Report Title - Nickel and Stainless Steel Daily Review 20250828: Macroeconomic Fluctuations, Insufficient Drivers [1] Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided Core Viewpoints - For nickel, the pure nickel fundamentals are loose, with the Fed's interest - rate cut expectations fluctuating. Nickel prices are expected to trade in a range, and it is recommended to stay on the sidelines [2]. - For stainless steel, the current macro - sentiment has a large impact. Although the fundamentals are loose, it takes time for prices to return to fundamentals and there is cost support. Prices are expected to follow macro - fluctuations, and it is recommended to stay on the sidelines [2] Summary by Relevant Data Nickel Futures and Spot Data - **Shanghai Futures Exchange Nickel**: On August 27, 2025, the trading volume of the active nickel futures contract was 196,852 lots (+108,077), and the open interest was 98,903 lots (-10,364). The basis (SMM 1 electrolytic nickel average price - active nickel futures contract closing price) was 1,390 yuan/ton (+1,080) [2]. - **LME Nickel**: On August 27, 2025, the closing price of LME 3 - month nickel (electronic trading) was 15,131 dollars/ton (-154), and the trading volume was 6,835 lots (-1,130) [2]. Stainless Steel Futures and Spot Data - **Shanghai Stainless Steel Futures**: On August 27, 2025, the trading volume of the active stainless - steel futures contract was 128,526 lots (+25,799), and the open interest was 128,304 lots (-5,355). The basis (304/2B coil - trimmed (Wuxi) average price - active stainless - steel futures contract closing price) was 860 yuan/ton (-10) [2]. - **Stainless Steel Spot**: The 300 - series stainless - steel social inventory last week was 626,000 tons (+8,500) [2]. Supply and Demand Analysis - **Nickel Supply**: Nickel ore prices remained flat last week, with an increase in nickel ore arrivals at ports and inventory accumulation. In August, domestic nickel - iron production decreased while Indonesian production increased, and nickel - iron inventory accumulated. Domestic electrolytic nickel production increased in August, and export profits expanded [2]. - **Nickel Demand**: Ternary material production increased, stainless - steel mills increased production, and the demand for alloys and electroplating was stable [2]. - **Stainless Steel Supply**: Stainless - steel production increased in August [2]. - **Stainless Steel Demand**: Terminal demand was weak [2]. Inventory Analysis - **Nickel Inventory**: The inventory of the Shanghai Futures Exchange decreased, LME inventory increased, social inventory decreased, and bonded - area inventory remained flat [2]. - **Stainless Steel Inventory**: The inventory of the Shanghai Futures Exchange decreased, and the 300 - series social inventory increased last week [2].

Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. 2. Core Views - For the nickel variety, the short - term nickel price will mainly show a volatile trend, being more affected by macro - sentiment. However, the supply surplus pattern remains unchanged, and the upside space is limited [3]. - For the stainless - steel variety, approaching the consumption peak season, trading has warmed up, but the fundamentals have not undergone a fundamental change. It is expected that the stainless - steel price will continue to fluctuate in the near future [4]. 3. Summary by Related Catalogs Nickel Variety - **Market Analysis** - **Futures**: On August 26, 2025, the main contract 2510 of Shanghai nickel opened at 120,310 yuan/ton and closed at 120,370 yuan/ton, a change of 0.08% from the previous trading day's closing. The trading volume was 88,775 lots, and the open interest was 109,267 lots. The night session continued the previous day's upward trend, with high - level narrow - range fluctuations and a slight increase at the end. The day session also fluctuated, with the highest at 120,720 yuan/ton and the lowest at 120,120 yuan/ton, and the whole - day amplitude was only 0.5%. Due to the UK bank holiday, LME nickel was closed, and domestic funds dominated the market with relatively stable risk - aversion sentiment [1]. - **Nickel Ore**: The trading atmosphere in the nickel - ore market was fair, and the prices were generally stable. A 1.3% nickel ore in September had CIF transactions in China and Indonesia at 42. The price of 0.9% low - aluminum nickel ore in China increased slightly due to resource shortages. In the Philippines, mining companies' quotes were firm, and rainfall had little impact on shipping efficiency. New nickel - iron orders were concluded, and iron - plant confidence recovered slightly, but they still held a cautious and price - pressing attitude when purchasing nickel ore. In Indonesia, the domestic trade benchmark price of nickel ore in September (Phase 1) is expected to drop by 0.2 - 0.3 dollars; the current mainstream domestic trade premium of +24 remains unchanged, and the premium in September (Phase 1) is expected to remain the same [1]. - **Spot**: Jinchuan Group's sales price in the Shanghai market was 122,800 yuan/ton, up 200 yuan/ton from the previous trading day. The spot trading of refined nickel was average, and the spot premiums and discounts of various brands of refined nickel remained stable. Among them, the premium of Jinchuan nickel changed