HTSC·2026-01-12 07:21Investment Rating - The industry rating is "Overweight" [6] Core Viewpoints - The adjustment of the battery export tax rebate is expected to boost exports in 2026 and optimize the industry structure, benefiting companies with overseas production capacity [1][2] - The reduction in export tax rates aims to curb low-price competition in the export market and promote the exit of outdated production capacity [2][3] - The battery export tax rebate will lead to two rounds of export rush before the end of 2026, tightening supply and demand across the lithium battery supply chain [3][4] Summary by Sections Export Tax Rebate Adjustment - The export tax rebate for battery products will be reduced from 9% to 6% starting April 1, 2026, and will be eliminated entirely from January 1, 2027 [1] - This policy is expected to drive a surge in battery exports in 2026, intensifying supply-demand tensions in lithium mining and lithium hexafluorophosphate [1][2] Supply Chain Impact - The reduction in export tax is anticipated to tighten the supply-demand balance in the lithium battery industry, with major lithium material utilization rates projected at 92% for lithium hexafluorophosphate and 81% for copper foil in 2026 [3] - The ongoing demand for energy storage and the increasing sales of new energy vehicles in Europe are expected to further support this tightening [3] Recommendations - Companies with established overseas production capacity, such as CATL and Yiwei Lithium Energy, are recommended for investment [1][4] - Other companies in the supply chain, including Tianqi Lithium, New Chemical Materials, and Shangtai Technology, are also highlighted as potential beneficiaries of the tightening supply-demand dynamics [4]