1. Report Industry Investment Rating - There is no information about the report industry investment rating in the provided content. 2. Core View of the Report - The cost support for propylene has increased, and attention should be paid to the restocking rhythm of downstream industries after the holiday. The supply of propylene is expected to increase slightly, but the actual return of major PDH plants under the current profit pressure needs to be monitored. The demand may face pressure due to high propylene prices and compressed profits. The cost side is strongly supported by the rising international oil prices and propane prices. The future trends will be mainly driven by the cost of crude oil and propane, the maintenance of major PDH plants, and the downstream demand and production follow - up under cost pressure [1][3]. 3. Summary According to the Directory 3.1 Propylene Basis Structure - The propylene basis structure includes the closing price of the propylene main contract, the East China basis, the Shandong basis, the 03 - 04 contract spread, the PL03 - 05 contract spread, and the market prices in East China, Shandong, and South China [7][9][16]. 3.2 Propylene Production Profit and Capacity Utilization - It involves the difference between propylene CFR in China and naphtha CFR in Japan, propylene capacity utilization, PDH production gross profit, PDH capacity utilization, MTO production gross profit, methanol - to - olefins capacity utilization, naphtha cracking production gross profit, crude oil refinery capacity utilization, the difference between South Korea FOB and China CFR, and propylene import profit [22][27][30]. 3.3 Propylene Downstream Profit and Capacity Utilization - This part covers the production profit and capacity utilization of PP powder, propylene oxide, n - butanol, octanol, acrylic acid, acrylonitrile, and phenol - acetone [38][39][47]. 3.4 Propylene Inventory - It includes the in - plant inventory of propylene and PP powder [63][64]. 4. Market News and Important Data 4.1 Propylene - The closing price of the propylene main contract is 6344 yuan/ton (+226), the East China spot price is 6550 yuan/ton (+120), the North China spot price is 6525 yuan/ton (+80), the East China basis is 206 yuan/ton (-106), the Shandong basis is 181 yuan/ton (-146), the capacity utilization is 73% (+0%), the difference between propylene CFR in China and naphtha CFR in Japan is 221 US dollars/ton (-10), the difference between propylene CFR and 1.2 propane CFR is 81 US dollars/ton (-3), the import profit is - 383 yuan/ton (+5), and the in - plant inventory is 45170 tons (+1840) [2]. 4.2 Propylene Downstream - The capacity utilization of PP powder is 22% (-3.94%), and the production profit is - 275 yuan/ton (-30); the capacity utilization of propylene oxide is 80% (+8%), and the production profit is - 2 yuan/ton (+140); the capacity utilization of n - butanol is 88% (+2%), and the production profit is 393 yuan/ton (+151); the capacity utilization of octanol is 99% (+4%), and the production profit is - 70 yuan/ton (-58); the capacity utilization of acrylic acid is 86% (+2%), and the production profit is 200 yuan/ton (-35); the capacity utilization of acrylonitrile is 75% (+3%), and the production profit is - 1344 yuan/ton (-92); the capacity utilization of phenol - acetone is 89% (+0%), and the production profit is - 834 yuan/ton (-118) [2]. 5. Strategy - Unilateral: Cautiously go long on hedging at low prices. - Inter - period: None. - Inter - variety: None [4].

