Minsheng Securities·2025-09-07 06:11Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" recommendation for several steel companies, including Hualing Steel, Baosteel, Nanjing Steel, and others, indicating a positive outlook for the sector [3][4]. Core Viewpoints - The steel industry is experiencing a dual weakness in supply and demand due to environmental production restrictions, with a focus on the recovery during peak demand seasons [3][4]. - Short-term impacts from environmental restrictions are expected to ease, leading to a gradual recovery in both supply and demand [3][4]. - Long-term capacity regulation remains a key theme, with expectations for more precise management to promote industry consolidation and improve profitability for steel companies [3][4]. Price Trends - As of September 5, 2025, steel prices showed mixed trends, with rebar prices at 3,260 CNY/ton, up 10 CNY/ton from the previous week, while other products like high-line and cold-rolled steel saw price declines [1][9]. - The report notes that the average price changes for various steel products over the past month and year reflect a complex market environment, with some products experiencing price increases while others decline [10][24]. Production and Inventory - As of September 5, 2025, total steel production decreased to 8.61 million tons, a reduction of 239,600 tons week-on-week, with rebar production specifically down by 18,800 tons [2][3]. - Total social inventory of major steel products increased by 311,800 tons to 10.765 million tons, indicating a build-up in stock levels despite reduced production [2][3]. Profitability - The report indicates a decline in steel margins, with estimated changes in gross profit for rebar, hot-rolled, and cold-rolled steel being -46 CNY/ton, -38 CNY/ton, and -36 CNY/ton respectively [1][3]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends specific companies for investment, including Hualing Steel, Baosteel, Nanjing Steel in the general steel sector, and companies like Xianlou New Materials and CITIC Special Steel in the special steel sector [3][4].