Zhong Guo Neng Yuan Wang·2026-01-05 01:42Core Viewpoint - The petrochemical industry is currently facing significant "involution" competition, leading to a situation where companies are experiencing increased production without corresponding profit growth. The industry's overall operating revenue profit margin has declined from 8.03% in 2021 to an expected 4.85% in 2024. However, since 2025, some sub-industries have begun to recover, with a year-on-year net profit growth of 10.56% in the first three quarters, indicating a gradual stabilization and recovery in industry profitability [1][2]. Supply Side - The cumulative fixed asset investment in the chemical raw materials and chemical products manufacturing industry turned negative starting June 2025, with capital expenditures in the SW basic chemical industry and several sub-industries declining for multiple consecutive quarters. The current expansion cycle in the industry is nearing its end. In September, policies aimed at stabilizing growth in the petrochemical industry were introduced to address low-price disorderly competition and promote the orderly exit of backward production capacity. Sub-industries such as silicone, caprolactam, and PTA polyester have responded by developing or drafting industry guidelines to combat "involution." It is anticipated that there will be stricter approvals for new chemical product capacities, and the elimination of backward production capacity (e.g., small scale, high energy consumption, and high pollution) will accelerate, effectively alleviating the issue of supply surplus in the petrochemical industry [2][3]. Demand Side - Traditional demand is expected to see moderate recovery due to global central banks entering a rate-cutting cycle and pausing balance sheet reductions, supported by monetary and fiscal policy stimuli. Emerging demand from sectors such as new energy, SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), and AI continues to drive the need for key chemical materials that support technological upgrades in industries [3]. - The overseas chemical capacity reduction, driven by high energy costs and aging facilities, has led to a wave of plant closures in the European chemical industry since 2025. Currently, China's chemical product sales account for over 40% of the global market. With a complete domestic petrochemical industry chain and many chemical products being highly competitive globally, it is expected that Chinese chemical companies will continue to increase their market share, accelerating the digestion of surplus capacity [3]. Macro and Chemical Product Prices - As of December 2025, the manufacturing PMI index was reported at 50.1%, an increase of 0.9 percentage points from the previous month, indicating expansion. The China Chemical Product Price Index (CCPI) was reported at 3927 points, a decrease of 9.4% from 4333 points at the beginning of the year, reflecting a decline in the ex-factory prices of major chemical products [3]. Oil Prices - In 2025, the international oil market experienced a downward trend, with Brent crude futures averaging approximately $69.15 per barrel and WTI crude futures averaging about $65.87 per barrel. This was influenced by a mix of factors including OPEC+ gradual production increases, geopolitical conflicts, fluctuations in U.S. oil inventories, and macroeconomic sentiment. OPEC+ announced a pause in production increases at the beginning of 2026 after a cumulative increase of 411,000 barrels per day from October to December 2025 to alleviate surplus pressure. The demand from non-OECD countries and aviation fuel, along with petrochemical raw materials, has become a major support for oil prices. Major institutions have narrowed their demand growth expectations for 2025-2026 to between 700,000 and 1.4 million barrels per day [4]. Investment Recommendations - The refining and chemical sector is expected to see a recovery in overall profits due to moderate oil prices and reduced cost volatility. The supply-demand relationship in the refining and chemical industry, particularly in the aromatics industry chain, is expected to continue to optimize. Key recommendations include China Petroleum (601857) and Rongsheng Petrochemical (002493) [5]. - In the potassium fertilizer sector, potassium salt resources are expected to remain scarce, with global supply and demand expected to maintain a tight balance over the next 2-3 years. Key recommendations include Yara International (000893), which has significant potassium salt mining rights in Laos [6]. - In the phosphorus chemical sector, the demand for lithium iron phosphate batteries is expected to enhance the marginal pull on phosphorus ore demand, leading to a revaluation of phosphorus ore. Key recommendations include Chuanheng Co., Ltd. (002895) and Yuntianhua Co., Ltd. (600096) [6]. - In the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sector, the EU has mandated a gradual increase in SAF content in aviation fuel, with global SAF demand expected to double to 2 million tons by 2025. Key recommendations include Zhuoyue New Energy, a leading domestic biodiesel company [6].