GUOTAI HAITONG SECURITIES·2025-11-24 06:02Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Accumulate" rating for the industry [1] Core Insights - The report highlights a continued upward trend in liquid argon prices, while rare gases are experiencing low price fluctuations. The weekly operating load rate for China's industrial gas sector has slightly increased. Notable events include the commissioning of a 45,000 standard cubic meters per hour oxygen air separation unit by Messer in Xichang and a strategic cooperation agreement between Shaanxi鼓 Group and Dalian Hope Group [3][4] Summary by Sections Price Trends - Liquid argon has an average price of 859 RMB/ton, showing a 3.62% increase week-on-week and a 26.13% increase year-on-year. In contrast, liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen prices have decreased by 3.3% and 1.6% respectively [4][6] - Rare gases show varied price movements: high-purity helium in bundles remains stable, while bottled high-purity helium (40L) increased by 0.89% week-on-week. Xenon and krypton prices have decreased by 3.08% and remained stable respectively [4][6] Operating Load Rates - The average weekly operating load rate for China's industrial gas sector is reported at 69.72%, reflecting a slight increase of 0.03 percentage points [4][7] Important Events - Messer has successfully commissioned a new large air separation unit in Xichang, increasing its total oxygen production capacity in the region to over 100,000 standard cubic meters per hour. Additionally, Shaanxi鼓 Group has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Dalian Hope Group [4][6]