从突破关键价位看战略金属的价值重估

Core Viewpoint - The copper futures price is expected to rise strongly and historically exceed 100,000 yuan per ton by the end of 2025, driven by macroeconomic policies, supply constraints, and structural shortages [1] Group 1: Macroeconomic Environment - China's macroeconomic policy for 2026 is set to focus on "stability while seeking progress," aiming to expand domestic demand and optimize structure, which will resonate with the copper market fundamentals [1] - The global macroeconomic environment is characterized as "stable but fragile," with uncertainties from policy shifts, geopolitical conflicts, and protectionism affecting copper prices [2] - The Federal Reserve is expected to shift its policy focus and begin a rate-cutting cycle in September 2025, which will support copper prices through a weaker dollar [2] Group 2: Supply Constraints - The global copper supply faces fundamental challenges due to hard resource constraints, with limited new discoveries since 2015 and a long lead time for new projects [3] - The average grade of global copper mines has declined from 0.68% in 2001 to 0.45% in 2023, leading to increased mining costs and reduced efficiency [3] - Supply chain disruptions in 2025, including power outages and natural disasters, have significantly impacted copper production, exacerbated by geopolitical risks and policy changes in key producing countries [3] Group 3: Industry Dynamics - The copper concentrate processing fees have sharply declined, marking the industry’s entry into a "zero processing fee era," with significant implications for profitability [4] - Despite the profit squeeze, China's electrolytic copper production increased by 11.76% year-on-year in the first 11 months of 2025, supported by long-term contracts and favorable prices for by-products [4] - The industry is undergoing a supply-side reform, shifting focus from expansion to resource security and reasonable profits, driven by policy constraints and industry self-discipline [5] Group 4: Import Trends - In the first 11 months of 2025, China's electrolytic copper imports decreased by 8.12% year-on-year, with a notable decline in the second half of the year [6] - The Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed Chile as China's largest supplier of electrolytic copper, driven by increased imports of cost-effective "non-registered" brand copper [6] Group 5: Demand Drivers - Investment in the power sector is shifting towards grid upgrades, with significant investments expected to support copper demand, particularly in the context of energy transition [7] - The automotive industry is experiencing strong growth, especially in the electric vehicle segment, which has a higher copper usage per vehicle, driving marginal demand for copper [7] - Copper is increasingly recognized as a strategic resource essential for global energy transition and AI infrastructure, enhancing its long-term price outlook [8]