新纪元期货：钢市处于“供给收缩、需求承压”弱平衡格局

Core Viewpoint - The rebar steel market is expected to maintain a weak supply-demand balance in 2026, with prices fluctuating between 3000 to 3500 yuan/ton, reflecting a downward trend due to ongoing supply-side policies and weak real estate demand [1] Group 1: Supply Dynamics - In 2025, global crude steel production is projected to decline, with a total output of 151.71 million tons from January to October, a year-on-year decrease of 1.86% [1] - China's crude steel production is expected to be between 970 million to 980 million tons in 2025, down 2.5% to 3.5% from 2024, driven by environmental restrictions and weak domestic demand [1] - The operating rate of steel mills' blast furnaces showed a fluctuating decline, with average daily molten iron output decreasing from a peak of 2.4564 million tons in May to 2.323 million tons by early December [2] Group 2: Demand Trends - China's apparent crude steel consumption from January to October 2025 was 70.8 million tons, a year-on-year decline of 6.37%, with an expected total consumption of 890 million to 900 million tons for the year [2] - Real estate investment in China has weakened significantly, with a 14.77% year-on-year decrease in completed investment from January to October 2025, and new housing starts down by 19.8% [2] - Infrastructure investment growth has slowed, with a decline of 1.1% in November 2025, indicating reduced support for rebar steel consumption [3] Group 3: Export and Manufacturing Insights - China's steel exports reached a record high of 97.73 million tons from January to October 2025, a year-on-year increase of 6.57%, although export prices are under pressure due to anti-dumping measures from various countries [3] - Manufacturing investment in China showed resilience, growing by 1.9% in the first three quarters of 2025, with high-tech and equipment manufacturing sectors performing particularly well [3] Group 4: Cost and Profitability - The overall inventory in the black industry chain has accumulated, with social steel inventories lower than previous years but depleting slowly [4] - The average import price of iron ore from January to November 2025 was $97.18 per ton, with expectations for further easing in global iron ore supply in 2026 [4] - Rebar steel mill profits fluctuated around 100 yuan per ton, with periods of loss, leading to a cautious production approach and a focus on high-grade iron ore procurement [4] Group 5: Market Outlook - The rebar steel market in 2026 is anticipated to remain in a weak balance of "supply contraction and demand pressure," with strict control over production and limited improvement in the real estate sector [5] - The core market challenge lies in the interplay between policy-driven supply reductions and demand contractions from the real estate downturn, alongside potential risks from overseas mineral supply increases and changing trade environments [5]