华泰期货：宏观驱动下累库不改铝价上涨走势

Group 1: Aluminum Oxide - The supply surplus in the aluminum oxide market remains unchanged, with previous prices significantly below spot prices, stimulating warehouse inventory digestion. However, as prices rise at the end of the month, delivery profits will reduce warehouse risks [2][13] - The market concentration for aluminum oxide is high, and without substantial supply reductions, prices lack sustained upward momentum. Current raw material reserves at electrolytic aluminum plants are sufficient, and expectations for winter storage are low [2][13] - The overseas supply of bauxite remains excessive, with the end of the Guinea referendum and the resumption of Axis mine production reducing risk levels. Although bauxite prices are approaching the marginal cost, there is still slight downward potential [2][13] Group 2: Electrolytic Aluminum - The supply-demand imbalance remains largely unchanged, with high-frequency data indicating a transition from peak to off-peak consumption. Downstream processing product operating rates and output are declining, leading to an increase in aluminum ingot social inventory [3][14] - The absolute price, driven by macroeconomic factors, has significantly increased, suppressing downstream purchasing enthusiasm, resulting in a continuous expansion of spot discounts [3][14] - Despite the lack of positive fundamental factors, the macro outlook remains optimistic, with domestic policies supporting new infrastructure and major projects, alongside expectations of monetary easing [3][14] Group 3: Bauxite - In November 2025, China's bauxite imports reached 15,108,975 tons, a month-on-month increase of 1,342,917 tons and a year-on-year increase of 22.34%. The cumulative import volume from January to November was 185.96 million tons, up 29.23% year-on-year [4][15] - The latest port inventory of imported bauxite is 26.021 million tons, with a decrease of 2 million tons in December. The inventory at aluminum oxide plants is 24.16 million tons, down 370,000 tons month-on-month [4][15] - The resumption of Axis mine shipments in January will support future supply, maintaining the oversupply situation in the market. The first quarter long-term contract price is set at CIF $66 per ton, down $5 from the fourth quarter of 2025 [4][15] Group 4: Aluminum Production and Costs - In December 2025, China's aluminum oxide production was 7.52 million tons, with a month-on-month increase of 80,000 tons and a year-on-year increase of 0.79%. The net import of aluminum oxide in November was 62,000 tons, with a cumulative net export of 1.39 million tons from January to November [5][17] - The weighted cost of the electrolytic aluminum industry is currently 16,138 yuan per ton, with a profit margin of 6,322 yuan per ton [20][22] - The total social inventory of aluminum reached 5.171 million tons, with an increase of 230,000 tons in December. The inventory of electrolytic aluminum plants increased by 140,000 tons, while warehouse receipts decreased by 100,000 tons [6][18] Group 5: Downstream Consumption - The operating rate for cables is 56.8%, with a month-on-month increase of 3.5%. The operating rate for aluminum plates is 65.9%, down 4.4%, and for aluminum foils, it is 65.5%, down 0.7% [9][21] - In November 2025, China's net aluminum product exports were 466,000 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 22.8%, while cumulative net exports from January to November were 4.737 million tons, down 13% year-on-year [10][21] - The export of aluminum products was 289,000 tons, up 1.73% year-on-year, with cumulative exports from January to November reaching 2.949 million tons, an increase of 10.8% year-on-year [10][21]