EBSCN·2025-08-10 11:04Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Overweight" rating for the copper industry [6]. Core Viewpoints - The copper price is expected to continue rising in 2025 due to tightening supply and improving demand [4]. - The report highlights that the LME and COMEX copper inventories are facing upward pressure, while domestic cable production rates have increased but remain significantly lower than the previous year [1][2]. - The report suggests that the demand for copper will rebound in Q4 2025, driven by the recovery in electric grid and air conditioning needs [1]. Summary by Sections Inventory - Domestic copper social inventory increased by 10.6% week-on-week, while LME copper inventory rose by 11.5% [2]. - As of August 8, 2025, domestic port copper concentrate inventory stood at 620,000 tons, up 18.8% from the previous week [2]. - Global electrolytic copper inventory totaled 472,000 tons as of August 4, 2025, reflecting a 5.0% increase [2]. Supply - The TC spot price increased by $4 per ton week-on-week, currently at -$37.98 per ton, remaining at historically low levels [3][63]. - In July 2025, China's electrolytic copper production reached 1.1743 million tons, up 3.5% month-on-month and 14.2% year-on-year [3][66]. - The report notes a decrease in the price difference between refined copper and scrap copper, indicating potential tightening in scrap supply [2][56]. Demand - The cable industry's operating rate increased by 2.6 percentage points week-on-week, with the current rate at 69.89% [3][75]. - Air conditioning production is projected to decline year-on-year, with expected reductions of 2.8%, 12.7%, and 12.1% for August, September, and October respectively [3][94]. - The report emphasizes that the demand for copper in the power sector remains strong, supported by ongoing investments in power infrastructure [75][82]. Futures - SHFE copper active contract positions decreased by 4% week-on-week, while COMEX non-commercial net long positions fell by 45% [4][32]. - As of August 8, 2025, SHFE copper active contract positions were at 157,000 lots, reflecting a 4.1% decrease from the previous week [4][32]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends stocks such as Jincheng Mining, Zijin Mining, Luoyang Molybdenum, and Western Mining, while suggesting to pay attention to Tongling Nonferrous Metals [4].