by - 50 yuan/ton to 2,600 yuan/ton, the premium of imported nickel changed by 0 yuan/ton to 400 yuan/ton, and the premium of nickel beans was 2,450 yuan/ton. The previous trading day's Shanghai nickel warehouse receipts were 22,086 (- 206.0) tons, and the LME nickel inventory was 209,148 (- 600) tons [2]. - **Strategy** - Short - term nickel price mainly shows a volatile trend. The strategy is mainly range - bound operation for the single - side, and there are no strategies for cross - period, cross - variety, spot - futures, and options [3]. Stainless - Steel Variety - **Market Analysis** - **Futures**: On August 26, 2025, the main contract 2510 of stainless steel opened at 12,860 yuan/ton and closed at 12,840 yuan/ton. The trading volume was 102,727 lots, and the open interest was 133,659 lots. The night session was boosted by macro - sentiment, continued the previous day's rebound, fluctuated narrowly around 12,850 yuan/ton, and closed slightly higher. In the day session, the bulls took profit after being blocked at the 12,900 yuan/ton mark, and the price dropped to around 12,840 yuan/ton [3]. - **Spot**: Driven by the rebound of the futures market, the sentiment of spot price quotations warmed up, market inquiries became more active, and the trading situation improved. Approaching the traditional peak seasons of "Golden September and Silver October", coupled with the increase in the tender prices of Qingshan's nickel - iron and chrome - iron, market confidence gradually recovered, and the stainless - steel price generally showed a strong - running pattern. The stainless - steel price in the Wuxi market was 13,125 yuan/ton, and in the Foshan market was also 13,125 yuan/ton. The premium and discount of 304/2B were 310 to 460 yuan/ton. According to SMM data, the average ex - factory tax - included price of high - nickel pig iron changed by 5.00 yuan/nickel point to 934.5 yuan/nickel point the previous day [3]. - **Strategy** - Approaching the consumption peak season, the stainless - steel price is expected to continue to fluctuate. The strategy is mainly range - bound operation for the single - side, and there are no strategies for cross - period, cross - variety, spot - futures, and options [4].

Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant information provided. 2. Core Views - Short - term nickel prices will mainly show a volatile trend, influenced more by macro - sentiment. The supply surplus pattern remains unchanged, and the upside space is limited. Stainless steel prices are expected to continue the range - bound trend in the near future, facing the game between "high inventory" and "cost support" and being greatly affected by macro - policies and news [3][5]. 3. Summary by Related Catalogs Nickel Variety - **Market Analysis** - **Futures**: On August 25, 2025, the Shanghai nickel main contract 2510 opened at 119,550 yuan/ton and closed at 120,310 yuan/ton, up 0.59% from the previous trading day. Affected by the dovish expectations of the Federal Reserve, the futures market continued to strengthen. The price fluctuated in a narrow range, with the long - side dominant due to capital inflow [1]. - **Nickel Ore**: The overall trading activity in the nickel ore market was at a medium level, and the mainstream prices remained stable. Philippine mines maintained firm quotes. In Indonesia, the (Phase II) August nickel ore domestic trade benchmark price decreased slightly, and the current mainstream domestic trade premium remained at +24. The (Phase I) September domestic trade premium is under negotiation, and it is expected to remain the same as before [2]. - **Spot**: Jinchuan Group's Shanghai market sales price was 122,600 yuan/ton, up 800 yuan/ton from the previous day. The spot trading of refined nickel was average, and the spot premiums of various brands were stable. The previous day's Shanghai nickel warrant volume was 22,292 (- 260.0) tons, and the LME nickel inventory was 209,748 (150) tons [2]. - **Strategy**: Short - term nickel price trading should focus on range - bound operations, with no suggestions for cross - period, cross - variety, spot - futures, and options trading [3]. Stainless Steel Variety - **Market Analysis** - **Futures**: On August 25, 2025, the stainless steel main contract 2510 opened at 12,770 yuan/ton and closed at 12,880 yuan/ton, up 0.98%. Affected by the increasing expectation of the Federal Reserve's interest rate cut and domestic real estate policies, the futures market strengthened. The price fluctuated in a narrow range, with the long - side dominant due to capital inflow [3]. - **Spot**: Boosted by the futures price rebound, market confidence recovered. Traders' quotes were stronger, and the downstream and middlemen's inquiry enthusiasm increased. The actual trading volume showed an upward trend. The stainless steel prices in Wuxi and Foshan markets were 13,075 yuan/ton and 13,050 yuan/ton respectively, and the 304/2B premium was 340 - 490 yuan/ton [4]. - **Strategy**: The stainless steel market is facing the game between "high inventory" and "cost support". It is expected that the price will continue the range - bound trend in the near future. Trading should focus on range - bound operations, with no suggestions for cross - period, cross - variety, spot - futures, and options trading [5].

