Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" recommendation for several steel companies, including Baosteel, Hualing Steel, and Nanjing Steel [3][4]. Core Viewpoints - Macro policies are expected to support marginal improvements in steel demand, with the government implementing financial policies to stabilize the market and boost consumption [3]. - The report highlights a decrease in steel prices and profits, with specific price drops noted for various steel products as of May 9, 2025 [1][9]. - Steel production has decreased, with total output for five major steel products at 8.74 million tons, a week-on-week decline of 9.52 million tons [2]. Price Trends - As of May 9, 2025, the prices for key steel products are as follows: - Rebar (20mm HRB400) at 3,150 CNY/ton, down 50 CNY/ton from the previous week - High-line (8.0mm) at 3,380 CNY/ton, down 40 CNY/ton - Hot-rolled (3.0mm) at 3,230 CNY/ton, down 30 CNY/ton - Cold-rolled (1.0mm) at 3,600 CNY/ton, down 70 CNY/ton - Common medium plate (20mm) at 3,470 CNY/ton, down 40 CNY/ton [1][10]. Production and Inventory - As of May 9, 2025, the production of five major steel products has decreased, with rebar production down to 2.2353 million tons, a reduction of 9.85 million tons week-on-week [2]. - Total social inventory of five major steel products increased by 94,200 tons to 1,031.93 million tons, with steel mill inventory rising by 196,200 tons [2]. Profitability - The report indicates a decline in steel profits, with estimated changes in gross margins for rebar, hot-rolled, and cold-rolled steel at -13 CNY/ton, -2 CNY/ton, and -44 CNY/ton respectively [1][3]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on the following companies: - For the general steel sector: Baosteel, Hualing Steel, Nanjing Steel - For special steel: CITIC Special Steel, Yongjin Co., and Xianglou New Materials - For pipe materials: Jiuli Special Materials, Wujin Stainless Steel, Youfa Group - Additionally, it suggests paying attention to high-temperature alloy companies like Fushun Special Steel [3].