Investment Rating - The report indicates a neutral outlook for the steel industry, with expectations of price stability in the near term [11]. Core Insights - The steel industry is currently in a phase where raw material inventory is increasing, and steel production is at an early stage. The expectation is that iron ore prices will decline due to the completion of spring raw material replenishment by steel mills [11][12]. - The profitability of steel companies is reported at 39.4%, indicating a stable bottom for the steel industry fundamentals. However, the market sentiment is weak as demand is expected to decrease with the approach of the Spring Festival [11][12]. - The report highlights a decrease in the utilization rate of hot-rolled steel mills to 78.98%, with a slight reduction in weekly production and an increase in inventory levels [12][13]. Summary by Sections 1. Steel Industry Overview & Index Performance - The steel industry is experiencing a slight recovery in price margins, with a week-on-week increase of 15.7 CNY, although companies are still facing losses of 22.3 CNY per ton [11]. - The CITIC Steel Index decreased by 3.0%, underperforming the broader market by 1.7% [11]. 2. Subsector Fundamentals - Hot-rolled steel prices in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region have adjusted downwards by 20 CNY/ton, with a national average price of 3284 CNY/ton [12]. - The total inventory of medium-thick plates in the country is reported at 2.55 million tons, with a decrease of 2.19 million tons from the previous week [12]. 3. Black Industry Chain Price Data Update - The average price index for 62% Australian iron ore in January was 106.05 USD/ton, reflecting a slight increase of 0.6% from December [14]. - The report notes a significant increase in iron ore inventory at steel mills, with a total inventory increase of 11.38 million tons compared to the end of the previous month [14]. 4. Black Industry Chain Supply and Demand Data Update - The operating rate of blast furnaces is reported at 79.53%, showing a week-on-week increase of 0.53 percentage points [13]. - The daily average pig iron production is 2.2858 million tons, which is an increase of 0.6 million tons from the previous week [13].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for several key companies in the steel industry, including Hualing Steel, Baosteel, Nanjing Steel, and others, indicating a positive outlook for their performance [2][3]. Core Insights - The report highlights a tightening security expectation in the steel industry following a serious safety incident at Baogang Steel, which has led to increased scrutiny and potential impacts on production [9]. - It notes that while steel prices have decreased recently, the overall demand-supply dynamics are showing signs of marginal improvement, with steel mills expected to recover profits in the near term [9]. - The report emphasizes the shift towards high-end product exports, suggesting that leading companies will benefit from a transition from scale expansion to quality and efficiency improvements [9]. Summary by Sections Domestic Steel Market - As of January 23, 2026, steel prices have declined, with rebar priced at 3,260 CNY/ton, down 60 CNY from the previous week [15][16]. - The report indicates an increase in production, with total output for major steel products reaching 8.2 million tons, a slight increase from the previous week [9][12]. International Steel Market - The U.S. steel market shows stable prices, with hot-rolled coil prices at 1,050 USD/ton, unchanged from the previous week [27][29]. - European steel prices have seen slight increases, with hot-rolled prices rising to 745 USD/ton [27][29]. Raw Materials and Shipping Market - Domestic iron ore prices are fluctuating, with local prices for iron concentrate around 750 CNY/ton, while imported iron ore prices are showing a downward trend [31][34]. - The report notes that the shipping market has seen an increase, indicating potential cost pressures for raw material imports [31]. Production and Inventory - The report states that as of January 23, 2026, total steel inventory has increased, with social inventory rising by 21,400 tons to 8.6746 million tons [9][12]. - The production of rebar has increased to 1.9955 million tons, reflecting a recovery in output levels [9][12]. Profitability Analysis - The report provides a profitability outlook, indicating that the average gross margins for rebar and hot-rolled steel have shown fluctuations, with rebar margins decreasing by 8 CNY/ton [9][12]. - It suggests that the profitability of steel mills is expected to improve as demand conditions stabilize [9].

