Orient Securities·2025-04-20 14:15Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the non-ferrous and steel industry [5] Core Viewpoints - Continuous attention is recommended for investment opportunities in the steel sector, especially given the recent changes in tariffs and the domestic market's pricing dynamics [14][8] - The steel industry has experienced a three-year adjustment period, and current valuations present a high cost-performance ratio [14] - The upstream iron ore supply landscape is expected to undergo significant changes, potentially leading to a recovery of profitability within the domestic steel industry [14] Summary by Sections 1. Core Viewpoints - Continuous focus on investment opportunities in the steel sector is emphasized, particularly in light of recent tariff increases and potential economic stagnation in the U.S. [14] - The steel sector has seen a three-year downturn, but current conditions suggest improved profitability and stability for leading companies [14] 2. Steel Market Overview - The weekly consumption of rebar increased to 2.74 million tons, reflecting an 8.37% week-on-week rise [15][18] - The overall price index for common steel decreased by 0.72%, with specific products showing varied price movements [15][37] 3. Industrial Metals - The copper smelting fee has deepened into negative territory, indicating challenges in the copper market [17] - The production costs for electrolytic aluminum have decreased significantly, leading to improved profitability for producers [17] 4. Precious Metals - Gold prices have shown a notable increase, with COMEX gold closing at $3,341.3 per ounce, a 2.65% rise week-on-week [17] - The increase in tariffs is expected to drive demand for gold as a safe-haven asset, suggesting potential investment opportunities in the gold sector [17] 5. New Energy Metals - Lithium production in China saw a significant year-on-year increase of 57.44% in February 2025, indicating strong growth in the new energy sector [16] - The demand for nickel and cobalt remains robust, with notable increases in production and consumption in the electric vehicle market [45][50]