Core Viewpoint - The rising prices of various bulk raw materials are putting pressure on downstream companies, prompting them to announce plans for commodity futures hedging to mitigate the impact of price fluctuations and ensure product profitability [1]. Group 1: Price Trends - Since 2025, the overall price of bulk raw materials has shown a fluctuating upward trend, with significant increases in key manufacturing materials such as copper and aluminum. For instance, the spot copper price rose by 34.34% in 2025, and the London Metal Exchange (LME) copper price reached a historical high of $13,407 per ton on January 14, 2026 [1]. - Aluminum prices have also surged, with the main contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange breaking through 25,000 yuan per ton, marking a historical peak since 2026 [1]. Group 2: Supply and Demand Factors - The increase in raw material prices is attributed to multiple factors, including supply constraints due to environmental regulations, capacity repairs, and green transitions, alongside rising demand driven by the recovery of global manufacturing and the rapid growth of emerging industries such as new energy vehicles and energy storage [2]. - Continuous growth-stimulating policies and a relatively loose international liquidity environment have further supported the price increases [2]. Group 3: Corporate Hedging Activities - In response to ongoing price volatility, there is a noticeable increase in the willingness of listed companies to engage in hedging activities to "lock in costs." Since 2026, nearly 20 manufacturing companies have announced plans to conduct commodity futures hedging, covering various materials including copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and lithium carbonate [2]. - For example, Shuangliang Energy (600481) announced its intention to engage in futures investment to mitigate cost fluctuations caused by raw material price volatility, ensuring relative stability in production costs and maintaining normal operating profits [2]. Group 4: Risk Management Trends - The trend of engaging in hedging activities reflects an enhanced awareness of proactive risk management among companies. By locking in future raw material procurement costs or product sales prices, companies can effectively hedge against market price fluctuations, stabilizing costs and profit expectations [3]. - Industry experts emphasize that the primary goal of hedging remains "stabilizing operations" rather than "seeking profits." Companies with high raw material cost ratios and scientifically sound hedging strategies can hedge against significant price increases, focusing on operational stability [3]. - Looking ahead, as raw material prices remain high, companies are expected to adopt more systematic and refined approaches to managing price fluctuations, including optimizing the combination of futures and options, enhancing supply chain collaboration, and upgrading technology to increase product added value [3].
多家上市公司拟开展套期保值 应对原材料价格波动