短期行业供应过剩格局难以扭转 纯碱反弹沽空

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government is taking measures to promote high-quality development in the photovoltaic and lithium battery industries while addressing issues of low-price competition in the photovoltaic sector [1] Supply Side Pressure - The soda ash industry is entering an adjustment period starting in 2024 due to significant capacity expansion driven by high profits, with nearly 10 million tons of new capacity added in the last three years, accounting for over 20% of total capacity [2] - As of mid-September 2025, domestic soda ash production reached 20.06 million tons, a year-on-year increase of approximately 5% [2] - The domestic soda ash operating rate was 87.29%, with a weekly production of 761,100 tons, reflecting a 1.25% increase [2] - New capacity additions in the second half of 2025 and 2026 are expected to maintain supply pressure, with significant new capacities planned by various companies [2] Downstream Demand - The demand for float glass has significantly declined due to the real estate cycle, leading to a noticeable downturn in industry prosperity [3] - As of mid-September 2025, the daily melting volume of float glass was 160,200 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 4.81%, while photovoltaic glass was in a loss state with a daily melting volume of 88,800 tons, down 12.27% year-on-year [3] - The float glass operating rate was 76.01%, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 4.79 percentage points [3] Inventory Trends - The continuous addition of new capacity and declining demand for both heavy and light soda ash have exacerbated the oversupply issue, leading to increased inventory levels [4] - As of mid-September 2025, soda ash enterprise inventory stood at 1.7975 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 33.1% [4] - The industry is expected to continue facing inventory accumulation, pressuring capacity clearance [4] Profit Decline - The production processes for soda ash include ammonia-soda, joint-soda, and natural soda, with respective capacity shares of 29%, 50%, and 21% [5] - The cost structure varies significantly among these processes, with raw material and fuel costs being substantial in ammonia-soda and joint-soda methods [5] - As of mid-September 2025, both joint-soda and ammonia-soda processes were operating at a loss, with profits of -36.3 yuan/ton and -54.5 yuan/ton, respectively [6] Industry Outlook and Strategy - The soda ash industry is expected to undergo a cyclical transition over the next 1-2 years, with an anticipated increase in industry concentration and a potential rise in the share of natural soda capacity [7] - Short-term trading strategies for soda ash contracts may face challenges, with strong support expected in the 1250-1300 yuan/ton range [7] - Key factors to monitor include the recovery of coal production and the implementation of policies to eliminate outdated capacity and restrict overproduction, which could alter the oversupply expectations [7]