Report Industry Investment Rating - The short - term outlook for oil prices is range - bound, and a medium - term short position is recommended [3] Core Viewpoints - Oil prices have rebounded recently but have not broken through the previous trading range. In the short term, this is mainly influenced by macro sentiment and geopolitics. Powell's statement has increased the probability of a September interest rate cut, boosting market risk appetite. Meanwhile, direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have reached an impasse, with the time and location of the talks undetermined, and the war shows no sign of easing [2] Summary by Related Catalogs Market News and Important Data - The price of light crude oil futures for October delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange rose $1.14 to close at $64.80 per barrel, a gain of 1.79%. The price of Brent crude oil futures for October delivery rose $1.07 to close at $68.80 per barrel, a gain of 1.58%. The main SC crude oil contract closed up 1.16% at 499 yuan per barrel [1] - Indonesia's Trade Ministry urged the EU to immediately lift the counter -vailing duties on biodiesel imports as the WTO ruled in Indonesia's favor on several key claims in its complaint [1] - Iran will hold talks with the UK, France, and Germany in Geneva, Switzerland on the Iranian nuclear issue. The talks will also cover the lifting of sanctions, the nuclear issue, and the future of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 [1] - Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian refineries have exacerbated the summer fuel crisis in Russia, causing prices to soar during the seasonal demand peak. In August, Russian fuel wholesale prices hit a record high, and fuel shortages have been reported in some regions [1] Investment Logic - Oil price rebounds are affected by macro sentiment and geopolitical factors, including the increased probability of a September interest rate cut and the deadlock in Russia - Ukraine negotiations [2] Strategy - Short - term: Oil prices will fluctuate within a range; Medium - term: Short position in oil [3] Risks - Downside risks: The US relaxes sanctions on Russia, and macro black - swan events occur [3] - Upside risks: The US tightens sanctions on Russia, and Middle East conflicts lead to large - scale supply disruptions [3]

Report Summary Investment Ratings - **Cautiously Bullish**: Rebar, Hot Rolled Coil, Coke, Coking Coal, Manganese Silicon [1] - **Cautiously Bearish**: Iron Ore, Ferrosilicon [1] Core Views - **Rebar**: With good blast furnace profits and improved electric furnace profits, steel mills are highly motivated to produce, leading to high molten iron output. However, demand remains weak, and the supply-demand balance is expected to loosen. Despite recent downward trends, policy disturbances and the Fed's loose signals may trigger a short-term rebound [1][4][5]. - **Hot Rolled Coil**: Production, apparent demand, and inventory have slightly increased, with a relatively stable fundamental situation. The supply-demand balance is expected to loosen, but after continuous decline, the short-term downside space may be limited, and a short-term rebound is possible [1][4][5]. - **Iron Ore**: Molten iron output has increased, environmental protection restrictions are less than expected, steel mills have completed restocking, and port inventories are accumulating. The fundamental situation is moderately bearish, and the ore price is expected to fluctuate weakly [1][6]. - **Coke**: Spot prices have started the eighth round of increases, and coke enterprise profits have improved. The supply-demand balance is relatively stable, and short-term rebound is expected due to strengthened safety supervision expectations [1][9]. - **Coking Coal**: Domestic production is flat compared to the previous period, and Mongolian coal imports have increased significantly. Although the futures price has a