Core Insights - The steel industry is expected to gradually recover as demand stabilizes and supply-side adjustments begin to take effect, with potential acceleration if supply policies are implemented [3][4]. Group 1: Steel Market Overview - Steel prices have decreased, with total inventory also declining. Last week, the average price of rebar in Shanghai fell by 10 CNY/ton to 3200 CNY/ton, a decrease of 0.31% [8][12]. - Apparent consumption of five major steel products was 8.6693 million tons, down 5.4% week-on-week and 1.22% year-on-year [21][26]. - The production of steel decreased to 8.5674 million tons, a week-on-week decline of 18.55 thousand tons [31]. Group 2: Supply and Demand Dynamics - The operating rate of blast furnaces among 247 steel mills increased to 83.13%, up 1.38 percentage points week-on-week, while electric furnace operating rates decreased [27][29]. - The profitability of steel companies has declined, with an average profit margin of 39.83%, down 5.19 percentage points week-on-week [27][30]. - The report anticipates that the demand for steel will stabilize, particularly as the negative impact from the real estate sector diminishes, while infrastructure and manufacturing demand is expected to grow steadily [3][4]. Group 3: Raw Material Prices - Iron ore prices have decreased, with spot prices dropping by 26 CNY/ton to 774 CNY/ton, a decline of 3.25% [46]. - The inventory of iron ore at ports increased to 14898.83 million tons, up 2.45% week-on-week [49]. - The total shipment volume of iron ore from Brazil and Australia has decreased, indicating a tightening supply [50][53]. Group 4: Investment Recommendations - The report maintains an "overweight" rating for the steel sector, highlighting that companies with product structure and cost advantages will benefit from the industry's transition towards higher quality development [4]. - Key recommendations include Baosteel, Hualing Steel, and Shougang, which are noted for their technological and structural advantages [4].