格隆汇APP·2026-01-21 09:42Core Viewpoint - The rare metal tungsten, referred to as the "industrial tooth," is expected to be the standout performer in the non-ferrous metals market in 2025, with prices skyrocketing from 200,000 yuan/ton at the beginning of the year to 600,000 yuan/ton by year-end, marking a staggering 300% increase and setting a historical high [4]. Supply and Demand Dynamics - The surge in tungsten prices is driven by a combination of rigid supply constraints and structural demand explosions, with APT (the core product of tungsten smelting) social inventory dropping from a normal level of 600 tons to below 200 tons, and hard alloy companies having only 12 days of raw material inventory, significantly below the 30-day safety line [7][11]. - The supply side is constrained by three main factors: policy control, resource depletion, and the difficulty of increasing overseas production. The annual mining quota for tungsten in China was set at 56,800 tons for 2025, an 8.3% decrease from the previous year, limiting production even as prices rise [10][11]. Demand Explosion - Demand for tungsten has fundamentally shifted, with the share from new energy and high-end manufacturing rising from 15% in 2024 to 30% in 2025, moving away from traditional steel industry reliance [13]. - The photovoltaic industry is a major growth driver, with tungsten wire replacing carbon steel wire in silicon wafer cutting due to its superior strength and wear resistance. The demand from the new energy vehicle sector is also rapidly increasing, with each vehicle requiring 2-8 kg of tungsten [15]. Profit Distribution in the Industry - The profit from rising tungsten prices is unevenly distributed across the industry, favoring upstream resource companies. For instance, a 10,000 yuan/ton increase in tungsten prices can boost net profits significantly for companies like Xiamen Tungsten and Zhongtung High-tech [17]. - Midstream smelting companies face challenges due to rising raw material costs and tight supply, with some small firms experiencing profit margins dropping below 10% [18]. Future Outlook - The consensus for the tungsten industry in 2026 and beyond is that the supply-demand gap will remain unbridgeable, with prices expected to stay high for the next 3-5 years. The global primary tungsten supply growth rate is projected to be only 2-3% annually from 2026 to 2030, significantly lower than demand growth [20][21]. - Analysts predict that the price of black tungsten concentrate will fluctuate between 460,000 and 520,000 yuan/ton in 2026, with potential to exceed 500,000 yuan/ton if China tightens exports further [21]. Investment Opportunities - Investment opportunities in the tungsten industry should focus on three key areas: upstream resource leaders like Xiamen Tungsten and Zhangyuan Tungsten, high-end manufacturing leaders like Zhongtung High-tech, and niche players in high-value segments such as tungsten-based new materials and military-grade tungsten alloys [22][23].