GOLDEN SUN SECURITIES·2026-01-19 12:02Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating for several steel companies, including Xining Steel, Hualing Steel, Nanjing Steel, and Baosteel, indicating a positive outlook for their stock performance in the coming months [10]. Core Insights - The steel industry has experienced a fluctuating demand pattern, with a peak in early 2025 followed by a decline. The material-to-steel ratio has reached a new high of 1.69 in December, with an annual average of 1.51, suggesting a shift in consumption patterns [2]. - China's apparent steel consumption increased by 2.9% year-on-year in 2025, although December saw a decline of 5.0% compared to the previous year. The economic growth rate is projected to be 5% for 2025, with a quarterly breakdown showing a decreasing trend [2]. - The net export of steel reached 11.296 million tons in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 8.7%, driven by strong demand in the automotive and home appliance sectors. Exports to ASEAN countries have significantly increased, despite a decline in exports to the U.S. [3]. Summary by Sections Production and Consumption - In December 2025, crude steel production was 68.18 million tons, a decrease of 10.3% year-on-year, while the total for the year was 960.81 million tons, down 4.4%. Steel production in December was 115.31 million tons, down 3.8% year-on-year, with an annual total of 1,446.12 million tons, up 3.1% [6]. - The apparent consumption of steel in China is expected to be more accurately estimated by using steel production growth rates instead of crude steel production growth rates [2]. Economic Indicators - Fixed asset investment in 2025 is projected to be 48.5186 trillion yuan, a decrease of 3.8% from the previous year, while retail sales of consumer goods are expected to grow by 3.7% [2]. - The report highlights a transition from investment-driven growth to consumption-driven growth as China's economy matures [2]. Market Outlook - The recent structural interest rate cuts by the central bank are expected to support credit growth in specific sectors, indicating a potential for economic stabilization. The steel sector's valuation has improved, moving from absolute undervaluation to a moderately low position, suggesting room for further gains [8]. - Recommended stocks include Hualing Steel, Nanjing Steel, Baosteel, and others, which are expected to benefit from various economic cycles and trends [8].