Guohai Securities·2025-08-17 13:04Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommended" rating for the aluminum industry [1]. Core Viewpoints - The aluminum processing sector is witnessing a recovery in operating rates, with expectations for inventory to reach a turning point. The upcoming "Golden September and Silver October" peak season is anticipated to boost demand [11]. - The macroeconomic environment is leaning towards favorable conditions, with expectations of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and a temporary suspension of tariffs between China and the U.S. [6]. - The report highlights that the current low inventory levels and reduced aluminum ingot supply provide support for aluminum prices [11]. Summary by Sections 1. Prices - As of August 15, the LME three-month aluminum closing price was $2,603.0 per ton, down $12.0 from the previous week but up $276.0 year-on-year [24]. - The Shanghai aluminum active contract closing price was 20,770.0 yuan per ton, up 85.0 yuan week-on-week and up 1,755.0 yuan year-on-year [24]. - The average price of A00 aluminum in Changjiang was 20,680.0 yuan per ton, up 50.0 yuan week-on-week and up 1,750.0 yuan year-on-year [24]. 2. Production - In July 2025, the production of electrolytic aluminum was 3.721 million tons, an increase of 112,000 tons month-on-month and 168,000 tons year-on-year [55]. - The production of alumina in July 2025 was 7.650 million tons, up 392,000 tons month-on-month and 808,000 tons year-on-year [55]. 3. Inventory - As of August 14, the inventory of electrolytic aluminum ingots in major domestic consumption areas was 588,000 tons, an increase of 24,000 tons week-on-week [7]. - The inventory of aluminum rods was 138,500 tons, down 4,000 tons week-on-week, indicating a continuous decline due to reduced production by manufacturers [7]. 4. Key Companies and Earnings Forecast - Key companies in the aluminum sector include China Hongqiao, Tianshan Aluminum, Shenhuo Co., China Aluminum, and Yunnan Aluminum, all rated as "Buy" [5].