shipping Volume - On August 29, 2025, the global shipping volume was 3556.8 million tons, with a quarter - on - quarter increase of 241 million tons and a year - on - year increase of 107.9 million tons [3]. Shipping Volume by Region - **Australia**: On August 29, 2025, the shipping volume was 1811.5 million tons, with a quarter - on - quarter decrease of 69.5 million tons and a year - on - year decrease of 24.6 million tons. Rio Tinto and non - mainstream mines decreased quarter - on - quarter, FMG's shipping volume slightly decreased, and BHP's shipping volume increased. Overall, Australia's shipping volume decreased [2][3]. - **Brazil**: On August 29, 2025, the shipping volume was 996.6 million tons, with a quarter - on - quarter increase of 184.9 million tons and a year - on - year decrease of 62.4 million tons. Vale's shipping volume increased quarter - on - quarter, while non - mainstream mines decreased [2][3]. - **Non - mainstream countries**: The shipping volume increased quarter - on - quarter [2]. Shipping Volume by Major Mines - **Rio Tinto**: On August 29, 2025, the global shipping volume was 611 million tons, with a quarter - on - quarter decrease of 114.1 million tons and a year - on - year decrease of 4.2 million tons; the shipping volume to China was 472.1 million tons, with a quarter - on - quarter decrease of 124.5 million tons and a year - on - year decrease of 31.8 million tons [3]. - **BHP**: On August 29, 2025, the global shipping volume was 522.7 million tons, with a quarter - on - quarter increase of 61.6 million tons and a year - on - year decrease of 49.5 million tons; the shipping volume to China was 447.4 million tons, with a quarter - on - quarter increase of 62 million tons and a year - on - year decrease of 31.8 million tons [3]. - **FMG**: On August 29, 2025, the global shipping volume was 435 million tons, with a quarter - on - quarter decrease of 0.4 million tons and a year - on - year increase of 60.9 million tons; the shipping volume to China was 388.7 million tons, with a quarter - on - quarter decrease of 28.1 million tons and a year - on - year increase of 70.9 million tons [3]. - **Vale**: On August 29, 2025, the global shipping volume was 803.7 million tons, with a quarter - on - quarter increase of 230.8 million tons and a year - on - year increase of 18.6 million tons [3]. Domestic Ore Arrival Volume - On August 29, 2025, the domestic ore arrival volume was 2526 million tons, with a quarter - on - quarter increase of 132.7 million tons and a year - on - year increase of 316.8 million tons [3]. Shipping Ratio to China from Australia - On August 29, 2025, the ratio of Australia's shipping volume to China was 0.801, with a quarter - on - quarter decrease of 0.081 and a year - on - year increase of 0.01 [3].

Group 1: Report Industry Investment Rating - No information provided Group 2: Core Viewpoints of the Report - Domestic arrivals at 47 ports reached 26.45 million tons, an increase of 1.827 million tons from the previous week, mainly due to an increase in Brazilian ore. Overseas ore shipments rebounded, with the total shipments from 19 global ports reaching 35.568 million tons, an increase of 2.4095 million tons from the previous week. According to ship schedules, arrivals of Australian and Brazilian ore at domestic ports are expected to increase, and overseas ore supply will remain at a high level [2] Group 3: Summary by Related Catalogs 1. Brief Evaluation - Domestic 47 - port arrivals increased, with the increment mainly from Brazilian ore. Overseas ore shipments rebounded, with increments from Brazilian and non - Australian - Brazilian ore, while Australian - Brazilian ore decreased slightly. Ship schedules indicate a rise in Australian and Brazilian ore arrivals at domestic ports and high overseas supply [2] 2. Ore Arrival and Shipment Data - **Arrival Data**: Northern six - port arrivals were 13.008 million tons, up 12.83% week - on - week; national 45 - port arrivals were 25.26 million tons, up 5.54% week - on - week; national 47 - port arrivals were 26.45 million tons, up 7.42% week - on - week. The increase in national 47 - port arrivals was mainly due to Brazilian ore, which increased by 21.72% week - on - week [3] - **Shipment Data**: Australian shipments (original caliber) were 16.409 million tons, down 4.54% week - on - week; Brazilian shipments (original caliber) were 9.741 million tons, up 30.21% week - on - week. The total shipments from 19 global ports were 35.568 million tons, up 7.27% week - on - week [3] 3. Relevant Charts - The report includes charts on domestic port arrivals, global iron ore shipments, shipments of the four major miners, and estimated domestic arrivals of iron ore [4][8][10]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on tariffs and China, with a mention of a potential "new" EU market [1] - Key themes post H1 results include the impact of tariffs on global growth and efficiency, particularly in the copper sector [2] Core Themes and Arguments - **Tariffs**: Ongoing changes are seen as detrimental to the US and global growth, with copper tariffs negatively affecting valuations [2] - **Dollar**: Speculation on whether the dollar has peaked or if further declines are expected, with the market pricing in potential rate cuts [2] - **China**: Mixed signals with credit data appearing stable, but property market issues persist; grid investment in China is projected to increase by 8% this year [2] - **Energy Transition**: Rapid developments outside the US, with battery storage becoming a new driver for metal demand and solar energy being the lowest cost option [2] Company-Specific Insights - **BHP**: Focus on smoothing copper production and managing costs despite project overruns [6] - **Rio Tinto**: New CEO, emphasis on copper growth and potential lithium price stabilization [6] - **Glencore**: Coal market recovery, but challenges in copper production expected in H2 [6] - **Anglo American**: Restructuring efforts and key commodities performing well [6] - **Vale**: Volume growth and cost improvements in base metals driving profits [6] - **Teck**: Issues with QB ramp-up affecting guidance despite copper growth [6] - **South32**: Copper and aluminum are key growth drivers, with challenges in nickel [6] - **Fortescue**: Profit impacted by iron price fluctuations, with a focus on decarbonization capital expenditures [6] - **Freeport**: Positioned as a leading copper company in the US, with growth driven by leaching processes [6] - **Antofagasta**: Notable 30% low-risk volume growth with strong copper leverage [6] - **ArcelorMittal**: Consolidation efforts in the EU market are generating investor optimism [6] Commodities Market Insights - **Copper**: Supply issues due to incidents in DRC and Chile, with treatment and refining charges remaining negative [4] - **Iron Ore**: Marginal cost support highlighted, with the market able to absorb new supply from Simandou [4] - **Lithium**: Prices recovering from lows due to supply cuts in China [4] - **Gold**: Current windfall cash flows in the sector, while bulk commodities show subdued free cash flow [4] Market Sentiment - The end of downgrades in many commodities is seen as a positive sign for the sector [5] - The overall equity story for the sector is improving, with many companies showing resilience despite market challenges [5] Additional Insights - The revenue breakdown indicates that copper and iron ore are key revenue drivers, accounting for over 60% of aggregate revenues for major companies [13][15] - The report includes detailed financial metrics and projections for various companies, indicating a cautious but optimistic outlook for the mining sector [12]

Core Viewpoint - The average brokerage recommendation (ABR) for VALE S.A. is 2.00, indicating a Buy, based on recommendations from 14 brokerage firms, with 50% of these being Strong Buy [2][5]. Brokerage Recommendation Trends for VALE - The ABR of 2.00 is derived from 14 recommendations, with seven classified as Strong Buy [2]. - Despite the positive ABR, reliance solely on this metric for investment decisions may not be prudent, as studies indicate limited success of brokerage recommendations in predicting stock price increases [5][10]. Analyst Bias and Recommendations - Brokerage analysts tend to exhibit a strong positive bias in their ratings, with five Strong Buy recommendations for every Strong Sell [6][10]. - This bias suggests that the interests of brokerage firms may not align with those of retail investors, potentially misleading them regarding future stock price movements [7][10]. Zacks Rank vs. ABR - The Zacks Rank, which is based on earnings estimate revisions, is a more reliable indicator of near-term stock performance compared to the ABR [8][11]. - The Zacks Rank is displayed in whole numbers (1 to 5) and is updated more frequently than the ABR, which may not reflect the most current information [9][12]. Earnings Estimate Revisions for VALE - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for VALE has decreased by 0.7% over the past month to $1.69, indicating growing pessimism among analysts regarding the company's earnings prospects [13]. - This decline in earnings estimates has resulted in a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) for VALE, suggesting caution despite the Buy-equivalent ABR [14].

Group 1 - Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund will collaborate with China's Greeenmei, South Korea's Ecopro, and nickel miners Vale and Mindo Nickel to invest in nickel processing projects [1]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that Vale has not only reaffirmed its transformation process but has also deepened it, presenting unique strategic opportunities despite a challenging context [1]. Group 2 - The company is positioned as a value company with solid long-term potential, which aligns with the investment approach focused on identifying such opportunities [1].

Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. Core Views - The production and sales of Vale in the second quarter showed differentiation, and the annual production target remained unchanged. Vale's quarterly iron ore production in the second quarter was 83.6 million tons, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 23.6% and a year-on-year increase of 3 million tons or 3.7%. The quarterly iron ore sales volume was 77.346 million tons, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 16.9% and a year-on-year decrease of 2.45 million tons or 3.1% [3][4]. - Rio Tinto's production and sales both increased significantly in the second quarter, and the shipment of Simandou iron ore was advanced to November. In the second quarter of 2025, Rio Tinto's iron ore production from its Pilbara operations was 83.74 million tons, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 20% and a year-on-year increase of 5.4%. The sales volume was 86.47 million tons, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 14.8% and a year-on-year decrease of 1.1%, with the decline significantly narrowing compared to the first quarter [5][6]. - BHP Billiton's iron ore production and sales both increased quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year in the second quarter, and the target for the 2026 fiscal year was slightly raised. In the second quarter of 2025, BHP Billiton's iron ore production from its Pilbara operations (100% basis) was 77.48 million tons, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 14.2% and a year-on-year increase of 0.9%. The total sales volume was 76.723 million tons, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 14.9% and a year-on-year increase of 1.1% [8][9]. - FMG's production and sales both increased quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year in the second quarter, and the single-quarter shipment reached a record high. In the second quarter, FMG's total iron ore processing volume was 54.4 million tons, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 14.3% and a year-on-year increase of 7.1%. The iron ore shipment volume reached 55.2 million tons, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 19.7% and a year-on-year increase of 2.8% [10]. Summary by Directory Vale - Production: The quarterly iron ore production in the second quarter was 83.6 million tons, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 23.6% and a year-on-year increase of 3 million tons or 3.7%. The increase was mainly due to the strong performance of the Brucutu mine in Minas Gerais and the record-high production of the S11D mine in Parana. The annual production target for 2025 is 325 - 335 million tons, and the new projects VGR1 and Capanema are expected to contribute incremental output in the second half of the year [3][16]. - Sales: The quarterly iron ore sales volume in the second quarter was 77.346 million tons, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 16.9% and a year-on-year decrease of 2.45 million tons or 3.1%. Sales decreased in most regions, with the overall sales volume turning negative year-on-year [4][21]. - Shipping and Arrival: From the steel shipping data, Vale's shipments showed a positive year-on-year growth in the second quarter. As of July 21, the cumulative year-on-year increase in iron ore shipments was 2.24 million tons, and the cumulative year-on-year decrease in China's port iron ore arrivals narrowed to about 5.6 million tons [26]. Rio Tinto - Production: In the second quarter of 2025, the iron ore production from its Pilbara operations was 83.74 million tons, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 20% and a year-on-year increase of 5.4%. The Simandou iron ore will ship its first cargo in November 2025, earlier than previously planned, with a limited supply volume this year [5][31]. - Sales: The sales volume in the second quarter was 86.47 million tons, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 14.8% and a year-on-year decrease of 1.1%, with the decline significantly narrowing compared to the first quarter. The 2025 Pilbara iron ore shipment target (100%) remains unchanged at 323 - 338 million tons, but the shipment volume is expected to be at the lower end of the guidance due to the difficult-to-make-up reduction caused by extreme weather events in the first quarter [6][36]. - Shipping and Arrival: The incremental iron ore shipments in the second quarter showed a pattern of high in the front and low in the back. As of July 21, the cumulative year-on-year decrease in iron ore shipments was 4.65 million tons, and the cumulative year-on-year decrease in shipments to China was 1.08 million tons. The cumulative year-on-year decrease in China's port iron ore arrivals was 1.66 million tons [44]. BHP Billiton - Production: In the second quarter of 2025, the iron ore production from its Pilbara operations (100% basis) was 77.48 million tons, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 14.2% and a year-on-year increase of 0.9%. The production in 2025 fiscal year was 288 million tons, the same as last year, meeting