CNRE(SH:600111) Orient Securities·2025-08-24 10:45Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the rare earth sector, particularly highlighting the strategic value of leading companies like Northern Rare Earth [9][15]. Core Insights - The current market dynamics of the rare earth sector are primarily driven by enhanced national governance capabilities, which have led to significant breakthroughs in combating smuggling activities [9][13]. - The introduction of regulatory measures, such as the total control management approach and the establishment of a traceability system for rare earth products, has strengthened the management of strategic minerals [9][10][13]. - The strategic value of the rare earth sector is expected to continue rising, with leading companies gaining valuation premiums as they become symbols of this strategic metal [9][15]. Summary by Sections Rare Earth Sector - The market's understanding of the rare earth sector has largely focused on supply and demand dynamics, but deeper insights reveal that governance improvements are key to price increases [9][10]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has implemented a total control management approach for rare earth mining and processing, enhancing oversight and resource security [9][10][13]. - New technological advancements, such as portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometers, have improved the ability to combat smuggling and enhance enforcement capabilities [9][14]. Steel Sector - The steel market is experiencing a positive outlook due to anticipated interest rate cuts and policies aimed at reducing competition, which are expected to support steel prices in the medium term [9][16]. - Recent data indicates a slight increase in rebar consumption, with a week-on-week rise of 2.56%, although year-on-year figures show a decline of 2.28% [9][21]. - Steel production metrics show a mixed performance, with rebar production decreasing by 2.63% week-on-week, while hot-rolled production increased by 3.06% [9][18][21]. - The overall steel price index has seen a minor decline of 1.14%, with specific products like hot-rolled steel experiencing a 1.48% drop [9][38][39]. New Energy Metals - The upcoming consumption peak for energy metals is expected to bolster prices, with significant increases in lithium production noted [9][43]. - In July 2025, China's lithium carbonate production surged by 28.33% year-on-year, indicating strong demand in the new energy vehicle sector [9][43][47]. - The report highlights a divergence in prices for lithium, cobalt, and nickel, with lithium prices showing a notable decrease while cobalt prices remain stable [9][52][53].