BOHAI SECURITIES·2025-11-06 11:06Industry Overview - The report highlights a recovery in the lithium and rare earth markets due to the easing of China-US trade relations, which is expected to support prices in the short term [6][19]. - The steel industry is facing a potential demand decline as northern regions enter the heating season, leading to increased construction site shutdowns and a tightening of supply due to environmental production restrictions [5][21]. Steel Industry - The steel PMI index for October was reported at 49.2%, indicating a slight improvement but still in contraction territory, with new orders at 47.6% [20]. - Steel production in October showed a recovery with a production index of 49.8%, but overall inventory levels increased due to a stronger supply response compared to demand [20][29]. - The average daily transaction volume of construction steel in October was 101,300 tons, a month-on-month increase of 3.19% but a year-on-year decrease of 16.08% [22]. Copper Industry - The copper market is experiencing supply constraints due to maintenance at smelters and tight anode copper supply, with a projected decrease in output for November [35][36]. - Domestic refined copper production in September was 1.266 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 11.25% [36]. - The LME copper price increased by 5.84% to $10,900 per ton, while the domestic price rose by 5.45% to 87,700 yuan per ton [36]. Aluminum Industry - Domestic electrolytic aluminum production in October increased by 1.13% year-on-year, while alumina production rose by 9.41% [43][44]. - The report anticipates that alumina prices will remain low due to increased supply from the end of the rainy season in Guinea, which may support electrolytic aluminum profitability [5][43]. - The LME aluminum price increased by 8.11% to $2,900 per ton, with domestic prices rising by 2.65% to 21,300 yuan per ton [45]. Precious Metals - The easing of US-China trade tensions has reduced safe-haven demand for gold, leading to a potential stabilization in gold prices [54][55]. - COMEX gold prices increased by 3.24% to $4,013.40 per ounce, while SHFE gold prices rose by 5.43% to 921.92 yuan per gram [55]. New Energy Metals - Lithium production in September was reported at 47,100 tons, a year-on-year increase of 47.59%, driven by strong demand in the energy storage sector [60]. - The price of battery-grade lithium carbonate increased by 8.84% to 80,000 yuan per ton, reflecting a tightening supply-demand balance [60]. - The report emphasizes the importance of regulatory trends in optimizing the lithium supply landscape, which may support price stability [58]. Cobalt Industry - Cobalt production in October showed a year-on-year increase of 19.62% for sulfate cobalt, while the price of 1 cobalt rose by 17.25% to 404,500 yuan per ton [65][66]. - The demand for cobalt is expected to remain strong due to the growth in electric vehicle production and energy storage applications [65].