Minsheng Securities·2025-07-13 09:02Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the industry, highlighting several companies as key investment opportunities [5][6]. Core Views - The report emphasizes the impact of the U.S. increasing copper import tariffs, which is expected to create a divergence in copper prices between COMEX and LME, while domestic policies are expected to support industrial metal prices [2][4]. - The report expresses optimism regarding the recovery of lithium prices due to improved demand expectations and the ongoing shortage of cobalt, which is anticipated to drive cobalt prices higher [3]. - The report notes the uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs but remains bullish on gold prices in the long term, driven by central bank purchases and weakening U.S. dollar credit [4]. Summary by Sections Industrial Metals - The U.S. plans to raise copper import tariffs to 50%, leading to a significant increase in COMEX copper prices while negatively impacting LME and domestic copper prices [2]. - Domestic copper smelting enterprises have seen an increase in operating rates, driven by the tariff announcement, which has stimulated downstream purchasing [2]. - Aluminum production capacity has slightly decreased, and domestic aluminum social inventory has shifted from accumulation to reduction, supporting aluminum prices [2][20]. Energy Metals - Lithium prices are expected to recover due to improved production expectations in the new energy sector, despite ongoing supply pressures [3]. - Cobalt prices are projected to rise due to a shortage of raw materials, exacerbated by delays in policies from the Democratic Republic of Congo [3]. - Nickel prices are expected to stabilize in the short term, with some nickel salt manufacturers planning to reduce or halt production due to weak demand [3]. Precious Metals - The uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs continues, but silver prices have reached new highs, and gold prices are expected to trend upward in the long term [4]. - The report highlights several companies in the precious metals sector as key investment opportunities, including Shandong Gold and Zijin Mining [4][5]. Company Profit Forecasts and Valuations - The report provides detailed earnings per share (EPS) forecasts and price-to-earnings (PE) ratios for various companies, all rated as "Recommended" for investment [5]. - Key companies highlighted include Zijin Mining, Luoyang Molybdenum, and China Nonferrous Mining, with projected EPS growth and favorable PE ratios [5].