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - The mid - term outlook for the black building materials industry is "oscillation" [6] 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The market sentiment has warmed up, and the market is operating strongly. The pace of steel mill复产 is slow, and the high shipping volume and high inventory of iron ore still pose pressure. The pre - holiday inventory replenishment on the demand side supports the ore price. The first round of coke price increase has been implemented, and there are disturbances on the coking coal supply side, leading to a rebound in the market at a low level. In the off - season, the inventory accumulation pressure of steel products is becoming more obvious, and the fundamentals lack highlights, but there is no negative feedback expectation for the time being, and the market follows the cost to strengthen. Glass and soda ash follow the sector to strengthen, but the oversupply continues to limit the upside space of the market [1] - In general, the fundamentals in the off - season are lackluster. Before the Spring Festival, continue to pay attention to the downstream inventory replenishment intensity. At the same time, the resumption of production of steel enterprises in January is expected to further boost the inventory replenishment expectation. At that time, the furnace material prices still have the expectation of a low - level rebound. Pay attention to the disturbance of macro - policies [3] 3. Summary According to Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Iron Element - The arrival volume of iron ore has decreased, and the short - term supply pressure has eased slightly, but the inventory pressure is still increasing. The commodity sentiment is strong, and the pre - holiday inventory replenishment on the demand side supports the ore price. The supply and demand on both sides in reality still need to be verified. The scrap steel supply is stable, and the daily consumption is expected to decline seasonally. The overall fundamentals will weaken marginally, but the recent warming of the commodity market sentiment is expected to drive the spot price to follow the finished products [1] 3.2 Carbon Element - The possibility of a significant increase in coke supply is low, while the expectation of downstream steel mill复产 still exists. The coke supply - demand structure will continue to be healthy, but the bullish driving force of the fundamentals is also limited. After the spot price increase is implemented, it may remain stable for the time being, and the market is expected to follow the coking coal on the cost side. The output of domestic coal mines will gradually decline approaching the holiday, and the coking coal fundamentals will remain healthy, but the bullish driving force of the fundamentals is also limited. The spot price may remain oscillating before the Spring Festival, and the sustainability of the current warm sentiment in the market remains to be observed, and it is expected to oscillate [2] 3.3 Alloys - The manganese - silicon market continues to be in a state of loose supply and demand, and the upstream inventory reduction pressure is large. When the market rises to a high level, it may face selling pressure from hedging. The futures price of the main contract is expected to oscillate around the cost valuation. The silicon - iron market has weak supply and demand, and the fundamental driving force is limited. The low trading activity restricts the upside space of the market. It is difficult for the futures price of the main contract to maintain a high level. In the long - term, the futures price may still oscillate around the cost valuation [2] 3.4 Glass and Soda Ash - There are still expectations of supply disturbances for glass, but the inventory of the middle and lower reaches is moderately high. From the perspective of fundamentals, the current supply and demand are still in surplus. If there is no more cold repair before the end of the year, the high inventory will suppress the price, and it is expected to oscillate weakly; otherwise, the price will rise. The overall supply and demand of soda ash are still in surplus. It is expected to oscillate in the short - term. In the long - term, the oversupply pattern will further intensify, and the price center will still decline, promoting capacity reduction [2] 3.5 Specific Product Analysis 3.5.1 Steel - The cost support is strengthening, and the market is rising from a low level. The spot market trading is average. The profitability of steel mills has shrunk slightly, the molten iron output has remained stable month - on - month, and the output of the five major steel products has increased slightly. In the off - season, the demand for building materials continues to weaken seasonally, and the steel export shows a sign of a high - level decline, but the demand for hot - rolled coils still has some resilience. The inventory accumulation pressure of steel products is becoming more obvious, and the overall inventory level is still moderately high. The market is expected to oscillate widely [8] 3.5.2 Iron Ore - The molten iron output has decreased slightly month - on - month, and the downstream inventory is accumulating rapidly. Overseas mine shipping has increased, and