Chan Ye Xin Xi Wang·2025-08-09 02:22Industry Overview - The thick plate industry is characterized by its high strength, excellent plasticity, and weather resistance, making it irreplaceable in shipbuilding, energy equipment, and bridge engineering [1][7] - In 2023, China's thick plate production reached 11.18 million tons, a year-on-year decrease of 1.81%, but it maintained a steady growth trend amidst fluctuations [1][7] - The short-term decline is attributed to slow global economic recovery, increased international trade friction, and deep adjustments in domestic industrial structure [1][7] - The high-end trend in the industry is emerging, with the production of high-value-added products like 15CrMoR for nuclear power and chromium-molybdenum steel increasing against the trend [1][7] Industry Chain - The upstream of the thick plate industry includes raw materials such as iron ore, coal, scrap steel, and electricity, as well as production equipment like blast furnaces and rolling mills [3] - The midstream involves the production and manufacturing of thick plates, while the downstream includes industries with high material performance requirements such as construction, aerospace, marine engineering, and energy [3] Market Trends - The thick plate market is expected to experience a "narrow fluctuation and downward shift" in the first half of 2025, with an average price of 4,364 yuan per ton in June 2025, reflecting a 0.95% increase month-on-month but an 8.18% decrease year-on-year [9] - The market dynamics have shifted significantly, with prices remaining stable in the first quarter due to concentrated infrastructure project releases and export orders, but showing a gradual decline in the second quarter due to weakened global economic recovery [9] Key Enterprises - Major companies in the thick plate industry include Baosteel, Shagang, Ansteel, and Hesteel, with Baosteel holding a significant market share due to its advanced production technology [11][13] - Ansteel is recognized for its high-quality thick plates used in pressure vessels and bridges, while Hesteel's products are favored in mining and engineering machinery [11][13] Development Trends - The industry will focus on technological innovation and product upgrades, with increased R&D investment to develop high-strength, high-toughness, and high-corrosion-resistant thick plates [17] - Environmental policies are driving the industry towards green and low-carbon development, with companies investing in clean energy and energy-saving technologies [18][19] - The market demand for thick plates is expected to grow due to infrastructure construction, manufacturing transformation, and developments in the renewable energy sector [20]