Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current state and future outlook of the phosphate industry in China, highlighting the challenges faced by the ammonium phosphate sector due to regulatory changes and market dynamics, while also noting the potential for export opportunities in the second half of 2025 [2][3][4][7]. Group 1: Industry Overview - As of July 18, 2025, the Chinese government plans to implement a new round of growth stabilization measures for key industries, including steel and non-ferrous metals, which may indirectly impact the phosphate sector [2]. - Since 2022, stricter export policies for ammonium phosphate have led to a significant decline in production and operating rates, with the operating rate for monoammonium phosphate dropping to 56.3% in 2022, and remaining below 60% in 2023 and beyond [3][4]. Group 2: Profitability and Market Dynamics - The profitability of ammonium phosphate has been under pressure due to high raw material costs and subdued export demand, with average gross profits for monoammonium phosphate and diammonium phosphate reported at -58.7 CNY/ton and -128.9 CNY/ton respectively in the first half of 2025 [4][5]. - Leading companies in the phosphate sector have managed to maintain profitability by securing upstream resources, while those lacking such integration face significant financial challenges [5]. Group 3: Supply and Demand Outlook - The average price of domestic phosphate rock was approximately 1019 CNY/ton in the first half of 2025, showing a slight increase from the previous year, but no growth in effective production capacity was observed [6]. - New phosphate rock production capacity is expected to be delayed, with only 250,000 tons projected to come online in 2025, indicating a continued high demand for existing high-grade phosphate rock [6]. Group 4: Export Opportunities - The price gap between domestic and international ammonium phosphate has widened, with international prices rising significantly due to geopolitical factors, creating potential for increased exports from China in the latter half of 2025 [7]. - Export quotas for ammonium phosphate are typically concentrated in the second and third quarters, suggesting that a surge in exports may occur in Q3 2025, benefiting domestic exporters [7].
【石化化工】磷化工:磷铵整体开工率偏低,头部企业资源充足盈利可观——石化化工反内卷稳增长系列之十一(赵乃迪/周家诺/王礼沫)
光大证券研究·2025-07-31 23:04