the arrival volume has continued to weaken. The demand side has a stable rigid demand, and the steel mill inventory is increasing rapidly. The port inventory is still accumulating. The short - term supply pressure has eased slightly, and the inventory pressure is still increasing. The pre - holiday inventory replenishment on the demand side supports the ore price. It is expected to oscillate in the short - term [8] 3.5.3 Scrap Steel - The arrival volume this week has decreased, and the daily consumption of electric furnaces is expected to decline seasonally. The supply of scrap steel is stable, and the daily consumption is expected to decline seasonally. The overall fundamentals will weaken marginally, but the recent warming of the commodity market sentiment is expected to drive the spot price to follow the finished products [9] 3.5.4 Coke - The first round of price increase has been implemented, and the market sentiment is warm. The supply of coke has decreased month - on - month, the demand is supported by rigid demand, and the inventory of steel mills is increasing steadily. The supply - demand structure will continue to be healthy, but the bullish driving force of the fundamentals is also limited. The spot price may remain stable after the price increase is implemented, and the market is expected to follow the coking coal on the cost side [12] 3.5.5 Coking Coal - The spot price is oscillating weakly and stably, and the market is operating strongly. The domestic supply is stable, the import volume is still high, and the inventory of upstream coal mines is being continuously digested. The fundamentals have limited changes. The spot price may remain oscillating before the Spring Festival, and the sustainability of the current warm sentiment in the market remains to be observed, and it is expected to oscillate [13] 3.5.6 Glass - The downstream is approaching the holiday, and the production and sales are weakening month - on - month. The supply may be disturbed, the demand is weak, and the inventory of the middle and lower reaches is moderately high. If there is no more cold repair before the end of the year, the high inventory will suppress the price, and it is expected to oscillate weakly; otherwise, the price will rise [14] 3.5.7 Soda Ash - Driven by the macro - sentiment, the price is oscillating. The supply has increased slightly, the demand is weakening, and the overall supply and demand are still in surplus. It is expected to oscillate in the short - term. In the long - term, the oversupply pattern will further intensify, and the price center will still decline, promoting capacity reduction [14][17] 3.5.8 Manganese - Silicon - Driven by the macro - sentiment, the market is rising, and attention should be paid to the selling pressure at the upper level. The cost is expected to increase, the demand support is weakening, and the supply is difficult to digest the high - level inventory. The market continues to be in a state of loose supply and demand, and the upstream inventory reduction pressure is large. The futures price of the main contract is expected to oscillate around the cost valuation [17] 3.5.9 Silicon - Iron - The supply - demand driving force is limited, and it is difficult for the market to maintain a high level. The cost support still exists, the demand support is weakening, and the daily output is at a low level. The market has weak supply and demand, and the fundamental driving force is limited. It is difficult for the futures price of the main contract to maintain a high level. In the long - term, the futures price may still oscillate around the cost valuation [19]

Group 1 - The coal futures market in China is experiencing a downward trend, with coking coal futures showing weak performance and a price drop of approximately 3.17% [1][2] - Domestic coal mines in major production areas are resuming operations, leading to a steady recovery in coking coal supply, which is causing profit margins for coking enterprises to narrow [2] - Steel demand is currently weak due to the off-season, resulting in reduced demand for coking coal, and the dual coking coal contracts are expected to maintain a fluctuating trend [2] Group 2 - Import coal prices are rising, providing some support for domestic coal prices, while the volume of imported coal from Mongolia has been reported at 1,550 vehicles [2] - The overall supply of carbon elements is abundant, but downstream iron and steel production remains at low levels, indicating a continued pressure on raw material prices [2] - Market expectations regarding policies to reduce competition are influencing coking coal prices, which are likely to remain within a fluctuating range rather than experiencing significant declines [2]

Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the content Core Viewpoints - Weak pure benzene, strong styrene, with a high price difference maintained. In the short term, styrene exports continue to exceed expectations, and the downstream replenishment cycle has started, leading to a rapid market rebound. The market will mainly fluctuate at a high level in the short term. Due to continuous maintenance of overseas styrene plants in the first quarter, export negotiations continue, bringing marginal benefits to the market. Domestic shut - down styrene plants have no short - term restart plans, and new supply is limited. The resilience of the downstream 3S products exceeds expectations. After the styrene price increase, continuous buying has led to a short - term positive feedback loop in the market. This round of rebound is driven by styrene, pulling up the price of pure benzene. Currently, pure benzene still has significant physical pressure, but the long - term outlook is gradually improving. Attention should be paid to the opportunity of short - term price reduction after the reduction of pure benzene imports is realized [3][67]. Summaries by Related Catalogs Supply - **Pure benzene domestic production**: In December, 110,000 tons of capacity was under maintenance, and the maintenance volume remained at 110,000 tons in January (assuming a reduction of 45,000 tons due to the maintenance of Zhejiang Petrochemical). Major plants with large - scale maintenance include Sinochem Quanzhou, LIDONG, and Zhejiang Petrochemical. Some Shandong local refineries will increase their operating loads after solving the quota problem to make up for part of the production loss. In January, attention should be paid to the increase in pure benzene production from the new Basf Zhanjiang plant [3][67]. - **Pure benzene imports**: Although the overseas inventory pressure is still high, the overall import volume has decreased. The average monthly import volume of pure benzene from January to March 2026 is about 430,000 tons. The US - South Korea tariff still exists, but the US - Asia aromatics logistics may continue after the Spring Festival, which is estimated to affect 30,000 - 40,000 tons of pure benzene per month [3][67]. Demand - **Styrene**: In December, 85,000 tons of capacity was under maintenance, and 65,000 tons in January. After December, the plant operation gradually recovered. Attention should be paid to the increase in production from the start - up of Shandong Guoen Chemical's plant [3][67]. - **Caprolactam**: Negative feedback from CPL has begun, and factories are gradually reducing their loads. In December, 40,000 tons of capacity was expected to be under maintenance, and 60,000 tons in January, mainly at Fujian Yongrong, Tianchen, Hualu Hengsheng, and Xuyang Cangzhou. In December, attention should be paid to the commissioning of the Hengyi Qinzhou project, and in January, the expansion of Shaanxi Yangmei. Attention should also be paid to whether the recent profit recovery of caprolactam will lead to early restart of the plants [3][67]. - **Phenol**: The operation rate is gradually rising. In December, 30,000 tons of capacity was under maintenance, and 10,000 tons in January. The commissioning of the new Shandong Ruilin plant may be postponed [3][67]. - **Aniline**: In December, 70,000 tons of capacity was under maintenance, mainly at Ningbo Wanhua, Shanghai Covestro, and Chongqing Basf, with a maintenance loss of 77,000 tons. Some plants have extended their maintenance plans, and the operation in January may be lower than expected [3][67]. - **Styrene downstream 3S products**: The demand for styrene downstream 3S products exceeded expectations. Previously, it was thought that downstream factories had high inventory pressure and limited restocking ability. However, after the rapid market rise last week, downstream factories entered the restocking cycle. Currently, home appliance manufacturers are preparing for a good start after the Spring Festival, stimulating the restocking process in the industrial chain. Attention should be paid to the sustainability of the price increase of 3S products [3][67]. Valuation - **Absolute price valuation**: Based on the crude oil price of $60 per barrel, the reasonable valuation of the BZ2603 contract is 5300 - 5500 yuan/ton [3][67]. - **EB processing fee**: The profit will expand in the short term [3][67]. Strategy - **Unilateral trading**: Pay attention to the opportunity of short - selling BZ on rallies [3][67]. - **Inter - delivery spread trading**: Pay attention to the reverse spread of EB02 - 03 [3][67]. - **Inter - commodity spread trading**: Take short - term profit on the PX - BZ spread [3][67].

Group 1: Report Investment Rating - No information provided Group 2: Core Viewpoints - Corn prices may rise again after New Year's Day as downstream enters seasonal restocking, and long - term focus is on import and domestic auction policies [3] - Starch prices are expected to strengthen slightly in the future, and long - term focus is on downstream consumption rhythm [3] - Short - term sugar pricing can refer to domestic sugar cost and spot price, and long - term may seek out - of - quota import cost if the global sugar market surplus intensifies [4] - Cotton demand is expected to improve next year, suitable for long - term buying [5] - Egg prices in the second quarter may be favorable if there is a concentrated culling of chickens before Laba [8] - Apple prices are expected to maintain high - level shock in the short term, with a near - strong and far - weak pattern in the medium term [14] - For pigs, there may be a short - term weakening of sentiment, and long - term improvement depends on further production and inventory reduction at the near end [14] Group 3: Corn/Starch Key Data - From 2025/12/30 