有色钢铁行业周观点（2025年第52周）：共识开始凝聚，共同见证历史-20251229

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the non-ferrous and steel industry in China [6]. Core Views - Consensus is beginning to form, marking a historical moment. The non-ferrous sector saw significant gains, particularly a 3.69% increase on a single day. The previously noted lagging performance of gold, copper, aluminum, and iron equities is gaining market recognition. Looking ahead, the report anticipates that commodity prices may continue to reach historical highs in 2026, suggesting active monitoring of investment opportunities in related sectors [9][13]. Summary by Sections Non-Ferrous Metals - Precious Metals: The long-term debt cycle is entering its late stage, with soaring physical prices reflecting a fundamental reaction to the erosion of trust in fiat currency systems. On December 26, silver prices surged by 10.47% in London and 11.15% on COMEX, indicating a systemic re-evaluation of asset values. The report forecasts continued record-breaking prices for precious metals in 2026, recommending a focus on investment opportunities in this sector [14]. - Copper: Labor disputes may exacerbate supply shortages, with expectations for rising copper prices and smelting fees. A potential strike at the Mantoverde copper mine could impact production, with an estimated output of around 30,000 tons of copper concentrate in 2025. The report also notes that the National Development and Reform Commission is encouraging consolidation in the copper smelting industry, which may improve smelting fees. The outlook remains positive for copper prices and smelting fees in 2026 [15]. - Aluminum: The National Development and Reform Commission may promote mergers and acquisitions among alumina producers, with aluminum prices expected to reach new highs due to the copper-aluminum price ratio effect. The report highlights the potential for steady profit growth in electrolytic aluminum enterprises and the acceleration of aluminum substitution for copper in air conditioning applications [16]. Steel Industry - Supply and Demand: The report indicates a slight increase in pig iron production, while steel demand is showing marginal weakness. The weekly consumption of rebar was reported at 2.03 million tons, reflecting a significant decrease of 2.86% week-on-week and 7.70% year-on-year [17][19]. - Inventory: Both social and steel mill inventories have decreased overall, with a slight accumulation in medium and heavy plates. Total inventory was reported at 8.73 million tons, down 3.74% week-on-week [22]. - Profitability: Cost differentiation is noted, with a recovery in steel profitability. The report states that the cost of long-process rebar has slightly decreased by 0.43%, while short-process costs have decreased by 0.13%. The profitability for long-process rebar has increased by 16 CNY per ton [29][32]. - Steel Prices: Overall steel prices have seen a slight decline, with the general steel price index decreasing by 0.28%. The report highlights that the price of cold-rolled steel has decreased by 0.58% week-on-week [36]. New Energy Metals - Supply: In November 2025, China's lithium carbonate production surged by 84.78% year-on-year, reaching 82,300 tons. The report also notes a slight increase in hydroxide lithium production [40]. - Demand: The production and sales of new energy passenger vehicles in November 2025 maintained significant year-on-year growth, with production at 1.771 million units, up 17.89% year-on-year [44]. - Prices: Prices for lithium, cobalt, and nickel have all increased. The average price for battery-grade lithium carbonate reached 120,400 CNY per ton, reflecting a week-on-week increase of 16.89% [49].