Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Overweight" rating for the steel industry [6]. Core Insights - Demand is expected to gradually stabilize, and the inventory levels are decreasing, indicating a potential recovery in the steel industry [3][6]. - The report highlights that the supply-side adjustments are beginning to take effect, with a significant portion of steel companies still operating at a loss, which may lead to a market-clearing process [3][6]. Summary by Sections 1. Steel Market Overview - The apparent consumption of five major steel products reached 8.7406 million tons, an increase of 237,300 tons week-on-week; construction materials consumption was 3.0445 million tons, up by 99,800 tons; and sheet metal consumption was 5.6961 million tons, up by 137,500 tons [6]. - Total steel inventory decreased to 15.1061 million tons, down by 91,300 tons week-on-week, maintaining a low level [6]. - The operating rate of blast furnaces in 247 steel mills was 84.45%, an increase of 0.47 percentage points week-on-week [6]. 2. Profitability and Production - The average gross profit for rebar was 216.2 CNY/ton, down by 18.1 CNY/ton week-on-week, while hot-rolled coil gross profit was 172.2 CNY/ton, up by 18.4 CNY/ton [6]. - The profitability rate of 247 steel companies was 58.01%, a decrease of 0.86 percentage points week-on-week [6]. 3. Supply and Demand Dynamics - The report anticipates that the negative impact of the real estate sector on steel demand will weaken, while demand from infrastructure and manufacturing is expected to grow steadily [6]. - The recent policy document on the steel industry emphasizes continued production cuts and the exit of inefficient capacity, supporting the expectation of supply-side contraction [6]. 4. Recommendations - The report recommends several companies based on their competitive advantages and market positioning, including Baosteel, Hualing Steel, and CITIC Special Steel, among others [6].