to 2026/01/07, the price in Shekou decreased by 10, the basis decreased by 26, and the processing profit of starch increased by 8 [2] Market Analysis - Short - term: Market sentiment is weak due to policy, but origin prices are firm. After New Year's Day, downstream restocking may drive prices up [3] - Long - term: Focus on import and domestic auction policies [3] Group 4: Sugar Key Data - From 2025/12/30 to 2026/01/07, the price in Liuzhou increased by 10, the basis decreased by 12, and the import profit from Thailand decreased by 58 [4] Market Analysis - Short - term: Supply pressure of raw sugar decreases, and pricing can refer to domestic cost and spot price [4] - Long - term: If the global surplus intensifies, prices may seek out - of - quota import cost [4] Group 5: Cotton/Cotton Yarn Key Data - From 2025/12/30 to 2026/01/07, the price of 3128 cotton increased by 160, and the 32S spinning profit increased by 7 [5] Market Analysis - Low initial inventory offsets most of the production increase. Demand is expected to improve next year [5] Group 6: Eggs Key Data - From 2025/12/30 to 2026/01/07, the price in Hebei increased by 0.09, and the basis increased by 45 [7] Market Analysis - The inflection point of inventory has appeared. If there is concentrated culling before Laba, it is favorable for egg prices in the second quarter [8] Group 7: Apples Key Data - From 2025/12/30 to 2026/01/07, the 1 - month basis changed by 1.00, the 5 - month basis changed by 31.00, and the 10 - month basis changed by 57.00 [13][14] Market Analysis - Short - term: The price is firm, and the price is expected to maintain high - level shock [14] - Medium - term: Subject to the impact of competing products in the consumption end, with a near - strong and far - weak pattern [14] Group 8: Pigs Key Data - From 2025/12/30 to 2026/01/07, the price in Henan Kaifeng increased by 0.05, and the basis increased by 75 [14] Market Analysis - Short - term: Demand decreases after the New Year's Day holiday, and sentiment weakens [14] - Long - term: Improvement depends on further production and inventory reduction at the near end [14]

Group 1: Report Information - Report Title: Agricultural Products Morning Report [1] - Report Date: December 29, 2025 [1] - Research Team: Agricultural Products Team of the Research Center [1] Group 2: Corn/Starch Price Data - From December 22 to 26, 2025: Changchun corn price remained at 2160; Jinzhou increased by 20 to 2250; Weifang remained at 2250; Shekou decreased by 10 to 2390; Heilongjiang and Weifang starch prices remained at 2750 and 2800 respectively; starch base difference decreased by 30 [2] Market Analysis - Short - term: Corn market sentiment is weak due to policy, but farmers' price - holding limits supply, and post - New Year downstream replenishment may drive up prices; starch de - stocking slows down, but price adjustment is limited, and post - New Year prices may rise slightly [3] - Long - term: Corn should focus on import and storage auction policies; starch should focus on downstream consumption rhythm and inventory de - stocking [3] Group 3: Sugar Price Data - From December 22 to 24, 2025: Liuzhou price remained at 5380 on the 22nd and 23rd, and increased to 5420 on the 24th; Nanning increased by 10 to 5340; Kunming increased to 5240; Liuzhou base difference decreased by 16 [4][5] - From December 25 to 26, 2025: Liuzhou remained at 5420; Nanning increased to 5350; Liuzhou base difference decreased to 135 [20] Market Analysis - Short - term: Reduced supply pressure on raw sugar, and the market price can refer to domestic sugar cost and spot price; short covering drives up the market [6] - Long - term: If the global sugar market surplus intensifies, the price will seek the out - of - quota import cost; pay attention to weather and policy changes [6] Group 4: Cotton/Cotton Yarn Price Data - From December 22 to 26, 2025: 3128 cotton increased by 285 to 15285; Vietnam yarn price remained at 2.53; Vietnam yarn import profit increased by 94 to 1039; 32S spinning profit decreased by 199 to - 639 [10] Market Analysis - Low initial inventory offsets most of the output increase, and future consumption is the key; with expanding textile production, good profits, and favorable tariff policies, long - term long positions are suitable [10] Group 5: Eggs Price Data - From December 22 to 26, 2025: Hebei, Liaoning, Shandong, Henan, and Hubei egg prices remained stable; the base difference increased by 72 to 357 [15] Market Analysis - The inflection point of egg inventory has appeared but the base is still high. The key to inventory decline is the culling rhythm. If culling accelerates, it will benefit the second - quarter egg price [16] Group 6: Apples Price Data - From December 22 to 26, 2025: Shandong 80 first - and second - grade apples remained at 8900; the national inventory decreased by 3; Shandong inventory decreased by 39; Shaanxi inventory decreased by 19 [18][19] Market Analysis - The trading atmosphere in the late - Fuji apple production area is light, and the sales in the sales area are slow. The market is in a high - level shock and is expected to show a near - strong and far - weak pattern [19] Group 7: Pigs Price Data - From December 22 to 25, 2025: Henan Kaifeng increased to 11.78; Hubei Xiangyang increased to 11.65; Shandong Linyi increased to 11.92; Anhui Hefei increased to 12.15; Jiangsu Nantong increased to 12.20 [19] Market Analysis - The weekend spot price increased significantly. There are expectations of both supply and demand increase before the Spring Festival. Pay attention to the slaughter rhythm, diseases, and policies [19]

