Zheng Quan Shi Bao Wang·2025-12-10 23:58Core Viewpoint - The small metals sector in A-shares has shown a significant upward trend, with the sector index closing up by 0.79% on December 10, driven by notable price increases in various small metal varieties, particularly tungsten [2][3]. Price Movements - Tungsten prices have surged, with black tungsten concentrate (≥65%) priced at 363,000 yuan/ton, up 153.85% year-to-date; ammonium paratungstate (APT) at 535,000 yuan/ton, up 153.55%; and tungsten powder at 880 yuan/kg, up 178.48%, all reaching historical highs [3][5]. - Other small metals like cobalt and tin have also seen significant price increases, with cobalt averaging 408,000 yuan/ton (up 16.91% since October) and tin futures rising 15.74% since October [3][5]. Factors Driving Price Increases - The price increases are attributed to supply constraints, favorable macroeconomic conditions, and rising downstream demand. Supply-side constraints include strict mining quotas and environmental regulations for tungsten, and slow recovery of tin production in Myanmar [5]. - Macroeconomic factors include strong market expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut, which typically weakens the dollar and supports commodity prices [5]. - Downstream demand is driven by growth in industries such as new energy, semiconductors, and military applications, enhancing the outlook for strategic small metals [5]. Capital Inflows - The small metals sector has seen substantial capital inflows, with a net inflow of 1.732 billion yuan on December 10, ranking high among secondary industries [7]. - Notable companies like Western Materials received a net inflow of 1.274 billion yuan, benefiting from their core supply roles in aerospace and marine engineering [7]. Company Performance - The small metals sector's overall performance has improved, with a total net profit of 13.589 billion yuan in the first three quarters, a year-on-year increase of 41.42% [8]. - Companies like Shenghe Resources and Northern Rare Earth have reported significant profit growth, with increases of 748.07% and 280.27% respectively [8]. Capacity Expansion - Shenghe Resources has disclosed plans for capacity expansion, with its subsidiary's high-performance rare earth polishing powder project progressing as scheduled, expected to be operational by the end of Q1 2026 [9].