Summary of China Basic Materials Monitor - January 2026 Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Basic Materials** industry, highlighting the impact of high commodity prices on demand and supply dynamics across various sectors. Key Points Demand Trends - End-user orderbooks are mostly in line with past seasonal trends as of mid-January, with **solar and machinery** sectors showing weakness while **battery** demand remains strong [1] - The surge in metal prices has led to notable changes in downstream demand across sectors such as **consumer electronics**, **hardware manufacturing**, **copper cables**, and **aluminum** in industrial and construction areas, resulting in weaker or delayed orderbooks and rising metal inventories [1] - High-frequency data indicates that in the first two weeks of January, Chinese demand is down **1-9% year-over-year (YoY)** for cement and construction steel, and **3-10% YoY** for aluminum and copper, while flat steel demand is up **3% YoY** [1] Supply Dynamics - Supply conditions remain heterogeneous, with consistent feedback on **cement capacity** cleaning up and ongoing capacity discipline in **coal**, but lackluster control in **steel production** [1] - Margin and pricing for **steel**, **copper**, **aluminum**, and **lithium** have improved, while **cement** and **coal** prices have remained stable [1] Sector-Specific Insights - **Cement**: Demand is lower, with a **1-9% YoY** decline noted [1] - **Aluminum and Copper**: Demand has deteriorated significantly amid high prices, with a **3-10% YoY** decline reported [1] - **Steel**: Margins have improved, but production control remains weak [1] - **Battery Materials**: Strong demand persists, leading to price hikes in solar modules, AC, LFP cathodes, and battery cells [1] Producer Feedback - A proprietary survey indicates a mixed month-over-month (MoM) trend in forward orderbooks, with **19%** of respondents reporting a pickup in January for downstream sectors and **6%** for basic materials [2] Additional Observations - The report notes that in regions with strong demand or better supply structures, price hikes have begun in specific materials, indicating a potential shift in market dynamics [1] - The overall sentiment reflects caution due to high commodity prices suppressing demand, particularly in sectors sensitive to price fluctuations [1] Conclusion - The China Basic Materials industry is currently experiencing a complex interplay of high commodity prices affecting demand and supply across various sectors. While some areas like battery materials show resilience, others like aluminum and copper are facing significant demand challenges. The mixed feedback from producers suggests a cautious outlook moving forward, with potential opportunities in regions with strong demand dynamics.

Summary of China Basic Materials Monitor - December 2025 Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Basic Materials** industry, highlighting trends in demand and pricing for various commodities including steel, copper, aluminum, cement, and coal. Key Points Demand Trends - End-user orderbooks are mostly in line with past seasonal trends as of mid-December, with specific sectors like appliances, solar, construction, and machinery showing weaker demand [1] - Demand for **copper** and **paper packaging** has weakened, while other commodities remain on track [1] - Current Chinese demand is reported to be **3-10% lower year-over-year** for cement and construction steel, and **2-8% lower** for flat steel, copper, and aluminum [1] Pricing and Margins - Despite rising prices for copper and aluminum, the demand response has not been destructive to orderbooks, indicating a cautious procurement pace among end users [1] - There are signs of marginal improvement in steel margins, reflected in higher unit profits, although overall supply work on steel remains limited [1] - Recent weeks have seen improvements in margins/pricing for steel, copper, and lithium, while coal prices have softened, and cement and aluminum prices have remained stable [1] Supply Dynamics - In bulk commodities, general demand has been weak, but policy measures on supply for cement and coal remain intact, including preparations for capacity cuts related to disqualified clinker capacity, which accounts for **4-10%** of total capacity in major producers [1] - Consistent coal supply discipline is maintained through control of excess production and safety inspections [1] Month-over-Month Changes - A proprietary survey indicates that the forward orderbook trend has softened month-over-month, with **11%** of respondents in downstream sectors and **14%** in basic materials reporting a month-over-month pickup in December [2] Additional Insights - The report includes various downstream demand snapshots across sectors such as infrastructure, property, traditional manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and power, transport, and exports [8] - The report also discusses the implications of commodity price changes and potential risks associated with investment decisions in the basic materials sector [9] Conclusion - The China Basic Materials industry is experiencing signs of bottoming out in bulk commodities, with high metal prices not significantly damaging demand. However, the overall demand remains subdued, and careful monitoring of supply and pricing dynamics is essential for stakeholders in the sector.