Report Industry Investment Ratings - Thread: ★☆☆ [1] - Hot-rolled coil: ★☆☆ [1] - Iron ore: ☆☆☆ [1] - Coke: ★☆☆ [1] - Coking coal: ★☆☆ [1] - Silicon manganese: ★☆☆ [1] - Silicon iron: ★☆★ [1] Report's Core View - The steel market shows a mixed trend with supply and demand changes and policy expectations affecting the price movement [2] - The iron ore market has a relatively loose supply-demand relationship and is expected to fluctuate [3] - The coke and coking coal markets are affected by downstream demand and supply, with short-term price trends showing some characteristics [4][5] - The silicon manganese and silicon iron markets are influenced by factors such as raw material prices and demand, and their price trends need further observation [6][7] Summary by Related Catalogs Steel - The steel futures market continued to rise in shock today. The apparent demand for thread decreased, production declined significantly, and inventory continued to decrease. The supply and demand of hot-rolled coils both decreased, and inventory decreased slowly with pressure remaining [2] - Iron ore production decreased, downstream demand was insufficient, and steel mills continued to operate at a loss. There is a high possibility of further blast furnace production cuts and supply pressure will gradually ease [2] - Real estate investment continued to decline significantly, infrastructure growth slowed down, manufacturing PMI improved marginally, and overall domestic demand remained weak. Steel exports declined from their high levels [2] - Spot prices remained firm during the off-season, and there were still expectations of favorable policies at the macro level. The futures market is expected to continue its shock upward trend with possible fluctuations [2] Iron Ore - The iron ore futures market weakened slightly today. Global shipments were strong, the first shipment of iron ore from Simandou was sent, domestic arrivals remained high, and port inventory continued to increase and approached the annual high [3] - The apparent demand for steel weakened, production declined further, and iron ore demand is expected to weaken further [3] - The macro environment was positive, and there were expectations of policy support ahead of the December important meeting. The iron ore market is expected to fluctuate in the short term [3] Coke - The coke futures market showed a strong shock trend today. There were expectations of downstream replenishment, and prices rebounded slightly [4] - Coking profits were average, daily production increased slightly, and inventory increased slightly. Downstream procurement was mainly on-demand, and traders' purchasing willingness was average [4] - The supply of carbon elements was abundant, downstream iron ore production decreased seasonally, and demand for raw materials remained resilient. Steel mills had a strong willingness to lower raw material prices [4] - The coke futures price was at a premium, and prices are expected to continue to rebound in the short term [4] Coking Coal - The coking coal futures market showed a strong shock trend today. There were expectations of downstream replenishment, and prices rebounded [5] - Coking coal production increased slightly, spot auction transactions were average, and transaction prices mainly decreased. Terminal inventory decreased slightly, and total coking coal inventory decreased slightly month-on-month [5] - The supply of carbon elements was abundant, downstream iron ore production decreased seasonally, and demand for raw materials remained resilient. Steel mills had a strong willingness to lower raw material prices [5] - The coking coal futures price was at a discount, and prices are expected to be dragged down in the short term due to high Mongolian coal imports [5] Silicon Manganese - The silicon manganese futures market rose in shock today. Affected by the futures market rebound, manganese ore spot prices increased [6] - The follow-up impact of Ghana's shipping volume needs to be monitored. There are structural problems in manganese ore port inventory, and the balance is relatively fragile. If Ghana's supply decreases significantly, prices may rise in the short term [6] - Iron ore production decreased seasonally, silicon manganese weekly production decreased slightly, and inventory increased slowly [6] - Silicon manganese supply decreased, inventory decreased slightly, and the support at the bottom needs to be observed [6] Silicon Iron - The silicon iron futures market rose in shock today. There were increased expectations of coal supply guarantee, which led to expectations of lower electricity costs and blue carbon prices [7] - Iron ore production rebounded to a high level, export demand decreased to over 20,000 tons, and the marginal impact was small. Metal magnesium production increased month-on-month, and secondary demand increased marginally. Overall demand remained resilient [7] - Silicon iron supply decreased, inventory decreased slightly, and the support at the bottom needs to be observed [7]

