Xin Hua Cai Jing·2025-07-17 01:34Core Viewpoint - The steel industry has seen a profit rebound in the first half of the year, driven by cost reductions, export boosts, and proactive cost-cutting measures by companies, with self-discipline in production being a key factor for profit improvement [1][4][6]. Group 1: Company Performance - Several listed steel companies have issued positive performance forecasts for the first half of the year, with notable increases in net profits: - Shougang Co. expects a net profit of 642 million to 672 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 62.62%-70.22% [2] - Minmetals Development anticipates a net profit of 107 million yuan, up 111% [2] - Liugang Co. projects a net profit of 340 million to 400 million yuan, a staggering increase of 530%-641% [2] - Fangda Special Steel expects a net profit of 380 million to 430 million yuan, an increase of 133.33%-164.03% [2] - Other companies like Xinyu Steel, Shandong Steel, and others forecast a turnaround in profitability for the first half of 2025 [2]. Group 2: Industry Trends - The steel industry is experiencing a reduction in production and structural adjustments, with weak steel prices prevailing [2][4]. - The overall profit for the black metal smelting and rolling industry from January to May reached 31.69 billion yuan, better than the 29.19 billion yuan for the entire year of 2024 [4]. - The self-discipline in production among steel companies is seen as a core factor for profit improvement, despite ongoing supply-demand structural contradictions [4][5]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The outlook for steel prices in the second half of the year is uncertain, with expectations of limited upward movement due to weak domestic demand and potential challenges in maintaining high export levels [6][7]. - Analysts suggest that self-discipline in production will remain a critical variable influencing price trends, with a focus on quality and efficiency rather than merely high production volumes [7][8]. - The industry is urged to enhance integration, improve industry concentration, and phase out inefficient production capacities to achieve high-quality development [8].