智通财经网·2025-11-18 05:57Core Viewpoint - The steel industry is experiencing a decline in demand and inventory, with expectations of a gradual recovery in profitability as supply-side constraints persist [1][3]. Group 1: Demand and Supply Analysis - The apparent consumption of five major steel products was 8.606 million tons, a decrease of 63,300 tons week-on-week; construction materials consumption was 3.0335 million tons, down 40,200 tons; and sheet materials consumption was 5.5725 million tons, down 23,100 tons [1]. - The production of five major steel products was 8.3438 million tons, a decrease of 223,600 tons week-on-week, while total inventory stood at 14.7735 million tons, down 262,200 tons [1]. - The operating rate of blast furnaces at 247 steel mills was 82.81%, a decrease of 0.32 percentage points week-on-week, while electric furnace operating rate was 60.9%, an increase of 1.28 percentage points [1]. Group 2: Profitability Trends - The average gross profit per ton for rebar was 81.4 CNY, an increase of 4.3 CNY week-on-week, while hot-rolled coil showed a negative gross profit of -16.6 CNY, also up by 4.3 CNY [2]. - The profitability rate for 247 steel companies was 38.96%, a decrease of 0.87 percentage points week-on-week [2]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The real estate sector's ongoing decline is expected to reduce its negative impact on steel demand, while demand from infrastructure and manufacturing is anticipated to stabilize [3]. - The steel industry has been in a loss phase since Q3 2022, with nearly 60% of steel companies still reporting losses, indicating a market-driven supply clearance is beginning to occur [3]. - The recently released "Steel Industry Stabilization and Growth Work Plan (2025-2026)" emphasizes continued production reduction policies to promote dynamic supply-demand balance [3]. Group 4: Investment Recommendations - Long-term trends indicate that increased industry concentration and high-quality development will benefit steel companies with product structure and cost advantages [4]. - Key recommendations include Baosteel (600019.SH), Hualing Steel (000932.SZ), and Shougang (000959.SZ) for their leading technology and product structures, as well as CITIC Special Steel (000708.SZ) and Yongjin Co. (603995.SH) for their competitive advantages [4].