电解铝：攻守兼备，涨价潜力可期

Investment Rating - The report maintains an investment rating of "Outperform the Market - A" for the aluminum industry [5]. Core Viewpoints - The report highlights a tight supply-demand balance in the global electrolytic aluminum market, with domestic supply constraints leading to potential price increases in 2025 and 2026 [3][25]. - The domestic demand for electrolytic aluminum is expected to show resilience, driven by the recovery in the real estate sector and strong growth in the new energy vehicle market [2][3]. - The report anticipates a continued expansion of profit margins in the electrolytic aluminum industry due to declining raw material costs and rising aluminum prices [3][21]. Summary by Sections 1. Policy Side: Capacity Ceiling and Low-Carbon Policies - The Chinese electrolytic aluminum industry is undergoing a supply-side reform that locks in a total capacity ceiling, shifting the focus from quantity to sustainable quality development [14][15]. - The emphasis on energy conservation and carbon reduction is becoming the main theme, with policies aimed at optimizing capacity layout and energy structure [19][20]. 2. Supply Side: Domestic Capacity Nearing Ceiling, Limited Overseas Increment - Domestic electrolytic aluminum supply is constrained by a capacity ceiling, with net new capacity expected to be only 20,000 tons in 2025 and 56,000 tons in 2026 [28][29]. - The report notes that overseas production increases, particularly from Southeast Asia, will have limited impact on the domestic market due to the "strong external, weak internal" price dynamic [25][26]. 3. Demand Side: Strong Domestic Demand and Export Advantages - Domestic consumption of electrolytic aluminum is projected to grow at rates of 2.7% and 2.1% in 2025 and 2026, respectively, supported by a recovering real estate market and robust demand from the new energy vehicle sector [2][3]. - The report emphasizes that China's aluminum processing capacity remains significantly advantageous in the global market, reinforcing demand stability [2][3]. 4. Cost: Downward Pressure on Costs, High Profit Era Expected to Continue - The average complete cost of the electrolytic aluminum industry is expected to range between 16,000 and 16,400 RMB per ton, with aluminum prices projected to rise to approximately 20,600 RMB per ton in 2025 and 21,500 RMB per ton in 2026 [3][21]. - The combination of declining costs and rising prices is expected to expand profit margins, establishing a high-profit environment as a norm [3][21]. 5. Supply-Demand Balance: Continued Tight Balance, Price Expectations to Rise - The report indicates that the tight balance in supply and demand will persist, with expectations of rising aluminum prices due to domestic supply rigidity [3][25]. - The anticipated implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in January 2026 is expected to further influence pricing dynamics in the industry [3][21]. 6. Key Companies to Watch - The report suggests focusing on companies with strong cost control capabilities and stable dividend returns, particularly those leading in low-carbon transitions, such as China Hongqiao, China Aluminum, and Nanshan Aluminum [3][21].