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the content 2. Core View of the Report - The central bank's positive statements at the meeting have boosted market sentiment. After the start of the new year, the production of coal, coke, and steel enterprises has recovered. The pre - holiday replenishment of raw materials by downstream enterprises supports the upstream's confidence in price - holding. The short - term futures price fluctuates sharply, and cautious operation is recommended [3] 3. Summary by Relevant Aspects Market Performance - Yesterday, the coking coal futures price fluctuated strongly, with a daily increase of over 3%. However, the price dropped at night, basically erasing the daily gain. On the spot side, coal prices in many places have rebounded from the low level recently. The quotation of Mongolian No. 5 coal at the port has increased by 113 yuan/ton. Some coking plants in Inner Mongolia have started to raise the coke price, with the dry - quenched coke price increased by 55 yuan/ton, and the increase is planned to be implemented on January 15th. The coal - coke market has been strong recently due to the warming market sentiment and the downstream's seasonal replenishment [3] Fundamental Situation - After the start of the new year, coal mines have gradually resumed production. Last week, the production of coking raw coal and clean coal rebounded to 189.9 million tons and 73.4 million tons respectively. The raw coal inventory at the mine end has increased, while the clean coal inventory has decreased. This is mainly because downstream coking and steel enterprises have also resumed production and maintained a certain procurement rhythm for raw materials [3] - At the import end, the daily customs clearance volume of Mongolian coal at the Ganqimaodu Port last week was 16.46 million tons, 3.74 million tons higher than the same period last year, and the port inventory remained relatively high [3] - On the demand side, the profitability rate of steel mills has expanded in the past two weeks, and the daily average pig iron output of blast furnaces has stopped falling and rebounded. In the week of January 9th, it was 229.5 million tons, an increase of 2.07 million tons compared with the previous week and 5.13 million tons compared with the same period last year. It is expected to show a steady and small - scale recovery in the short term. Later, the raw material replenishment rhythm of steel mills is expected to accelerate, which will support the upstream's confidence in price - holding [3]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the given content 2. Report's Core View - The prices of steel, iron ore, coking coal and coke, and thermal coal are all in a state of volatile operation. The market is affected by multiple factors such as supply - demand relationships, raw material replenishment expectations, and seasonal and policy - related factors [1][3][5][7] 3. Summary by Related Catalog Steel Market Analysis - Yesterday, the main contract of rebar futures closed at 3,130 yuan/ton, and the main contract of hot - rolled coil closed at 3,287 yuan/ton. The overall spot trading volume was average, with better low - price purchases during the morning price increase, increased speculative sentiment, and weaker trading in the afternoon. The basis first narrowed and then widened throughout the day, and the national building materials trading volume was 117,700 tons [1] Supply - Demand and Logic - The supply - demand fundamentals of building materials have no obvious contradictions, maintaining low production, low consumption, and low inventory. Plates are still restricted by high inventories, with limited marginal price fluctuations. In the short term, there are expectations of raw material replenishment in the market. Attention should be paid to environmental protection and seasonal production cuts, demand and inventory reduction, profit status, cost support, raw material replenishment, steel exports, and domestic policies [1] Strategy - Unilateral: Volatile; Cross - period: None; Cross - variety: None; Spot - futures: None; Options: None [2] Iron Ore Market Analysis - Yesterday, iron ore futures prices fluctuated. The iron ore 2605 contract closed at 796.5 yuan/ton. Spot prices generally rose slightly, trading was average, traders' enthusiasm for quoting was average, and steel mills maintained on - demand replenishment, with purchase prices mostly following the market [3] Supply - Demand and Logic - The supply - demand pattern continues to tighten. Port inventories have increased significantly, but downstream procurement demand is weak. Due to limited liquidity of some port supplies and market concerns about future actual supply, iron ore prices are supported by a relatively high valuation. If relevant negotiations make clear progress, potential supply - demand contradictions may emerge, and prices may face downward pressure. Attention should be paid to the actual production cut rhythm of steel mills and changes in port inventory structure [3] Strategy - Unilateral: Volatile; Cross - period: None; Cross - variety: None; Spot - futures: None; Options: None [4] Coking Coal and Coke Market