“反内卷”政策对钢铁产业影响几何？

Industry Policy and Effects - The supply-side reform in the steel industry began in February 2016 with the State Council's release of opinions on resolving excess capacity and promoting development [2] - From 2016 to 2018, over 150 million tons of capacity were eliminated, including more than 140 million tons of "ground steel," achieving the capacity reduction target two years ahead of schedule [2] - The focus of industrial policy varied over the years: 2016 targeted the elimination of small furnaces, 2017 focused on clearing "ground steel," and 2018 continued to push for capacity reduction and environmental limits [2] Supply and Demand Dynamics - Crude steel production increased annually from 2016 to 2018, despite a decrease in the iron-to-steel ratio, primarily due to policy constraints on blast furnace production [3] - The increase in production during the capacity elimination phase was driven by the transition of off-balance-sheet production to on-balance-sheet and high profits encouraging blast furnace steel mills to increase output [3] Profitability Trends - The profit per ton of steel saw significant growth from 2016 to 2018, with profits rising from 250 yuan in 2016 to 818 yuan in 2018, after a period of overall losses in 2015 [6][7] - There was an inverse relationship between operating rates and profitability, with a decrease in operating rates leading to increased profitability [8] Demand Recovery - The consumption of crude steel showed a rebound from 2016 to 2018, with growth rates of 1%, 8%, and 15% respectively, largely driven by the real estate sector's monetary compensation for shantytown renovations [9] - Real estate investment growth rates were 6.9%, 7%, and 9.5% from 2016 to 2018, following a government push for shantytown renovations [9] Inventory and Price Trends - Steel inventory levels decreased in 2016, while from 2017 to 2018, rebar winter storage inventories increased, aligning with price increases [12] - The price of rebar rose nearly 3000 yuan per ton from 2015 to 2018, reaching a peak of 4400 yuan per ton, driven by supply constraints and increased demand [13] Structural Adjustments and Future Outlook - The steel industry has seen a reduction in overcapacity compared to previous cycles, with improved capacity utilization rates [24] - The "anti-involution" policy is expected to influence the industry, focusing on structured adjustments and the orderly exit of outdated capacities [23] - The outlook for the steel industry remains cautious, with ongoing supply pressures and the need for further industrial policies to support price stability and demand recovery [26]