premium over the warehouse receipt cost and there is downward correction space in the medium term, short-term rebound is possible due to strengthened safety supervision expectations [1][13]. - **Manganese Silicon**: Supply-demand balance is loosening, production is increasing, and the steel mill restocking is completed. Manganese ore shipments have decreased, but inventory is stable. The cost side provides some support, and short-term rebound may occur under macro - sentiment influence, while the medium - term strategy is to sell on rallies [1][17][18]. - **Ferrosilicon**: Production is increasing, demand is declining, and inventory pressure is high. It may follow the market for a weak short - term rebound, and it is advisable to wait and see [1][17][18]. Detailed Summaries Rebar - **Price**: Futures prices for different contracts (01, 05, 10) are 3224, 3261, and 3138 respectively, with price increases of 29, 31, and 19 [2]. - **Supply - Demand**: High production enthusiasm of steel mills, weak demand, and expected loosening of supply - demand balance [1][4]. - **Operation Suggestion**: Short - term rebound possible due to policy and Fed signals [1][5]. Hot Rolled Coil - **Price**: Futures prices for different contracts (01, 05, 10) are 3377, 3388, and 3389 respectively, with price increases of 25, 30, and 28 [2]. - **Supply - Demand**: Slightly increased production, apparent demand, and inventory, with a loosening supply - demand trend [1][4]. - **Operation Suggestion**: Short - term rebound possible after continuous decline [1][5]. Iron Ore - **Price**: Not provided in the text. - **Supply - Demand**: Increased molten iron output, less - than - expected environmental protection restrictions, completed restocking of steel mills, and accumulating port inventories [1][6]. - **Operation Suggestion**: Cautiously bearish [1][6]. Coke - **Price**: Futures prices for 1 - month, 5 - month, and 9 - month contracts are 1736.0, 1825.5, and 1652.0 respectively, with price increases of 57.5, 56.0, and 25.0 [8]. - **Supply - Demand**: Relatively stable supply - demand balance, with stable production and inventory [1][9]. - **Operation Suggestion**: Cautiously bullish, short - term rebound expected [1][9][10]. Coking Coal - **Price**: Futures prices for 1 - month, 5 - month, and 9 - month contracts are 1215.5, 1261.5, and 1061.5 respectively, with price increases of 53.5, 52.0, and 13.5 [12]. - **Supply - Demand**: Flat domestic production, increased Mongolian coal imports, and stable raw material demand [1][13]. - **Operation Suggestion**: Cautiously bullish, short - term rebound expected [1][13][14]. Manganese Silicon - **Price**: Futures prices for 01, 05, and 09 contracts are 5898, 5946, and 5798 respectively, with price increases of 66, 65, and 56 [16]. - **Supply - Demand**: Loosening supply - demand balance, increased production, and completed steel mill restocking [1][17]. - **Operation Suggestion**: Short - term rebound possible under macro - sentiment influence, medium - term sell - on - rallies strategy [1][17][18]. Ferrosilicon - **Price**: Futures prices for 01, 05, and 09 contracts are 5662, 5790, and 5494 respectively, with price increases of 46, 44, and 48 [16]. - **Supply - Demand**: Increasing production, declining demand, and high inventory pressure [1][17]. - **Operation Suggestion**: Cautiously bearish, short - term weak rebound, advisable to wait and see [1][17][18].

沪锡震荡走高，主力合约收涨1.22%，报269570元/吨。上周五杰克逊霍尔全球央行年会上美联储主席鲍 威尔讲话鸽派，释放了较为明确的即将降息的信号，宏观情绪好转，有色金属普遍飘红，锡矿供应恢复 迟缓，供应偏紧格局维持，沪锡偏强震荡。 原料供应恢复仍显疲态，7月锡矿进口维持低位，缅甸雨季阻碍复产，非洲则受运输周期延长和刚果金 电力谈判等因素影响。7月中国进口锡锭小幅增长，但仍明显低于去年四季度水平，7月进口增加主因智 利Minsur公司抛售库存，叠加5-6月套利窗口短暂开启时锁定的订单于7月集中到港。7月进口窗口长期 处于关闭状态，当前进口亏损达1000元/吨以上，或影响后续锡锭进口。 锡处于供需双弱状态，短期锡矿供应恢复缓慢，但是随着缅矿逐步允许开采后，锡矿供应恢复预期逐渐 增强。当前处于消费淡季，整体需求较为疲软，家电排产下滑。华东地区光伏锡条订单因抢装机结束而 下滑，导致开工率下降；华南地区电子终端进入淡季，叠加前期政策刺激消费，前置部分需求，综合影 响下需求端呈现偏弱迹象。 对于后市，新湖期货评论表示，近期主要终端市场尚未有改善迹象，光伏市场抢装后的降温效应延续， 其他市场也未见起色。供给端也暂无明显 ...