Summary of China Basic Materials Monitor (November 2025) Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Basic Materials** industry, highlighting signs of **weaker demand** across various sectors, including white goods, renewables, and construction, which are experiencing a sequential deterioration beyond seasonal factors [1][1][1]. - **Infrastructure** projects are at multi-year low start rates due to funding challenges from local governments [1][1][1]. - The **automotive sector** remains robust currently, but concerns are emerging for the first quarter of 2026 [1][1][1]. - **Energy Storage System (ESS) batteries** are seeing accelerated growth, with positive expectations for 2026 based on producer feedback [1][1][1]. Demand Trends - Current demand in China is reported to be **7-12% lower year-on-year** for cement and construction steel, and **5-10% lower** for flat steel, copper, and aluminum [1][1][1]. - Finished goods inventory has increased, primarily due to metal fabrications and selected appliances and machinery [1][1][1]. - The **forward orderbook trend** is mostly stable month-on-month, with **61%** of respondents indicating an increase in downstream sectors and **35%** in basic materials for November [2][2][2]. Supply Dynamics - On the supply side, there is excess production and safety inspections leading to a contraction in output in key coal-producing regions [1][1][1]. - Incremental changes in cement and steel production have been limited [1][1][1]. - Recent weeks have seen improvements in margins/pricing for coal, aluminum, copper, and lithium, while steel prices have softened and cement prices remain stable [1][1][1]. Key Statistics - The report indicates a **deceleration in demand** due to high commodity prices and the diminishing momentum from trade-in programs [1][1][1]. - The **current demand** metrics reflect a significant decline across various materials, indicating potential risks for investors in the basic materials sector [1][1][1]. Conclusion - The China Basic Materials industry is facing challenges with weaker demand across multiple sectors, particularly in construction and infrastructure, while some segments like automotive and ESS batteries show resilience. The supply side is also adjusting to these demand changes, with implications for pricing and production strategies moving forward.

Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on various sectors, with specific "Buy" ratings for companies such as AIA Group, ASMPT, Atour, Hengrui, Sunny Optical, Tencent, and others [13][14][28][33]. Core Insights - The 15th Five-Year Plan (FYP) emphasizes technological innovation, consumption rebalancing, and building a strong domestic market, which are expected to drive growth in sectors like technology, healthcare, and renewables [14][29]. - The report anticipates a stable external environment for China, with net exports remaining a key growth driver despite potential challenges from high bases and external demand uncertainties [7]. - The healthcare sector is highlighted as a key beneficiary of government policies, with a focus on innovation and globalization, particularly in medical devices and pharmaceuticals [29]. - The consumer sector is shifting towards experience and service consumption, with a growing emphasis on well-being and the silver economy, indicating potential growth areas for companies in these segments [27]. Economics - The report projects a growth target of around 5.0% YoY for 2026, with a focus on policy continuity and structural support for consumption [7]. - The RMB exchange rate is expected to become a focal point, with potential for significant movements as trade tensions ease and internationalization efforts continue [7]. Commodities - The report notes a shift in China's commodity fundamentals due to economic transitions, with a focus on domestic demand and energy self-sufficiency [9][10]. - The Action Plan for the Nonferrous Metals Industry indicates a shift towards high-quality growth, with supply growth expected to remain constrained [9]. Sector Views - **Autos and Parts**: The sector is poised for growth driven by advancements in Robotaxi and ADAS technologies, with key players expected to benefit from commercialization efforts [19]. - **Banks**: The banking sector is expected to outperform due to positive earnings growth and attractive dividend yields, particularly among large H-share banks [22]. - **Brokers**: The report highlights a trend of households reallocating wealth into equities, benefiting brokers as market proxies [26]. - **Consumer**: Key investment themes include a shift towards experiential consumption and a focus on well-being, with specific companies identified as top buys [27][28]. - **Healthcare**: Innovation and globalization are seen as critical drivers, with a focus on companies with strong pipelines and global expansion capabilities [29]. - **Insurance**: The sector is viewed positively, with opportunities arising from comprehensive enhancements across various business lines [33]. Top Buys - The report lists several top buy recommendations across sectors, including AIA Group, Hengrui, Tencent, and Anta, among others, indicating strong growth potential and favorable market conditions [13][14][28][33].