Group 1 - In the core coking coal region of Queensland, Australia, developers invested only AUD 55 million (approximately USD 36 million) in coal exploration projects from July to September, marking a year-on-year decline of 7.9% and the fifth consecutive quarter of decreased exploration spending, primarily due to weak coal prices and high royalties [1] - The Powder River Basin (PRB) coal production increased by 5.8% year-on-year in the third quarter, reaching slightly over 60 million short tons (approximately 54 million metric tons), compared to 56.8 million short tons in the same period last year [1] Group 2 - The market has certain expectations for downstream restocking, leading to a slight price rebound during the day, with coking profits being generally average and daily production slightly increasing [3] - Coking coal prices have seen a reduction of 50/55 CNY per ton, with secondary metallurgical wet coke A<13.5, S0.8 priced at 1280 CNY per ton and secondary metallurgical dry coke at 1541 CNY per ton, effective from December 1 [1][3] - The demand for iron and steel continues to decline seasonally, with expectations for further price reductions in coking coal, while upstream supply is decreasing due to the shutdown of some coal mines in Shanxi [3]

Report Summary 1. Industry Investment Rating No investment rating is provided in the report. 2. Core Views - **Caustic Soda**: In Q3, caustic soda showed a wide - range oscillation. After the non - aluminum restocking ended, the demand was mainly for rigid needs. The main downstream, alumina, had high inventory and low restocking willingness. However, due to the planned alumina capacity expansion in Q1 2025, there might be concentrated restocking in Q4 2024, limiting the downside space of caustic soda. The downstream restocking rhythm needs to be tracked [3]. - **PVC**: In Q3, the PVC market was in a continuous decline. The supply was at a high level with an obvious surplus, and the demand in the peak season was weak. Although exports alleviated some of the surplus pressure, the cost of raw materials provided bottom - level support. In Q4, the cost support should be focused on, and the downside space during the peak season is limited. Attention should be paid to the downstream demand performance [4]. 3. Summary by Related Catalogs Caustic Soda - **Price and Market Dynamics**: The price of caustic soda fluctuated widely in Q3. Factors such as macro - policies, supply - demand changes in the main production areas, and the price of liquid chlorine affected the price. The market was worried about the subsequent supply return and the weakening of downstream demand [9]. - **Supply**: The industry's operating rate declined slightly, and Shandong's caustic soda plants continued to accumulate inventory in Q3. As of September 24, the inventory of 32% liquid caustic soda in expanded sample enterprises in East China and Shandong increased compared with September 17 [22][28]. - **Downstream Demand** - **Alumina**: From the end of 2024 to 2025, the planned alumina capacity to be put into production is 12.3 million tons (including 2 million tons of replacement), with an estimated annual production increase of about 6%. The new alumina projects will increase the demand for caustic soda by about 800,000 tons per year. In Q4 2024, there may be restocking due to the planned capacity expansion in Q1 2025 [30][33]. - **Non - aluminum**: The printing and dyeing operating rate increased seasonally, but the pre - holiday restocking has ended [52]. - **Export**: The export volume decreased in August, but the estimated export profit increased again in September [58]. PVC - **Price and Market Dynamics**: In Q3, the PVC futures and spot prices both declined. The supply - demand relationship lacked positive drivers, and the macro - atmosphere was poor, leading to a continuous decline in the market [65]. - **Profit**: The industry's profit declined quarter - on - quarter in Q3, with both the ethylene - based and calcium - carbide - based production methods facing profit pressure [71]. - **Supply**: The production volume was high in Q3, and the overall operating rate decreased recently. Although there were many maintenance enterprises this week, some have gradually resumed production [81][87]. - **Downstream Demand** - **Profiles and Pipes**: The two major downstream industries of PVC, profiles and pipes, faced great pressure, and the demand was weak. The real - estate industry, with the goal of "reducing inventory and stabilizing prices", continued to have a negative impact on demand [94]. - **Real - Estate Data**: The real - estate industry is still in the bottom - building cycle, with indicators such as housing sales price index, land transaction area, and new construction area showing weak performance [95]. - **Inventory**: The inventory increased in Q3, and the total inventory was at the highest level in recent years compared with the same period [102]. - **External Market and Export**: In August 2025, the PVC import volume decreased, and the export volume decreased month - on - month but increased year - on - year. The export window to Southeast Asia and India has opened [114][120].