Group 1 - China's retail sales growth slowed to 3.7% year-on-year in July, with automotive retail sales showing a decline [1] - In the US, retail sales increased by 0.5% month-on-month in July, marking ten consecutive months of actual retail sales growth, although consumer confidence unexpectedly dropped in August [1] - The Federal Reserve's meeting minutes highlighted concerns over inflation, indicating a hawkish stance, with attention on Powell's statements at the Jackson Hole global central bank conference [1] Group 2 - Copper prices are under pressure due to weak supply and demand dynamics, with a decline in copper processing rates and increased imports amid a seasonal demand lull [1] - Aluminum prices are expected to remain weak due to sufficient supply and sluggish domestic consumption, despite recent high price levels [1] - Zinc production exceeded 600,000 tons in July, with continued recovery in August, although there are pressures from increased social inventory [1] Group 3 - Nickel prices are experiencing volatility due to increased domestic inventory and weak demand, with a surplus in primary nickel globally [1] - The macroeconomic environment remains mixed, with potential support for the non-ferrous sector from anticipated Fed rate cuts in September [1] - Operational strategies suggest short-term trading with a focus on selling high and managing risks [1]

Group 1: Report Industry Investment Rating - No relevant content found Group 2: Core Viewpoints of the Report - The sentiment in the commodity market has weakened. The domestic PTA production capacity supply has contracted, and the port inventory has decreased. The spread between PX and naphtha has expanded to around $250, while the profitability of alkyl transfer and TDP is not optimistic. The spread between PX and MX has remained at around $90. The market port inventory has been depleted, and polyester replenishment has improved under the weakening basis. The basis of PTA has weakened, and the market's willingness to replenish inventory has declined [2]. - Coal prices have rebounded, leading to an increase in ethylene glycol prices. The macro - sentiment has slightly weakened, and the chemical sector has followed the weakening sentiment of bulk commodities. Overseas ethylene glycol plants, especially those in Saudi Arabia, have experienced continuous delays in maintenance, which may have a significant impact on the future market. This has also been boosting the price of ethylene glycol. The future arrival volume of ethylene glycol is expected to decrease. Polyester sales have weakened, the profit of downstream weaving has shrunk, and the terminal load has significantly declined, which has had a certain negative impact on the market [2]. Group 3: Summary by Relevant Catalogs 1. Market Quotes - **PTA**: The market risk preference has recovered, and the crude oil price has slightly increased during the day, strengthening the cost support. The PTA supply side has seen both restarts and maintenance. The PTA spot price has slightly increased following the futures price. On August 12, 2025, the PTA main futures price was 4726 yuan/ton, the spot price was 4705 yuan/ton, the spot processing fee was 218.3 yuan/ton, and the futures processing fee was 229.3 yuan/ton [2]. - **MEG**: The spot negotiation price in the Zhangjiagang ethylene glycol market this week was 4507 - 4509 yuan/ton, up 20.5 yuan/ton from the previous working day. The ethylene glycol futures have maintained a relatively strong trend, and the spot price has continued to rise, while the basis negotiation has slightly weakened [2]. 2. Industry Chain Start - up Conditions - The PX start - up rate remained at 78.11%, the PTA start - up rate remained at 76.56%, the MEG start - up rate increased by 0.59 percentage points to 58.74%, and the polyester load decreased by 0.21 percentage points to 86.88% [2]. 3. Polyester Product Data - **Polyester Filament**: The prices of POY150D/48F remained unchanged at 6730 yuan/ton, FDY150D/96F increased by 50 yuan/ton to 7095 yuan/ton, and DTY150D/48F increased by 30 yuan/ton to 7935 yuan/ton. The cash flows of POY, FDY, and DTY were - 51, - 186, and - 46 respectively, with changes of - 10, 40, and 20 compared to the previous day. The sales of polyester filament increased from 40% to 41% [2]. - **Polyester Staple Fiber**: The price of 1.4D direct - spun polyester staple fiber increased by 20 yuan/ton to 6570 yuan/ton, the cash flow increased by 10 to 139, and the sales increased from 57% to 58% [2]. - **Polyester Chips**: The price of semi - bright chips increased by 20 yuan/ton to 5815 yuan/ton, the cash flow increased by 10 to - 66, and the sales increased from 89% to 115% [2]. 4. Device Maintenance - A 7.2 - million - ton PTA device of a supplier in East China reduced its load to 80 - 90% last night, and the recovery time depends on the raw material logistics situation [2].

Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant information provided. Core Viewpoints - Although the geopolitical premium has completely dissipated and the macro environment is bearish, current oil prices are relatively undervalued. The static fundamentals and dynamic forecasts remain favorable, presenting a good opportunity for left - hand side layout. If the geopolitical premium re - emerges, oil prices will have more upside potential [2] - For methanol, its valuation is still high, downstream demand is weak, and prices face pressure. It is recommended to wait and see [4] - For urea, domestic demand is currently weak, but its overall valuation is low and the room for further decline is limited. It is advisable to pay attention to going long at low prices and wait for potential positive factors [6] - For rubber, the price has risen recently. It is recommended to adopt a neutral approach and conduct short - term trading. Consider the strategy of going long on RU2601 and shorting on RU2509 for band trading [13] - For PVC, the supply is strong, demand is weak, and the valuation is high. It is necessary to observe whether exports can reverse the domestic inventory build - up situation. It is recommended to wait and see [13] - For styrene, the BZN spread is expected to repair. After the high - level port inventory is depleted, the styrene price may follow the cost side and fluctuate upwards [15][16] - For polyethylene, the short - term contradiction has shifted from cost - driven decline to high - maintenance - promoted inventory depletion. The price will be determined by the game between the cost and supply sides in the short term. It is recommended to hold short positions [18] - For polypropylene, the cost side may dominate the market, and the price is expected to fluctuate strongly following crude oil in July [19] - For PX, it is expected to continue de - stocking, and the valuation has support at the bottom, but the upside is limited in the short term. Pay attention to the opportunity of going long following crude oil after the peak season arrives [21][22] - For PTA, it is expected to continue to build inventory, and the processing fee has limited room for operation. Pay attention to the opportunity of going long following PX after the downstream performance improves in the peak season [23] - For ethylene glycol, the fundamentals will change from strong to weak, and the short - term valuation is under downward pressure [24] Summary by Category Crude Oil - **Market Quotes**: WTI main crude oil futures closed down $0.34, a 0.54% decline, at $62.74; Brent main crude oil futures closed down $0.37, a 0.56% decline, at $65.74; INE main crude oil futures closed down 5.70 yuan, a 1.15% decline, at 489.5 yuan [1] - **Data**: US EIA weekly data showed that US commercial crude oil inventories increased by 3.04 million barrels to 426.70 million barrels, a 0.72% increase; SPR replenished 0.23 million barrels to 403.20 million barrels, a 0.06% increase; gasoline inventories decreased by 0.79 million barrels to 226.29 million barrels, a 0.35% decrease; diesel inventories increased by 0.71 million barrels to 113.69 million barrels, a 0.63% increase; fuel oil inventories decreased by 0.07 million barrels to 19.73 million barrels, a 0.33% decrease; aviation kerosene inventories decreased by 0.62 million barrels to 43.74 million barrels, a 1.40% decrease [1] Methanol - **Market Quotes**: On August 13, the 01 contract fell 17 yuan/ton to 2479 yuan/ton, and the spot price fell 2 yuan/ton, with a basis of - 104 [4] - **Analysis**: Domestic production has declined again, but corporate profits remain high. Future supply is likely to increase marginally. Port inventories are rising due to faster unloading and shutdown of port MTO plants. Inland inventories are low due to olefin procurement support. The valuation is high, downstream demand is weak, and prices face pressure [4] Urea - **Market Quotes**: On August 13, the 01 contract fell 9 yuan/ton to 1747 yuan/ton, and the spot price rose 10 yuan/ton, with a basis of - 27 [6] - **Analysis**: Domestic production continues to decline, and corporate profits are at a low level but are expected to bottom out. Overall supply is relatively loose. Domestic agricultural demand is ending, and the market is entering the off - season. Future demand will mainly come from compound fertilizers and exports. Domestic demand is weak, and inventory depletion is slow [6] Rubber - **Market Quotes**: NR and RU fluctuated and consolidated [9] - **Analysis**: Bulls believe that weather and rubber forest conditions in Southeast Asia may lead to production cuts, there is a seasonal upward trend in the second half of the year, and Chinese demand is expected to improve. Bears believe that macro expectations are uncertain, demand is in the seasonal off - season, and the production cut may be less than expected [10] - **Industry Situation**: As of August 7, 2025, the full - steel tire production rate in Shandong was 60.98%, down 0.08 percentage points from last week but up 8.72 percentage points from