Analysis - Yesterday, coking coal and coke futures showed a volatile pattern throughout the day, and the main contracts of both closed slightly lower. For imported Mongolian coal, the customs clearance volume decreased, and the quotations fluctuated with the market. The market is cautiously waiting and watching [5] Logic and View - As the end of the year approaches, the demand for capital repatriation increases, and speculative demand declines. For coking coal, the output of some coal mines has decreased, and with the stable customs clearance volume of Mongolian coal, the overall supply has slightly shrunk. Downstream enterprises mainly purchase for rigid needs and have a weak willingness to actively replenish inventory. Attention should be paid to the post - holiday downstream replenishment rhythm. For coke, the overall supply is stable. After the fourth round of price cuts, the production enthusiasm of enterprises is average. On the demand side, the current absolute value of hot metal production is low, and the post - holiday blast furnace restart is expected to further drive the increase in hot metal production. Attention should be paid to the restart progress of steel mills and changes in hot metal production [5][6] Strategy - Coking coal: Volatile; Coke: Volatile; Cross - period: None; Cross - variety: None; Spot - futures: None; Options: None [6] Thermal Coal Market Analysis - In the producing areas, the supply of major coal - producing areas is tight due to factors such as the completion of annual production and sales tasks and face - moving operations. Coal mine inventories are generally low, and the sales of operating coal mines are good, with prices set according to the number of vehicles. In the short term, prices are expected to change little. At ports, the downward trend in the port market continues, but the decline has narrowed, and port inventories have decreased due to factors such as reduced shipments. Currently, downstream consumption has increased month - on - month, and with the expected impact of cold snaps in the future, market inquiries have increased, and demand is gradually improving. However, although inventories have declined, they are still at a relatively high level, and the later market consumption situation needs to be observed. For imported coal, the price difference between domestic and foreign trade is inverted, and the decline in the imported coal market has also narrowed, with both high - and low - calorie coal prices falling [7] Demand and Logic - Recently, coal prices have changed from weak to strong, and downstream consumption has improved. Due to coal mines completing their annual tasks, it is difficult for supply to improve significantly in the later stage. Attention should also be paid to the consumption situation affected by factors such as weather in January. The supply elasticity of coal is large, and attention should be paid to changes in the supply pattern, non - power coal consumption, and inventory replenishment [7] Strategy - None [7]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - This week, the performance of the black sector continued to diverge. The weekly increase of the rebar main contract was 0.1%, hot - rolled coil rose 0.4%, iron ore increased 1.7%, coke fell 3.3%, and coking coal dropped 7.5%. The supply - demand of rebar and hot - rolled coil showed that production and demand increased month - on - month, inventory decreased, and the inventory depletion speed improved compared with the previous period. The molten iron data remained stable, and steel mills had little willingness to actively reduce or limit production. Molten iron production in November may run stably. The basis of rebar and hot - rolled coil was at a neutral level compared with the same period, with limited basis repair drive. Due to the lack of macro themes and the loosening of the coking coal supply end, the futures price weakened first [2]. - The steel market continued its dull trend. The downstream demand data of real estate, infrastructure, home appliances, etc. further weakened, and the overall black market was still suppressed by weak demand. In the short term, the contradictions in steel inventory, cost, and basis were relatively limited, making it difficult to provide a strong upward or downward driving force. The upward driving force of raw material restocking and the downward driving force of industrial negative feedback may become the focus of the next - stage market game. During the process of waiting for the accumulation of contradictions, the market may maintain a narrow - range fluctuation [2]. 