Minsheng Securities·2025-05-18 07:32Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommended" rating for several companies in the non-ferrous metals sector, including Zijin Mining, Luoyang Molybdenum, and Huayou Cobalt [4][5]. Core Insights - The easing of US-China trade tensions has led to a rebound in industrial metal prices, with significant reductions in tariffs announced for both sides [2][4]. - The report highlights a mixed demand outlook for aluminum, with domestic production nearing capacity limits while demand from the construction sector remains weak [2][14]. - For energy metals, cobalt supply tightness is expected to increase due to ongoing export bans from the Democratic Republic of Congo, while lithium prices are under pressure from high inventory levels [3][4]. - Precious metals are experiencing short-term price corrections but are expected to perform well in the medium to long term due to central bank purchases and geopolitical tensions [4][67]. Summary by Sections Industrial Metals - Aluminum prices have seen a weekly increase of 2.75%, with domestic production costs rising due to recovering alumina prices [10][14]. - Copper prices remained stable, with a slight weekly change of 0.01%, while copper concentrate imports reached a historical high [2][36]. - Zinc prices increased by 1.15% this week, driven by improved market sentiment following US-China trade negotiations [10][44]. Precious Metals - Gold prices have corrected by 3.72% due to reduced demand for safe-haven assets amid easing trade tensions, while silver prices have shown a smaller decline of 0.37% [10][67]. - The report anticipates a long-term upward trend for gold prices, supported by central bank purchases and ongoing geopolitical risks [4][67]. Energy Metals - Cobalt prices are expected to rise due to supply constraints from the Democratic Republic of Congo, while lithium prices are under pressure from high inventory levels [3][4]. - Nickel prices have shown a slight increase of 0.7%, but the overall market remains cautious due to weak demand and high inventory levels [55][57]. Recommended Companies - Key companies recommended in the report include Zijin Mining, Luoyang Molybdenum, Huayou Cobalt, and several others in the non-ferrous metals sector [4][5].