【申万宏观 | 热点思考】“反内卷”的新意？

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the need for "anti-involution" measures in various industries due to increasing competition and supply-demand imbalances, particularly in the context of government policies aimed at fostering a more sustainable and efficient market environment [1][2][20]. Group 1: Reasons for Emphasizing "Anti-Involution" - The industrial sector in China is facing significant supply-demand imbalances, highlighted by a decline in capacity utilization and persistent negative growth in the Producer Price Index (PPI), which has been negative for 31 consecutive months as of April 2025 [2][8]. - Capacity utilization rates have dropped from 77.7% in Q3 2021 to 75.1% in Q1 2025, indicating underutilization of resources [2][8]. - Local governments are increasingly competing for investment, leading to "involution" in certain sectors, characterized by concentrated efforts in similar industries, aggressive policy competition, and a lack of sustainable project management mechanisms [2][14]. Group 2: Industries with Potential "Involution" Competition - The focus of the "anti-involution" policy is on four key industries: photovoltaic, e-commerce, automotive, and steel, with measures including industry regulations, anti-monopoly enforcement, and capacity adjustments [3][22]. - Based on data indicators, industries such as black metal smelting, electrical machinery, and non-metallic products are identified as having a high degree of "involution" competition due to low capacity utilization and negative PPI growth [4][24]. - Other industries potentially affected include coal mining, automotive manufacturing, chemical raw materials, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, which exhibit similar characteristics of "involution" [4][47]. Group 3: New Aspects of the Current "Anti-Involution" Measures - The current round of "anti-involution" emphasizes industry self-discipline and market mechanisms, contrasting with previous supply-side reforms that focused primarily on traditional heavy industries [5][49]. - There is a stronger emphasis on regional collaboration and technological upgrades, aiming to create a differentiated and complementary industrial development structure while promoting high-quality growth [6][49]. - The government aims to eliminate outdated capacity and improve inefficient production through targeted policies that leverage digital and green technologies [6][49].