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: AI Infrastructure in China - **Projected AI Capex**: China’s AI capital expenditure (capex) is expected to reach RMB800 billion (approximately US$110 billion) by 2030, accounting for one-third of total AI capex in China [1][62] - **Global AI Capex**: Global AI-related capex is projected to exceed US$1.2 trillion by 2030, nearly tripling from 2025 levels [1][54] - **China's AI Capex Growth**: Expected to grow from RMB600-700 billion (US$85-95 billion) in 2025 to RMB2-2.5 trillion (US$280-350 billion) by 2030, with a CAGR of 25-30% [1][61] Power Demand and Data Centers - **Power Consumption**: China's data centers are projected to consume 277 TWh of electricity by 2030, up from 102 TWh in 2024, representing a CAGR of 18% [1][42] - **Global Data Center Power Demand**: Global data center power consumption is expected to grow 2.3 times from 416 TWh in 2024 to 946 TWh in 2030 [1][28] Opportunities in Power Supply - **Nuclear Power**: China's nuclear capacity is expected to grow from 60 GW in 2025 to 100 GW in 2030, accounting for 60% of global capacity under construction [2][29] - **Power Equipment Demand**: Strong demand for transformers and power equipment is anticipated due to grid upgrades and rising renewable energy investments [2][45] - **Energy Storage Systems (ESS)**: The global ESS market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21% from 2024 to 2030, with significant growth in China [2][47] Cooling and Metals Demand - **Cooling Market Growth**: The liquid cooling market in China is expected to grow at a CAGR of 42% from 2025 to 2030, driven by the increasing power density of AI workloads [3][50] - **Copper and Aluminum Demand**: Direct AI use of copper is projected to reach approximately 1 million tons by 2030, accounting for 5-6% of total copper demand. Data centers are expected to drive 936 kt of copper demand by 2030 [3][49] Investment Recommendations - **Key Stocks**: - **Power Equipment**: Buy recommendations for Sieyuan, Jinpan, and Huaming due to expected growth in power equipment demand [2][45] - **Nuclear**: Buy CGN Mining and Doosan Enerbility for exposure to nuclear power growth [2][44] - **Cooling Solutions**: Buy AVC for liquid cooling solutions [3][50] - **Metals**: Buy Zijin Mining, CMOC, and Chalco for copper and aluminum exposure [3][49] Additional Insights - **Government Support**: Continued government spending and initiatives are expected to drive AI capex growth in China [1][61] - **Energy Security**: The link between AI leadership and energy security is emphasized, highlighting the need for reliable power sources [1][42] - **Technological Advancements**: Emerging technologies in cooling and power supply are expected to create further investment opportunities [2][48] This summary encapsulates the critical insights and projections regarding the AI infrastructure landscape in China, highlighting the expected growth in capital expenditure, power demand, and investment opportunities across various sectors.

Summary of China Basic Materials Monitor - October 2025 Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Basic Materials** industry, particularly construction materials, steel, coal, cement, aluminum, copper, and lithium sectors. Key Points Construction and Demand Trends - End-user orderbooks showed a month-over-month (MoM) increase as of mid-October, aligning with seasonal trends. However, infrastructure construction is deteriorating faster than anticipated, with weakened project start rates. The impact of central government special funding remains unclear based on feedback from construction dealers and producers of cement and construction steel [1][2][3] - Current Chinese demand for cement and construction steel is reported to be **11-18% lower year-over-year (YoY)**, while demand for copper and aluminum is **5-6% lower YoY**. Flat steel demand has increased by **2% YoY** [2][3] Supply Side Dynamics - There have been no significant cuts in steel production, while corrections in excess production and safety inspections in coal continue. Domestic disruptions in copper scrap have deepened [2] - Recent weeks have seen improvements in margins/pricing for coal, cement, aluminum, copper, and lithium, while steel prices have softened [2] Producer Feedback and Order Trends - A proprietary survey indicates that **61%** of respondents in downstream sectors and **26%** in basic materials reported an MoM increase in orderbooks for October. Conversely, **26%** of respondents indicated a lower MoM trend [3] Price and Margin Analysis - Margin improvements have been noted across several materials, including coal, cement, aluminum, copper, and lithium, while steel margins have softened [2] Market Sentiment - The overall sentiment in the basic materials sector reflects a cautious outlook due to the declining trends in construction and infrastructure projects, despite some positive signals in specific sectors like auto/EV and battery production [1][2] Additional Insights - The report highlights the importance of monitoring the impact of government funding on infrastructure projects, as its effects are yet to be fully realized [1] - The data suggests a potential shift in investment focus towards sectors showing resilience, such as auto/EV and battery production, while traditional construction materials may face ongoing challenges [1][2] This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the October 2025 report on the China Basic Materials industry, emphasizing the current demand trends, supply dynamics, and market sentiment.