不锈钢：盘面窄幅震荡调整 淡季库存去化力度不足

Core Viewpoint - The stainless steel market is experiencing a period of price stability, with fluctuations in production and inventory levels, while demand remains weak in the off-season [3][4]. Supply - In November, the crude steel output from 43 domestic stainless steel plants is estimated at 3.4592 million tons, a month-on-month decrease of 61,800 tons, representing a decline of 1.6%, but a year-on-year increase of 4.2% [2]. - The production forecast for December is 3.2857 million tons, a month-on-month decrease of 5.02%, but a year-on-year increase of 4.2% [2]. - The 300 series output is expected to be 1.7147 million tons in December, down 4.4% month-on-month and down 7.6% year-on-year [2]. - Steel mills are facing limited production cuts, but year-end maintenance is increasing, and some companies may arrange for early annual maintenance due to loss pressures [2]. Inventory - Social inventory reduction is insufficient, with a trend of decline in warehouse receipts [2]. - As of December 5, the social inventory of the 300 series in Wuxi and Foshan is 492,000 tons, a week-on-week decrease of 2,800 tons [2]. - On December 8, stainless steel futures inventory stood at 61,556 tons, a week-on-week decrease of 1,442 tons [2]. Market Dynamics - The stainless steel market is experiencing narrow fluctuations, with recent price increases from steel mills and the transfer of inventory pressure to agents and traders [3]. - The nickel ore market remains stable, with Philippine mines primarily fulfilling previous orders, while Indonesian domestic benchmark prices have decreased by $0.52 to $0.91 per wet ton [3]. - Nickel-iron transaction prices have risen to around 900 yuan per nickel (including tax), with the market's bargaining range adjusted upwards, and iron mills' profit losses have somewhat recovered [3]. - Demand remains weak in the off-season, with limited order releases in downstream sectors such as home appliances and construction decoration, leading to a general reliance on just-in-time inventory [3]. Short-term Outlook - The market is expected to experience a period of adjustment within the range of 12,400 to 12,800 yuan [4]. - Overall, while macroeconomic conditions are stabilizing and supply pressures are easing, weak demand in the off-season and insufficient inventory reduction are significant challenges [3].