Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-12-31 05:49Core Viewpoint - The electrolytic aluminum market has entered a strong upward trend since 2025, driven by tight supply-demand dynamics, with domestic and international prices reaching new highs [1][3]. Supply Side Summary - The domestic electrolytic aluminum industry has entered a "stock replacement" era, with a production capacity ceiling set at approximately 45 million tons due to dual constraints from industry consensus on "anti-involution" and "carbon peak" policies [3]. - It is estimated that net new production capacity in China will only increase by 200,000 tons by 2025, with a total foreseeable increase of only 560,000 tons, making it difficult to effectively supplement market supply [3]. - Although countries like India and Indonesia are advancing new capacity construction, factors such as unstable power supply will hinder full production capacity by 2026, exacerbating the tight supply situation in the domestic market [3]. Demand Side Summary - Structural upgrades in demand are providing sustained upward momentum for electrolytic aluminum prices, with traditional construction sector demand stabilizing while the new energy sector becomes the core growth engine [5]. - The demand from the new energy vehicle industry continues to grow, with increased aluminum usage per vehicle due to lightweight trends; the acceleration of ultra-high voltage construction is significantly boosting demand for aluminum cables [5]. - The "aluminum replacing copper" trend in the power and electronics sectors is further expanding the application space for electrolytic aluminum, with projected demand growth rates of 2.1% in 2025 and 2026, outpacing supply growth of 1.6% [5]. Cost Side Summary - The release of cost dividends is a significant driver of profit expansion in the electrolytic aluminum industry, with key raw material prices, such as alumina, experiencing a decline due to ample supply [6]. - For instance, the domestic alumina futures price fell below 2,500 yuan/ton, nearly halving from its peak a year ago, contributing to an expanding profit margin for the industry [6]. - Major companies are showing stable profitability and improved cash flow, with China Aluminum leading the industry with a net profit of 10.872 billion yuan, a historical high for the same period, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 20.65% [6]. Industry Outlook - The tight supply-demand balance in the electrolytic aluminum industry is expected to persist, with demand growth in the new energy sector being a core driver for long-term industry development [6]. - Leading companies are likely to benefit from their production capacity advantages, industry chain layout, and cost control capabilities during this high-profit cycle [6]. - The acceleration of the "aluminum replacing copper" process and gradual recovery in overseas markets will further open up growth space for the electrolytic aluminum industry, with increasing industry concentration expected during the stock replacement phase [6].