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry Focus**: Traditional Materials in the Asia Pacific region, specifically gold, copper, aluminum, steel, and coal [1][7]. Core Insights and Arguments Gold - **Price and Volume Growth**: Strong prices and above-peer volume growth are expected for Chinese gold miners, with projected double-digit volume growth from 2024 to 2027, while global production is anticipated to be flat or declining. This is expected to lead to strong earnings growth for Chinese gold miners [2]. Copper - **Super Cycle Factors**: A combination of supply disruptions, loose liquidity, and a weak dollar is expected to widen the global copper supply deficit in 2026. The macroeconomic environment is supportive, with abundant liquidity in the US and China, US rate cuts, and a weakening dollar, leading to a bullish outlook for copper equities [3]. Aluminum - **Sustainable Margin Expansion**: The expansion of bauxite supply from Guinea and other countries is leading to an oversupply of alumina globally. China's aluminum capacity is capped at 45 million tons, resulting in higher margins for aluminum smelters, estimated at around Rmb4,000 per ton year-to-date, which is expected to be sustainable. New supply additions for 2025-26 are estimated at 1.6 million tons and 1.0 million tons, respectively, which is less than the demand growth [4]. Steel - **Production Cuts and Export Strength**: Current steel margins are in the Rmb150-200 per ton range. There is resistance from steel mills and local governments regarding production cuts, which are part of anti-involution measures. Actual cuts are expected to be lower than the previously anticipated 30 million tons, primarily occurring during the winter slow season. Steel exports remain strong as mills adapt to new markets and product types [5]. Coal - **Support for Thermal Coal Prices**: The National Energy Administration's overproduction inspections are expected to reduce coal production in the second half of 2025 to approximately 2.25 billion tons, down 7% quarter-on-quarter and 9% year-on-year. This reduction, combined with the traditional peak consumption season in winter, is expected to support high thermal coal prices [6]. Additional Important Insights - **Price Target Adjustments**: Various companies within the materials sector have had their price targets adjusted based on updated commodity price forecasts. For example, CMOC's price target has been raised to Rmb18.60 from Rmb12.1, reflecting a 6% increase in EPS forecasts for 2025-27 [20]. - **Market Capitalization and Liquidity**: The report includes detailed market capitalization and liquidity data for various companies, indicating a healthy trading environment for the sector [12][14]. - **Long-term Commodity Price Forecasts**: The report provides updated long-term forecasts for commodity prices, indicating expected increases in prices for gold, copper, and aluminum, among others [17][18]. Conclusion - The overall outlook for the traditional materials sector in Asia Pacific is positive, with specific bullish sentiments for gold, copper, and aluminum driven by macroeconomic factors and supply-demand dynamics. The steel and coal sectors face challenges but also show resilience through export strength and seasonal demand.

Summary of China Basic Materials Monitor - September 2025 Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Basic Materials** industry, highlighting the current demand and supply dynamics affecting pricing and margins in various sectors including construction, automotive, and metals [1][2]. Key Points Demand Trends - **End-user orderbooks** have shown a month-over-month (MoM) increase as of mid-September, consistent with seasonal patterns observed in previous years [1]. - **Aggregated demand** is driven by positive growth in sectors such as **automotive**, **battery production**, and **metal fabrication**, alongside mild seasonal increases in **construction** [1]. - Traditional sectors like **white goods**, **property**, and **machinery** are experiencing weaker demand [1]. Supply Disruptions - Ongoing **supply disruptions** are noted, particularly in: - **Lithium Lepidolite** production - A correction in excess **coal** production - Tightness in domestic **copper scrap** supply [1]. - The Chinese government has reaffirmed its policy on supply management (anti-involution) as a long-term strategy, which is expected to support overall commodity pricing and margins [1]. Pricing and Margin Outlook - Current demand for **cement** and **construction steel** is reported to be 1-6% lower year-over-year (YoY), while **copper** and **aluminium** demand is down 5-7% YoY. In contrast, **flat steel** demand has increased by 3% YoY [1]. - Recent weeks have seen improvements in margins/pricing for **aluminium** and **copper**, while **steel**, **coal**, and **lithium** prices have softened, with **cement** prices remaining stable [1]. Producer Feedback - A proprietary survey indicates that **52%** of respondents in downstream sectors reported an improvement in orderbook trends for August, while **32%** of basic materials producers noted similar improvements [2]. - Conversely, **9%** of downstream respondents and **16%** of basic materials producers indicated a decline in orderbook trends [2]. Additional Insights - The report includes detailed snapshots of downstream demand across various sectors, including infrastructure, property, traditional manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and exports [7]. - Specific commodity analyses cover **steel**, **coal**, **cement**, **aluminium**, **copper**, and **lithium**, providing insights into their respective demand and pricing trends [7]. Conclusion - The China Basic Materials industry is currently experiencing a complex interplay of steady demand growth in certain sectors and ongoing supply disruptions, which collectively influence pricing and margin expectations. The outlook remains cautiously optimistic, supported by government policies aimed at stabilizing supply and pricing dynamics [1][2].

