Xinda Securities·2025-05-11 07:35Investment Rating - The report maintains an investment rating of "Positive" for the steel industry, consistent with the previous rating [3]. Core Insights - The report highlights that daily pig iron production remains high, with an average of 2.4564 million tons as of May 9, reflecting a week-on-week increase of 0.22 million tons and a year-on-year increase of 149,700 tons [5][6]. - The steel market has shown a positive performance, with the steel sector rising by 2.09%, outperforming the broader market [5][13]. - The report indicates a marginal improvement in downstream demand, supported by increased funding availability for construction projects, which is expected to bolster steel demand [6]. Summary by Sections 1. Market Performance - The steel sector increased by 2.09%, with sub-sectors such as special steel up by 3.41% and long products up by 1.90% [5][15]. - The average capacity utilization rate for blast furnaces was 92.1%, a week-on-week increase of 0.09 percentage points [28]. 2. Production Data - As of May 9, the total production of five major steel products was 7.64 million tons, a week-on-week decrease of 93,600 tons, or 1.21% [27]. - Daily pig iron production was reported at 2.4564 million tons, with a year-on-year increase of 6.49% [28]. 3. Consumption Data - The consumption of five major steel products was 8.452 million tons, a week-on-week decrease of 125,660 tons, or 12.94% [38]. - The transaction volume of construction steel by mainstream traders was 103,000 tons, down 8.58% week-on-week [38]. 4. Inventory Levels - Social inventory of five major steel products reached 10.33 million tons, a week-on-week increase of 93,500 tons, or 0.91% [46]. - Factory inventory of five major steel products was 4.43 million tons, a week-on-week increase of 19.62%, or 4.63% [46]. 5. Price Trends - The comprehensive index for ordinary steel was 3,453.7 yuan/ton, a week-on-week decrease of 37.38 yuan/ton, or 1.07% [52]. - The comprehensive index for special steel was 6,650.3 yuan/ton, with a slight week-on-week increase of 2.55 yuan/ton [52]. 6. Profitability - The average cost of pig iron was reported at 2,297 yuan/ton, with a week-on-week decrease of 6.0 yuan/ton [60]. - The profit per ton for rebar produced in blast furnaces was 90 yuan/ton, a week-on-week decrease of 38.0 yuan/ton [60]. 7. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on regional leading enterprises with advanced equipment and environmental standards, as well as companies benefiting from the new energy cycle [6].