智通财经网·2026-01-25 07:52Core Viewpoint - The chemical industry is expected to experience price increases due to improved supply-demand dynamics and a shift towards "anti-involution" practices, benefiting certain construction companies that have extended their operations into the chemical sector [1][21]. Supply Side Summary - Investment growth in the chemical raw materials and products manufacturing sector has been declining since 2022, with a significant drop in investment growth turning negative by June 2025. The construction of new capacity in the chemical industry has notably decreased, with the share of ongoing projects in the basic chemical sector falling from 33.8% in 2022 to 24.4% in Q1-Q3 2025 [1]. - The reduction in new capacity is compounded by energy consumption controls and enhanced environmental policies set for 2025, alongside significant shutdowns of chemical facilities in Europe and Japan due to cost disadvantages, leading to an overall improvement in the global supply landscape [1]. Demand Side Summary - Despite weak traditional demand, certain factors such as manufacturing inventory replenishment, pre-Spring Festival stocking, increased exports, and growth in new manufacturing demands are providing strong support for some chemical products. The manufacturing PMI reached 50.1% in December 2025, indicating a return to expansion for the first time since April 2025 [3]. Inventory Cycle Summary - The chemical industry is transitioning from active destocking to passive destocking. Although there was a slight increase in inventory levels in the chemical raw materials and products sector in H2 2025, the inventory growth of finished products in downstream sectors has been declining since March 2025, indicating a significant inventory disparity within the supply chain [5]. - The current inventory structure shows moderate inventory levels upstream and low inventory levels downstream, suggesting that any improvement in demand could trigger rapid destocking of upstream chemical products, providing strong support for price elasticity [5]. Policy Environment Summary - The "anti-involution" policy introduced in July 2024 has shifted from a slogan to actionable industry measures, encouraging leading companies to avoid price wars and instead focus on maintaining price levels through reduced production rates [5]. Company-Specific Insights - China Chemical (601117.SH): Positioned as a quality undervalued stock with strong cash flow, benefiting from the anti-involution trend. The company has a production capacity of 200,000 tons for both adiponitrile and caprolactam, with potential profit increases from price rebounds in these products [6]. - Sandi Chemical (002469.SZ): Expected to see continued price improvements for existing chemical products under the anti-involution backdrop. The company has significant production capacities and is advancing new product lines that are anticipated to enhance profitability [11]. - Donghua Technology (002140.SZ): The company is experiencing improved profitability in its industrial segment due to supply reductions stabilizing ethylene glycol prices. It has several high-end chemical projects in operation, contributing to revenue growth [15]. - Southeast Net Framework (002135.SZ): The company produces polyester filament with a capacity of 500,000 tons. Price recovery in this segment is expected to contribute positively to performance [18]. Investment Recommendations - The chemical product price increase is supported by declining capital expenditures, environmental restrictions, and a shift in competitive dynamics. Companies such as China Chemical, Sandi Chemical, Donghua Technology, and Southeast Net Framework are highlighted as key beneficiaries of this trend [21].