Summary of China Basic Materials Monitor - August 2025 Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Basic Materials** industry, highlighting recent trends in commodity prices and demand dynamics. Key Points Demand and Supply Dynamics - End-user orderbooks remained stable month-over-month (MoM) as of mid-August, indicating a lack of inspiring demand, particularly in infrastructure and renewables sectors [1] - Current Chinese demand for cement and construction steel is estimated to be **3-7% lower year-over-year (YoY)**, while demand for copper and aluminum is **6-11% lower YoY**. Flat steel demand has increased by **5% YoY** [1] - The average prices of main commodities have increased by **2-13% sequentially** in August, marking the first broad price hikes since April 2021 [1] Price Trends - Significant price increases were noted in **lithium** and **met coal**, leading the price hikes in upstream commodities [1] - Improved margins in steel have delayed production cuts, while higher lithium prices are expected to enhance global supply flexibility [1] Supply Policies - New safety standards and controls on coal overproduction are being implemented, along with proposed technical specifications for monitoring cement production and clean-ups in lithium mining licenses [1] - Supply policies are still in early stages but indicate a positive direction for the industry [1] Producer Feedback - A proprietary survey indicated that **26%** of respondents in downstream sectors reported a MoM increase in orders, while **31%** in basic materials reported the same. Conversely, **17%** and **16%** indicated a lower MoM trend [2] Margins and Pricing Stability - Recent weeks have shown improved margins/pricing for steel, coal, and lithium, while cement, aluminum, and copper prices have remained mostly stable [1] Additional Insights - The report suggests that the current trends in the basic materials sector are influenced by both domestic demand fluctuations and regulatory changes aimed at stabilizing supply and prices [1][2] - The stability in downstream order books, despite the overall weak demand, may indicate a cautious optimism among producers regarding future market conditions [2] This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the August 2025 China Basic Materials Monitor, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of the industry and its future outlook.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the **China Basic Materials** sector, particularly the impact of the **Yarlung Zangbo Hydropower Dam** project and the anticipated policies from the **Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)** [2][5]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Yarlung Zangbo Hydropower Dam**: - Estimated investment of **Rmb 1.2 trillion** with a construction period of approximately **10 years** [3]. - Total installed capacity of **60 GW** and expected annual power output of **300 billion kWh** [3]. - Direct impact on steel demand is limited, with an estimated consumption of **0.2 million tons (mt)** of steel and **2.4 mt** of cement annually, representing **0.02%** and **0.13%** of China's total outputs, respectively [5]. - **Market Speculation**: - The recent rally in steel prices is driven by speculation regarding potential **Supply-Side Reform 2.0** rather than fundamental improvements [3]. - Similar price movements were observed in **July-August 2023**, where production control in **Tangshan** fueled speculation about supportive policies from the Politburo [3]. - **MIIT's Upcoming Policies**: - MIIT plans to release work plans aimed at stabilizing growth in key industries, including steel and non-ferrous metals [3]. - Previous announcements in 2023 had less significant impacts on steel prices than initially expected, raising caution about the effectiveness of future policies [5]. - **Stock Performance**: - Following MIIT's announcement, basic materials stocks rallied by **2-7%** [5]. - Analysts express caution regarding the sustainability of this rally, emphasizing the need to observe policy execution effectiveness before making further investments [5]. Important but Overlooked Content - **Investment Recommendations**: - Analysts favor companies such as **Chalco**, **Zijin**, and **Baosteel** due to their potential for margin improvement and favorable payout ratios [5]. - The report indicates that **Baosteel** is expected to outperform **Angang Steel** based on historical price movements [6]. - **Long-term Demand Considerations**: - The incremental demand from the mega dam project is expected to span several years, with challenges related to construction in Tibet [5]. - **Price Normalization**: - There is an expectation that the recent price rally in steel, iron ore, and coking coal will gradually normalize following the Politburo meeting [6]. Conclusion - The conference call highlights the cautious optimism surrounding the China Basic Materials sector, driven by government policy expectations and significant infrastructure projects. However, analysts stress the importance of monitoring the execution of these policies and the actual impact on market fundamentals before making investment decisions.