Orient Securities·2026-01-19 05:43Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the basic chemical industry, specifically for the spandex sector [5]. Core Insights - The spandex industry is expected to improve as supply and demand dynamics optimize due to accelerated capacity clearance. The report highlights the potential for recovery in spandex prices and profitability for leading companies with significant domestic capacity and cost advantages [3][43]. Supply Side Summary - The spandex industry is at the end of its expansion phase, with domestic capacity increasing from 593,900 tons in 2015 to 1,420,000 tons by January 2026, with major players like Huafeng Chemical leading the market [8][20]. - Since 2019, over 200,000 tons of capacity from small and medium enterprises have been shut down, leading to a concentration of supply among leading companies [26]. - The industry has faced prolonged negative gross margins since May 2023, indicating financial difficulties for many companies, which may lead to further exits from the market [29][41]. Demand Side Summary - Spandex demand is projected to grow significantly, driven by trends in activewear and tight-fitting clothing. The apparent consumption of spandex is expected to rise from 510,000 tons in 2017 to 1,027,000 tons by 2024, with a CAGR of 10.51% [33][35]. - The demand for spandex is primarily concentrated in the apparel sector, which accounts for 76% of total usage, with applications in leisurewear, jeans, underwear, and swimwear [33][34]. Supply-Demand Balance Summary - The supply-demand balance for the domestic spandex industry is improving, with limited new capacity expected and ongoing pressure on existing capacity. The anticipated demand growth from the activewear trend is expected to support this balance [40][41]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends investing in leading companies with price and volume elasticity, specifically Huafeng Chemical (002064, Buy), Taihe New Materials (002254, Buy), and Xinxiang Chemical Fiber (000949, Not Rated). The potential profit increases from spandex price rises are highlighted, with significant earnings boosts projected for these companies [3][43][44].