the fiscal year target. The target guidance for the 2026 fiscal year is 284 - 296 million tons (100% basis) [8][51]. - Sales: The total sales volume in the second quarter was 76.723 million tons, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 14.9% and a year-on-year increase of 1.1% [9][54]. - Shipping and Arrival: The shipments continued to recover year-on-year. As of July 21, the cumulative year-on-year decrease in iron ore shipments was 1.09 million tons, and the cumulative year-on-year decrease in shipments to China was 1.67 million tons. The cumulative year-on-year decrease in China's port iron ore arrivals reached 7 million tons [60]. FMG - Production and Sales: In the second quarter, the total iron ore processing volume was 54.4 million tons, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 14.3% and a year-on-year increase of 7.1%. The iron ore shipment volume reached 55.2 million tons, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 19.7% and a year-on-year increase of 2.8%, with a record-high single-quarter shipment [10][63]. - Iron Bridge Project: The Iron Bridge magnetite project contributed 2.4 million tons, with continuous production increase and still in the phased capacity ramp-up [63]. - Fiscal Year Target: The 2026 fiscal year shipment target is set at 195 - 205 million tons (with a target shipment volume of 10 - 12 million tons for the Iron Bridge project), with the upper and lower limits of the guidance target for the 2025 fiscal year increased by 5 million tons respectively [10][63]. - Shipping and Arrival: The cumulative year-on-year growth in shipments was maintained. As of July 21, the cumulative year-on-year increase in iron ore shipments was 5.59 million tons, and the cumulative year-on-year increase in shipments to China was 5.84 million tons. The cumulative year-on-year decrease in China's port iron ore arrivals was 3.07 million tons [66].

Core Insights - The global iron ore shipment volume in the first half of 2025 was 78.387 million tons, a slight year-on-year decrease of 0.23%, with the four major mining companies accounting for 67.2% of the total shipments, an increase of 0.4 percentage points from the previous year [1] - The production of the four major mining companies is expected to see a slight increase in the second half of the year, following a historical high in the second quarter [1] Group 1: Vale - Vale's iron ore production in Q2 reached 83.6 million tons, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 14.2% and a year-on-year increase of 4% [2] - The production showed regional differentiation, with the Northern system increasing production by 2.2 million tons, while the Southern system saw a decrease due to maintenance [2][6] - Vale maintained its annual production target of 325 million to 335 million tons, expecting to achieve the midpoint of this range [2] Group 2: Rio Tinto - Rio Tinto's Pilbara iron ore production in Q2 reached 83.74 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 20%, while shipments were 79.9 million tons, a slight decrease of 0.5% [7] - The West Angelas project is progressing well, with first shipments expected in November 2025, and a total output of 5 to 10 million tons anticipated for that year [7] - The company is also advancing other projects, including the Brockman Syncline 1, which has a projected investment of $1.8 billion and a design capacity of 34 million tons [8] Group 3: BHP - BHP's iron ore production in Q2 reached 70.3 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 2%, while shipments were 76.7 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 1.1% [10] - The company expects its total production for the 2025 fiscal year to reach 262.98 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 1% [10] - The South Flank project has significantly contributed to production, achieving over 80 million tons in its first year [12] Group 4: Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) - FMG's iron ore production in Q2 reached 54.4 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 14.3%, while shipments were 55.2 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 2.8% [13] - The company achieved record shipping volumes despite disruptions from tropical cyclones, demonstrating strong operational efficiency [14] - FMG's guidance for the 2026 fiscal year is set at 195 million to 205 million tons, indicating continued growth potential [14] Group 5: Overall Market Outlook - The four major mining companies collectively increased production in Q2, with a total estimated production of approximately 29.6 million tons, reflecting a significant recovery [15] - The overall market is expected to maintain stability in iron ore supply, with ongoing projects and production guidance indicating a slight increase in output for the second half of the year [15]

