Core Viewpoint - The black commodity prices have experienced significant fluctuations, driven by the ongoing "anti-involution" policy, which is reshaping the black industry chain and revealing deeper supply-demand contradictions [1][2]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The black commodity prices peaked in the second half of 2021 and have since declined for four years, primarily due to weakened demand [2]. - From 2021 to 2024, the average annual decline in apparent consumption of crude steel is estimated at 3.99%, while crude steel production is expected to decline by only 1.4% annually [2]. - The demand structure has shifted, with the proportion of steel used in construction decreasing from 63.5% in 2021 to 57% in 2024, while manufacturing steel usage has increased from 36.5% to 43% [2]. Group 2: Production Adjustments - Steel mills are adjusting production strategies by reducing construction steel output and increasing manufacturing steel output, while also focusing on high-end steel products [4]. - Long-process steel mills have maintained higher profit margins compared to short-process mills, which have been more reactive to profit changes [3][7]. - The average profit for long-process steel mills has increased from 74 yuan/ton in 2015-2016 to 93 yuan/ton in 2023-2024 [3]. Group 3: Policy Impact - The "anti-involution" policy aims to address structural contradictions during economic transformation and promote high-quality economic development [4]. - The policy shift from merely reducing production capacity to promoting technological upgrades and green transformation is seen as a response to insufficient domestic demand and increasing trade protectionism [4][5]. - The market has reacted positively to the "anti-involution" policy, with significant price increases in the black sector following the announcement of the policy [5]. Group 4: Volatility and Risk Management - The black sector has experienced increased volatility, with coking coal prices rebounding by 44.5% and steel prices rising over 10% in early July [6]. - Price fluctuations have impacted production decisions and risk management across the industry, leading to differentiated strategies among steel mills [7]. - Companies are adopting financial tools to stabilize profits, such as dynamic capacity adjustment mechanisms and hedging strategies [9][10]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The manufacturing sector is facing challenges with a PMI new orders index of 49.4%, indicating difficulties in passing price increases downstream [8]. - Companies are exploring survival strategies in response to high price volatility, including dynamic production adjustments and financial derivatives to manage risks [9][10]. - The implementation of the "anti-involution" policy will require careful monitoring of its impact on various sectors, particularly in raw materials and finished products [11].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that the recent rebound in steel prices, particularly hot-rolled coil prices, is driven by improved macroeconomic expectations, better-than-expected supply-demand dynamics, and strong performance in raw material prices [1][2][8] - As of July 11, the price of hot-rolled coil main contract reached 3273 yuan/ton, an increase of 221 yuan/ton or 7.24% from the low point in early June [1] - The rebound in steel prices is supported by a positive outlook on macroeconomic conditions, including easing trade tensions between China and the U.S. and expectations for policy support in urban renewal [2][3] Group 2 - The supply-demand dynamics for hot-rolled coils have improved, with significant growth in the automotive and machinery sectors, leading to a positive consumption trend for hot-rolled coils [2] - The prices of coking coal and iron ore have remained strong, providing cost support for steel prices [2] - The manufacturing and export sectors, which are key consumers of hot-rolled coils, may face marginal weakening risks in the second half of the year, potentially impacting demand [4][6] Group 3 - The article highlights that the macroeconomic outlook is expected to continue improving, with potential for synchronized monetary easing between China and the U.S. [3][8] - The manufacturing sector's investment resilience is supported by policies promoting equipment upgrades, although the effectiveness of these policies may diminish in the second half of the year [5][6] - The price gap between cold-rolled and hot-rolled coils has narrowed, indicating weakening downstream demand [6] Group 4 - The current rebound in steel prices is characterized by strong speculative expectations, with the hot-rolled coil main contract price aligning closely with spot prices, creating arbitrage opportunities for traders [7] - There is a risk of a second price dip in late August to September due to potential policy impacts and weaker-than-expected demand recovery [8]

Group 1 - The chemical industry is facing a "involution" dilemma, which restricts high-quality development and impacts the stability of the supply chain and the vitality of the real economy [1][2] - China's chemical production capacity accounts for approximately 45% of the global total, with a current market showing a "strong supply and demand" situation, maintaining an overall operating rate of around 75% [1] - The competition landscape is characterized by a dichotomy: traditional bulk products are trapped in low profit margins, while high-end electronic chemicals and bio-based chemicals are thriving due to technological breakthroughs and policy benefits [1][2] Group 2 - The "involution" in the chemical industry has evolved into a low-price, disorderly competition across the entire industry chain, leading to a cycle of "expansion—price reduction—loss—further expansion" [2] - The key to breaking the "involution" lies in structural optimization and quality upgrades, focusing on high-end segments and domestic substitution in high-end materials [2] - Future policy adjustments will emphasize precision and differentiation, promoting the orderly exit of backward production capacity while allowing space for quality capacity and emerging fields [2][3] Group 3 - Under policy guidance, the chemical industry is expected to see a "stronger stronger" situation, where leading private enterprises expand market share due to scale and technological advantages [3] - The development advantages of China's chemical industry, characterized by state-owned enterprise base, integrated private enterprises, and large-scale local refineries, will become more prominent [3]