GUOTAI HAITONG SECURITIES·2025-09-15 08:30Investment Rating - The report rates the coal industry as "Overweight" [4]. Core Viewpoints - Coal prices are expected to peak, with pressure remaining in the first half of 2026 but easing compared to the same period in 2025. Demand for electricity coal, combined with the elasticity of coal prices, is likely to lead to prices exceeding 800 RMB/ton in the second half of 2026 [2]. - The report recommends core companies such as China Shenhua, Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry, and China Coal Energy, while continuing to recommend Yanzhou Coal Mining and Jincheng Anthracite Mining [4]. Summary by Sections Demand and Supply Analysis - In July, national electricity consumption increased by 8.6% year-on-year, and thermal power generation rose by 4.3%, indicating a significant improvement in the supply-demand balance [4]. - Raw coal production in July was 380 million tons, a decrease of 40 million tons month-on-month, primarily due to extreme weather in Inner Mongolia and Shaanxi [4]. - For the second half of the year, production is expected to decline slightly due to "overproduction checks," with total production projected at 2.35 to 2.4 billion tons, maintaining year-on-year stability [4]. Price Trends - As of September 12, 2025, the price of Q5500 coal at Huanghua Port was 688 RMB/ton, down 3 RMB/ton (-0.4%) from the previous week [7]. - The price of Q5000 coal at Huanghua Port was 595 RMB/ton, down 8 RMB/ton (-1.3%) from the previous week [10]. - The report notes that domestic coal prices are stabilizing while imports continue to decline, leading to an overall downward trend in supply [4]. Focus on Coking Coal - As of September 12, 2025, the price of main coking coal at Jingtang Port was 1550 RMB/ton, unchanged from the previous week [35]. - The average price of metallurgical coke at major domestic ports was 1653 RMB/ton, down 43 RMB/ton (-2.5%) from the previous week [60]. Inventory and Production Rates - As of September 12, 2025, coking coal inventory at three major ports totaled 2.646 million tons, a decrease of 1.6% from the previous week [51]. - The operating rate of coking enterprises with production over 200 million tons was 79.18%, showing a slight increase [4]. Long-term Contracts - The annual long-term contract price for Q5500 coal at Northern Ports was 674 RMB/ton, up 6 RMB/ton (0.9%) month-on-month [33]. - The report indicates that long-term contract prices for coking coal remained stable compared to the previous week [69].