Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Overweight" rating for the steel industry [6]. Core Insights - Demand is expected to gradually stabilize, while supply-side constraints are anticipated to continue, leading to a potential recovery in the steel industry's fundamentals [3][4]. - The report highlights that despite a long period of micro-profitability in the industry, market-driven supply adjustments have begun, which could accelerate the industry's upward progress if supply policies are implemented [3][4]. Summary by Sections Steel Market Overview - The apparent consumption of five major steel products was 8.2612 million tons, a decrease of 1.77% week-on-week but an increase of 4.33% year-on-year [6][20]. - Total steel inventory was 12.47 million tons, down 0.55% week-on-week, maintaining a low level [6][12]. - The average profit margin for rebar was 199.4 CNY/ton, down 15.2 CNY/ton from the previous week [6][41]. Production and Capacity Utilization - The operating rate of blast furnaces in 247 steel mills was 78.84%, a decrease of 0.47 percentage points from the previous week [6][29]. - The capacity utilization rate for these mills was 85.48%, down 0.56 percentage points week-on-week [6][29]. - The total steel production was 8.1921 million tons, a slight increase of 0.08% week-on-week [6][40]. Raw Materials - Iron ore inventory at ports reached 165.55 million tons, an increase of 1.72% week-on-week, marking a historical high [6][52]. - The spot price of iron ore remained unchanged, while futures prices decreased slightly [6][48]. - The total shipment volume of the four major iron ore producers decreased, with Brazil's shipments down 7.37% and Australia's down 2.29% [6][53][61]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on companies with leading technology and product structures, such as Baosteel and Hualing Steel, as well as low-cost firms like Fangda Special Steel and New Steel [6]. - It also highlights the potential of upstream resource companies like Hebei Resources and Erdos, which may benefit from a recovery in demand [6].
钢铁行业周度更新报告:铁矿库存创历史新高-20260119