KAIYUAN SECURITIES·2025-08-08 08:43Investment Rating - The investment rating for the industry is "Positive" (maintained) [1] Core Views - The chlor-alkali industry is experiencing a bottoming out of profitability, with the potential for recovery driven by anti-involution policies. As of July 2025, the average profit for the caustic soda industry is estimated at 1,053 RMB/ton, while the PVC industry is facing an average loss of 767 RMB/ton. The implementation of anti-involution policies is expected to improve the overall profitability of the chlor-alkali industry [5][21][22]. Chlor-Alkali Industry - The chlor-alkali industry primarily produces caustic soda and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which are essential for various sectors including infrastructure and real estate. The profitability of the chlor-alkali industry has been under pressure due to low demand in downstream sectors, particularly in real estate [15][20]. - The industry is characterized by high energy consumption, with significant electricity usage per ton of product. The total electricity consumption for caustic soda and PVC production is substantial, indicating potential regulatory challenges in the future [16][19]. PVC Market - The PVC industry is currently facing weak profitability, with a projected new capacity of only 220,000 tons/year in 2025. The demand for PVC has been declining, with a 5.04% year-on-year decrease in apparent consumption in the first half of 2025 [6][39]. - The demand for PVC is heavily influenced by the real estate market, which has been underperforming. However, urban renewal initiatives may provide a boost to PVC demand in the future [40][44]. - The supply side is expected to see a shift towards ethylene-based production methods, as outdated acetylene-based capacities are phased out. This transition is anticipated to stabilize the market [45]. Caustic Soda Market - The caustic soda market is expected to benefit from a gradual recovery in demand, particularly from the aluminum sector, which is seeing increased production capacity. The exit of outdated production capacities is likely to improve the supply-demand balance [7][27]. - The average consumption of caustic soda in the first half of 2025 was 1,941 million tons, reflecting a slight year-on-year decline of 2.35% [7]. Beneficiary Stocks - Key beneficiaries in the chlor-alkali sector include Zhongtai Chemical, Xinjiang Tianye, and Jiayuan Energy, among others. These companies are positioned to capitalize on the anticipated recovery in the chlor-alkali industry [33].