the previous year. Domestic sales were slow, but exports were good. The semi - steel tire production rate was 74.53%, down 0.10 percentage points from last week and 4.21 percentage points from the previous year. Semi - steel tire factories had inventory pressure [11] - **Inventory**: As of August 3, 2025, China's natural rubber social inventory was 1.289 million tons, a decrease of 0.48 tons from the previous period, a 0.4% decline. The total inventory of dark rubber was 804,000 tons, a 0.13% decrease, and the total inventory of light rubber was 485,000 tons, a 0.8% decrease. As of August 11, 2025, the inventory in Qingdao was 487,200 (- 14,000) tons [12] - **Operation Suggestion**: Adopt a neutral approach and conduct short - term trading. Consider the strategy of going long on RU2601 and shorting on RU2509 for band trading [13] PVC - **Market Quotes**: The PVC09 contract fell 31 yuan to 5016 yuan, and the Changzhou SG - 5 spot price was 4900 (- 10) yuan/ton, with a basis of - 116 (+ 21) yuan/ton and a 9 - 1 spread of - 151 (- 5) yuan/ton [13] - **Analysis**: The overall production rate was 79.5%, up 2.6%. The demand - side downstream production rate was 42.9%, up 0.8%. Factory inventory was 337,000 tons (- 8000 tons), and social inventory was 777,000 tons (+ 54,000 tons). Corporate comprehensive profits reached a high for the year, and the valuation was under pressure. Production was at a five - year high, and downstream production was at a five - year low. Indian anti - dumping policies were extended [13] Styrene - **Market Quotes**: Spot and futures prices both fell, and the basis remained unchanged [15] - **Analysis**: The macro market sentiment was positive, and there was still support on the cost side. The BZN spread was at a relatively low level for the same period and had a large upward repair space. The production rate of pure benzene decreased slightly, and the supply was still abundant. The profit of ethylbenzene dehydrogenation decreased, but the styrene production rate continued to rise. Port inventory decreased significantly. Demand in the low - season was weak [15][16] Polyethylene - **Market Quotes**: Futures prices fell [18] - **Analysis**: The market was expecting favorable policies from the Chinese Ministry of Finance in the third quarter, and there was still support on the cost side. Spot prices remained unchanged, and the valuation had limited downward space. Trader inventory was at a high level, and the support for prices was weakening. Demand was in the seasonal off - season, and the production rate of agricultural film orders was low. There was a plan to put 1.1 million tons of production capacity into operation in August [18] Polypropylene - **Market Quotes**: Futures prices rose [19] - **Analysis**: The profit of Shandong refineries stopped falling and rebounded, and the production rate was expected to recover. Downstream production rates were seasonally declining. Only 450,000 tons of planned production capacity was to be put into operation in August. In the context of weak supply and demand, the cost side may dominate the market, and prices are expected to fluctuate strongly following crude oil in July [19] PX - **Market Quotes**: The PX09 contract fell 48 yuan to 6784 yuan, and PX CFR fell 3 dollars to 831 dollars, with a basis of 114 (+ 81) yuan and a 9 - 1 spread of 64 (- 20) yuan [21] - **Analysis**: The Chinese production rate was 82%, up 0.9%; the Asian production rate was 73.6%, up 0.2%. Some domestic and overseas plants had load adjustments. PTA production rate was 74.7%, up 2.1%. In August, South Korean PX exports to China decreased year - on - year. June - end inventory decreased month - on - month. The PXN was $264 (- 3), and the naphtha crack spread was $85 (+ 6) [21][22] PTA - **Market Quotes**: The PTA09 contract fell 34 yuan to 4692 yuan, and the East China spot price fell 10 yuan to 4695 yuan, with a basis of - 13 (0) yuan and a 9 - 1 spread of - 34 (0) yuan [23] - **Analysis**: The PTA production rate was 74.7%, up 2.1%. Some plants had load adjustments. The downstream production rate was 88.8%, up 0.7%. Terminal production rates were mixed. Inventory increased in August. Spot and futures processing fees increased. New PTA plants were put into operation, but demand from the terminal and polyester sectors was weak [23] Ethylene Glycol - **Market Quotes**: The EG09 contract fell 26 yuan to 4406 yuan, and the East China spot price fell 8 yuan to 4494 yuan, with a basis of 76 (0) yuan and a 9 - 1 spread of - 50 (- 4) yuan [24] - **Analysis**: The overall production rate was 68.4%, down 0.2%. The production rate of synthetic gas - based plants increased, while that of ethylene - based plants decreased. Some domestic and overseas plants had load adjustments. Downstream production rates were recovering from the off - season but were still at a low level. Import arrivals were expected to be 141,000 tons, and port inventory increased by 37,000 tons [24]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - PVC: Unilateral - Neutral; V09 - 01 Inter - period Reverse Spread [4] - Caustic Soda: Unilateral - Wait - and - See [4] 2. Core View of the Report - PVC: Affected by macro - sentiment, the PVC market has fluctuated upwards, but the fundamentals remain weak. Supply is increasing while demand is weak, and inventory is expected to continue to accumulate, with cost support remaining weak [3] - Caustic Soda: Supply is at a high level, and although there may be a slight decline later, demand has some rigid support. The cost support is strong, and the chlor - alkali profit is moderately high compared to the same period [3] 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs Market News and Important Data PVC - Futures Price and Basis: The closing price of the PVC main contract is 5047 yuan/ton (+37), the East China basis is - 167 yuan/ton (-17), and the South China basis is - 107 yuan/ton (+3) [1] - Spot Price: The East China calcium carbide method is quoted at 4880 yuan/ton (+20), and the South China calcium carbide method is quoted at 4940 yuan/ton (+40) [1] - Upstream Production Profit: The blue charcoal price is 595 yuan/ton (+0), the calcium carbide price is 2780 yuan/ton (+0), the calcium carbide profit is 14 yuan/ton (+0), the PVC calcium carbide method production gross profit is - 252 yuan/ton (-231), the PVC ethylene method production gross profit is - 489 yuan/ton (-10), and the PVC export profit is 9.0 dollars/ton (+0.2) [1] - PVC Inventory and Operation: The in - factory inventory is 33.7 tons (-0.8), the social inventory is 48.1 tons (+3.3), the calcium carbide method operation rate is 77.83% (+3.41%), the ethylene method operation rate is 77.55% (+7.31%), and the overall operation rate is 77.75% (+4.49%) [1] - Downstream Order Situation: The pre - sales volume of production enterprises is 83.2 tons (-2.2) [1] Caustic Soda - Futures Price and Basis: The closing price of the SH main contract is 2502 yuan/ton (+10), and the basis of 32% liquid caustic soda in Shandong is - 2 yuan/ton (-10) [1] - Spot Price: The price of 32% liquid caustic soda in Shandong is 800 yuan/ton (+0), and the price of 50% liquid caustic soda in Shandong is 1300 yuan/ton (+0) [1] - Upstream Production Profit: The single - variety profit of caustic soda in Shandong is 1509 yuan/ton (+0), the comprehensive profit of chlor - alkali in Shandong (0.8 tons of liquid chlorine) is 725.8 yuan/ton (+80.0), the comprehensive profit of chlor - alkali in Shandong (1 ton of PVC) is 503.78 yuan/ton (+20.00), and the comprehensive profit of chlor - alkali in the Northwest (1 ton of PVC) is 1618.15 yuan/ton (+0.00) [2] - Caustic Soda Inventory and Operation: The liquid caustic soda factory inventory is 46.17 tons (+3.75), the flake caustic soda factory inventory is 2.21 tons (+0.10), and the caustic soda operation rate is 85.10% (+1.20%) [2] - Downstream Operation of Caustic Soda: The alumina operation rate is 85.73% (+0.15%), the printing and dyeing operation rate in East China is 59.28% (+0.39%), and the viscose staple fiber operation rate is 84.97% (+0.00%) [2] Market Analysis PVC - Supply: After the previous maintenance, production has resumed, and the overall operation has increased significantly month - on - month. With the gradual mass production of new capacity, PVC production is expected to continue to rise, and the supply pressure is still high [3] - Demand: The operation of downstream products remains at a low level, and enterprises maintain just - in - time procurement. Export orders have decreased month - on - month, and the export performance is still affected by India's PVC import policy and the rainy season [3] - Inventory: Due to the increase in production and weak demand, the PVC social inventory is expected to continue to accumulate, and the absolute value of inventory is relatively high [3] - Cost: The calcium carbide price is weak, and ethylene is mainly stable. The cost support for PVC is still weak [3] Caustic Soda - Supply: The upstream operation has increased month - on - month to a high level in the same period. Although some enterprises have reduced their production, and Yantai Wanhua is planning maintenance, the operation may decline slightly later. Attention should be paid to the operation in Shandong from late August to September [3] - Demand: The alumina profit is acceptable, and the operation continues to rise. The delivery volume to the main downstream has increased month - on - month, with short - term rigid demand support. The non - aluminum operation has not changed much and remains weak in the off - season. Attention should be paid to the restocking rhythm of downstream products during the peak season and the production start - up rhythm of alumina in Guangxi [3] - Cost: The liquid chlorine price has rebounded but is still at a low level, and the cost support for caustic soda is strong. The chlor - alkali profit is moderately high compared to the same period [3] Strategy PVC - Unilateral: Neutral - Inter - period: V09 - 01 Inter - period Reverse Spread - Cross - variety: None [4] Caustic Soda - Unilateral: Wait - and - See - Inter - period: None - Cross - variety: None [4]