Group 1: Production, Sales, and Shipping Volume - In Q2 2025, FMG's production was 83.6, a 23.6% increase from Q1 2025 and a 3.7% increase from Q2 2024; sales were 77.3, a 16.9% increase from Q1 2025 but a 3.1% decrease from Q2 2024 [7] - In Q2 2025, for another data set, production was 77.5, a 14.3% increase from Q1 2025 and a 0.9% increase from Q2 2024; sales were 76.7, a 14.8% increase from Q1 2025 and a 1.1% increase from Q2 2024 [7] - In Q2 2025, for yet another data set, production was 83.7, a 19.9% increase from Q1 2025 and a 5.3% increase from Q2 2024; shipping volume was 79.9, a 13.0% increase from Q1 2025 but a 0.5% decrease from Q2 2024; FMG's shipping volume was 55.2, a 19.7% increase from Q1 2025 and a 2.8% increase from Q2 2024 [7] Group 2: Product Data (PB and Others) - In Q2 2025, PB block was 11.2, with a -10% year - on - year change and a 14% quarter - on - quarter change; PB powder was 21.5, with a -13% year - on - year change and a 14% quarter - on - quarter change [15] - In Q2 2025, Robe River block was 1.4, with a 4% year - on - year change and a 20% quarter - on - quarter change; Robe River powder was 2.6, with a -15% year - on - year change and an 18% quarter - on - quarter change [15] - In Q2 2025, Yangdi powder was 10.6, with a -6% year - on - year change and a 14% quarter - on - quarter change; SP10 block was 8.3, with a 64% year - on - year change and a 3% quarter - on - quarter change; SP10 powder was 12.5, with a 52% year - on - year change and a 9% quarter - on - quarter change [15] Group 3: Other Product Data - In Q2 2025, Newman was 15.07, with a 5% year - on - year change and a 26% quarter - on - quarter change; Area C was 32.82, with a 13% year - on - year change and an 18% quarter - on - quarter change [22] - In Q2 2025, Yangdi was 3.85, with a -27% year - on - year change and a 1% quarter - on - quarter change; Jinbuba was 16.6, with a -14% year - on - year change and a 1% quarter - on - quarter change [22] Group 4: More Product Data - In Q2 2025, Tieqiao was 2.4, with a 300% year - on - year change and a 60% quarter - on - quarter change; Western Pilbara powder was 3.5, with a 192% year - on - year change and a 3% quarter - on - quarter change [25] - In Q2 2025, King powder was 3.5, with a 6% year - on - year change and a -13% quarter - on - quarter change; Mixed powder was 21.5, with a 4% year - on - year change and a 24% quarter - on - quarter change [25] - In Q2 2025, FMG block was 1.8, with no year - on - year change and a 0% quarter - on - quarter change; Super Special powder was 22.6, with a -19% year - on - year change and a 26% quarter - on - quarter change [25]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry Focus**: The conference call primarily discusses the **basic materials sector** in China, particularly focusing on **coal**, **steel**, **cement**, and **lithium** in the context of China's **anti-involution policy** [5][12]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Anti-Involution Policy**: This policy aims to rectify low-price and disorderly competition, eliminate outdated capacity, and create a unified national market. It emphasizes sectors like **electric vehicles (EV)**, **solar**, and **e-commerce**, while focusing on **lithium** and **coal** in basic materials [5][12]. - **Coal Inspections**: The National Energy Administration (NEA) is inspecting coal mines in eight provinces to address overproduction. The impact is more significant in **metallurgical coal** (26% volume impact) compared to **thermal coal** (3% volume impact). Production cuts are anticipated, but execution remains uncertain [6][14]. - **Price Projections**: - **Met Coal**: Prices are expected to average around **RMB 1,200/ton** with potential curtailments [6][14]. - **Thermal Coal**: Prices may recover to **RMB 670/ton** during summer but are expected to soften in Q4, averaging **RMB 630/ton** in 2025 [14]. - **Steel Sector**: Steel is considered a lower priority in the anti-involution campaign due to previous successful reforms. Steel output has already declined by **7-9% year-on-year** in May-June [7][14]. Additional Important Insights - **Hydropower Project Impact**: The Yarlung Zangbo hydropower project, costing **RMB 1.2 trillion**, is expected to consume **4.3 million tons per annum (mtpa)** of cement and **0.6 mtpa** of steel, which is not anticipated to significantly impact overall commodity consumption [10][12]. - **Iron Ore Market**: Iron ore prices have increased from **$93/ton** to **$103/ton** due to expectations of property stimulus and supply reform. Steel production in China has slowed, and exports remain strong at **~112 million tons** in June [11][12]. - **Inventory Levels**: Both thermal and metallurgical coal inventories are healthier compared to earlier in 2025, with thermal coal inventories at Independent Power Producers (IPPs) remaining elevated [14]. Conclusion - The conference call provided a comprehensive overview of the implications of China's anti-involution policy on the basic materials sector, particularly coal and steel. The anticipated production cuts and price adjustments reflect the government's efforts to stabilize the market while addressing overproduction issues. The impact of new infrastructure projects on commodity demand appears limited, and the overall sentiment in the iron ore market remains cautiously optimistic.