Summary of the Conference Call on Oxalic Acid Industry and Hualu Hengsheng's Insights Industry Overview - The oxalic acid industry is experiencing significant growth, with Hualu Hengsheng benefiting from an expansion to an annual production capacity of 700,000 tons, indicating a strong potential for price increases in oxalic acid [1][4] - The demand for oxalic acid is rapidly increasing in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, rare earths, and new energy, with consumption in these areas doubling year-on-year, suggesting a positive outlook for oxalic acid demand [9][10] Company Insights - Hualu Hengsheng is expected to see substantial benefits from the anticipated recovery in the prices of its products, including oxalic acid, urea, and other chemicals, particularly in 2026 [1][4] - The company has a competitive edge due to its integrated production processes, allowing for flexible switching between the production of ethylene glycol, dimethyl oxalate, and oxalic acid, which enhances cost control and profitability [2][13][14] - Future growth drivers for Hualu Hengsheng include upgrades to existing facilities, the release of urea production capacity, and the launch of new TDI projects, which are expected to contribute significantly to the company's overall performance [5][15] Market Dynamics - The macroeconomic outlook for the chemical industry is positive, with signs of a recovery in capital expenditures since 2025 and a potential increase in demand driven by domestic policies and overseas interest rate cuts [7] - On a micro level, the growth rate of new chemical plants has slowed significantly since 2024, with some segments experiencing zero new capacity additions, which, combined with increasing demand for quality chemical materials, is expected to lead to a supply-demand recovery [8] Competitive Landscape - The oxalic acid market is characterized by high concentration, with Hualu Hengsheng holding a significant market share, providing it with competitive and pricing power [11] - Current operating rates among manufacturers are around 80%, with recent signs of price increases, indicating a favorable market outlook without immediate plans for new capacity additions [11] Price Trends - The price of oxalic acid has been on a downward trend over the past two years, currently around 3,000 RMB per ton, but is expected to rebound as supply tightens. Historical prices have reached 5,000 to 6,000 RMB per ton, suggesting significant price elasticity if demand improves [12] Future Growth Areas - Hualu Hengsheng is also exploring potential growth in TDI projects and other bulk chemical products like DMF and formic acid, which are expected to benefit from the overall recovery of the industry and collaborative pricing strategies [16]

Group 1 - The chemical sector experienced a rise on August 13, with the chemical ETF (516020) reaching a peak intraday increase of 0.6% and closing up 0.45% [1] - Key stocks in the sector included SanKe Tree, which surged by 8.06%, and Shengquan Group and Lianhong Xinke, both rising over 4% [1] - The chemical ETF has seen significant net subscriptions, with over 310 million yuan in net inflows across 15 of the last 20 trading days [1][3] Group 2 - The chemical sector is responding to a call for "anti-involution," with the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association advocating for better collaboration across the lithium industry [3] - Analysts believe that the "anti-involution" initiative could mark a turning point for the chemical sector, with recent high-level meetings emphasizing this goal [3][4] - The chemical industry currently has a relatively high operating rate, with core products operating above 65%, indicating a healthier competitive landscape compared to other sectors like photovoltaics [4] Group 3 - The chemical ETF (516020) is tracking a specialized index with a price-to-book ratio of 2.09, which is at a low point historically, suggesting a favorable long-term investment opportunity [4] - The industry faces challenges such as overcapacity and intensified competition, but recent policies aim to optimize industry structure and encourage consolidation [5] - The ETF provides exposure to major market leaders and various sub-sectors within the chemical industry, making it a strategic investment vehicle for capturing growth opportunities [5]