Group 1: Report Industry Investment Rating - The mid - term outlook for the industry is "Oscillation", indicating that the expected price fluctuations are within plus or minus one standard deviation in the next 2 - 12 weeks [7][97] Group 2: Core Viewpoints of the Report - The short - term impact of military parade production restrictions has ended, and enterprises in the industrial chain are resuming production. Hot metal is expected to return to a high level of 240,000 tons per day, supporting the demand for furnace materials. The performance of peak - season demand and domestic and foreign macro - policies will further intensify the sector's fluctuations [7] - Future market focus will revolve around "downstream inventory replenishment", "peak - season demand", and "overseas interest rate cuts", and attention should be paid to the possibility of the sector rising under the resonance of these three factors [1] Group 3: Summary by Related Catalogs 1. Iron Element - Overseas mine shipments and arrivals at 45 ports increased month - on - month as expected. Due to the military parade production restrictions, hot metal production decreased significantly, but since September 4th, blast furnaces in Tangshan have resumed production intensively. It is expected that the impact on hot metal production reduction will be limited, and it is expected to return to a high level next week. The total iron ore inventory has increased slightly. If downstream inventory replenishment starts before the National Day, the fundamentals are supported, and the future price is expected to oscillate. For scrap steel, the fundamental contradictions are not prominent. The low profit of electric furnaces and tight resources are expected to keep the short - term price oscillating [2] 2. Carbon Element - After the military parade, steel mills will enter the peak - production season, and the short - term price is expected to remain oscillating under demand support. After the military parade, coal mines will gradually resume production but are unlikely to reach the previous high. The arrival of the downstream demand peak season still supports the coking coal price [2] 3. Alloys - For manganese silicon, the prices of manganese ore and coke are weak, the cost support is insufficient, and the market supply - demand expectation is pessimistic. In the long - term, there is still significant downward pressure on the price, and attention should be paid to the reduction range of raw material costs. For silicon iron, the current cost still provides some support, but in the long - term, as the market supply - demand relationship becomes looser, the price center will tend to decline, and attention should be paid to the coal market dynamics and the adjustment of electricity costs in the main production areas [2] 4. Glass and Soda Ash - Glass has weak real - world demand, but there are expectations for the peak season and policies. After the mid - stream inventory reduction, there may still be a wave of oscillations. In the long - term, market - oriented capacity reduction is needed, and if the price returns to fundamental trading, it is expected to decline oscillatingly. Soda ash still has an oversupply situation. After the futures price decline, spot trading has increased slightly, and it is expected to run with wide - range oscillations in the future. In the long - term, the price center will decline to promote capacity reduction [3] 5. Individual Product Analysis - **Steel**: The fundamentals are weak, with both supply and demand decreasing and inventory accumulating rapidly. After the military parade, hot metal production may recover, and attention should be paid to the release of short - term inventory replenishment demand during the peak season, which may support the price [8] - **Iron Ore**: Supply and inventory are stable, and there is an expectation of demand recovery. The fundamentals are supported, and the future price is expected to oscillate [9] - **Scrap Steel**: The daily consumption has decreased slightly, and the price is expected to oscillate due to low electric - furnace profits and tight resources [10] - **Coke**: After the military parade, steel mills will enter the peak - production season, and the short - term price is expected to oscillate [11] - **Coking Coal**: After the military parade, coal mines will gradually resume production but are unlikely to reach the previous high. The arrival of the downstream demand peak season still supports the price [12] - **Glass**: Real - world demand is weak, but there are peak - season and policy expectations. After mid - stream inventory reduction, there may be oscillations. In the long - term, market - oriented capacity reduction is needed, and the price is expected to decline oscillatingly [12] - **Soda Ash**: The oversupply situation remains unchanged. After the futures price decline, spot trading has increased slightly, and it is expected to run with wide - range oscillations. In the long - term, the price center will decline to promote capacity reduction [15] - **Manganese Silicon**: The cost support is weak, and there is significant downward pressure on the price in the long - term. Attention should be paid to the reduction range of raw material costs [16] - **Silicon Iron**: The current cost provides some support, but in the long - term, the price center will tend to decline. Attention should be paid to the coal market dynamics and the adjustment of electricity costs in the main production areas [17]