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Steel Monthly Data | Product | Monthly Output (10,000 tons) | Monthly YoY (%) | Cumulative Output (10,000 tons) | Cumulative YoY (%) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Pig Iron | 6555 | - 7.9 | 71137 | - 1.8 | | Crude Steel | 7200 | - 12.1 | 81787 | - 3.9 | | Steel | 11864 | - 0.9 | 121759 | 4.7 | | Steel Imports | 50 | - 6.2 | 504 | - 11.9 | | Steel Exports | 978 | - 12.3 | 9774 | 6.6 | [4] 3.2 Five - Major Steel Products Weekly Data | Product | Weekly Output (tons) | Output Change | Output Cumulative YoY | Weekly Consumption (tons) | Consumption Change | Consumption Cumulative YoY | Inventory (tons) | Inventory Change | Inventory YoY | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Rebar | 2079600 | 79600 | - 3% | 2307900 | 144200 | - 6% | 5533400 | - 228300 | 24.32% | | Wire Rod | 789300 | 3600 | - 7% | 890000 | 15300 | - 8% | 1127000 | - 95800 | 18% | | Hot - Rolled Coil | 3160100 | 23500 | 1% | 3244200 | 108300 | 1% | 4021100 | - 84100 | 28% | | Cold - Rolled Coil | 845300 | 5700 | 1.79% | 856200 | - 7700 | 1.06% | 1709800 | - 10900 | 15.64% | | Medium and Heavy Plate | 1624800 | 42900 | 4.45% | 1648200 | 75500 | 4.33% | 1939700 | - 23400 | 4.51% | | Total | 8499100 | 155300 | - 0.06% | 8940000 | 34000 | - 1.22% | 14330000 | - 442500 | 20.48% | [5] 3.3 Steel Production Profit - On November 20, 2025, the profit changes of different steel products in different regions were as follows: for rebar - blast furnace, the changes in East China, North China, and Central China were - 3, 63, and 175 respectively; for rebar - electric furnace - off - peak electricity, the changes were - 7, 4, and 66; for rebar - electric furnace - normal electricity, the changes were - 52, - 73, and - 67; for hot - rolled coil - blast furnace, the changes were 4, - 34, and 85 [20]. 3.4 Steel Demand 3.4.1 Real Estate High - Frequency Data - The cumulative year - on - year decrease of the commercial housing transaction area in 30 large - and medium - sized cities compared with the same period last year was 7% [27]. - The cumulative year - on - year decrease of the land transaction area in 100 cities was 14% [27]. 3.4.2 Cement and Concrete Demand - The marginal improvement of cement out - bound volume, with a current cumulative year - on - year decrease of 25% [30]. - The concrete delivery volume increased month - on - month, with an absolute level similar to the same period last year and a current cumulative year - on - year decrease of 9% [30]. 3.4.3 Steel Exports - In October, the steel export volume decreased month - on - month and was lower than the same period last year [36]. - After October, the domestic - foreign price difference fell again [36]. 3.5 Steel Inventory 3.5.1 Rebar Basis - The rebar basis remained stable this week, with limited fluctuations in both the futures and spot markets [50]. - After November, the basis usually weakens. During the basis convergence stage, the futures market usually fluctuates upward. Currently, rebar production is lower than the same period last year, and it is expected that the inventory will enter a normal depletion stage. The supply - demand contradiction is not prominent, and the short - term basis is expected to remain stable [50]. 3.5.2 Hot - Rolled Coil Basis - The basis of the hot - rolled coil 01 contract remained stable and weak. This week, the hot - rolled coil inventory decreased slightly, and the inventory in East China remained stable. The poor inventory depletion of hot - rolled coil recently put some pressure on the spot market, causing the basis to weaken [54]. 3.5.3 Rebar Month - Spread - The 1 - 5 month - spread of rebar rebounded from a low level this week [60]. - The recent decrease in rebar inventory and the decline in the year - on - year inventory growth rate are conducive to the positive spread of the month - spread [60]. 3.5.4 Hot - Rolled Coil Month - Spread - The 1 - 5 month - spread of hot - rolled coil changed little and was slightly at a discount. The overall high inventory of hot - rolled coil suppressed the month - spread [62].

Report Title and Information - The report is titled "Zhonghui Futures Steel Weekly Report: Short - term Range - bound, Awaiting Market Drivers", issued on November 14, 2025, by Zhonghui Futures Co., Ltd [1] Market Overview - This week, the black - sector showed slight differentiation. The main contract of rebar rose 0.6%, hot - rolled coil rose 0.3%, iron ore rose 1.6%, coke fell 5%, and coking coal fell 6.1%. The previously strong coal and coke weakened [2] - In terms of supply and demand, the production and demand of rebar and hot - rolled coil both declined month - on - month, showing off - season characteristics. The inventory of hot - rolled coil and rebar in East China continued to rise against the season, creating real - world pressure [2] - Macroeconomic data remained poor, with the growth rates of real estate and infrastructure investment remaining weak. The previously supportive supply side of coking coal loosened, and the policy emphasis on supply security changed market expectations [2] Strategy Suggestions - The recent steel market has been dull, with low prices reflecting weak fundamentals. Further market development requires new logical support [2] - The macro and anti - involution factors have temporarily ended. The upward drive of raw material replenishment and the downward drive of industrial negative feedback may become the focus of market games in the next stage [2] - The rebar 01 contract found support around 3000. There may be a short - term technical rebound, but the upside is expected to be limited due to fundamental constraints [2] Steel Monthly Data (as of September 30, 2025) - Pig iron production was 6605000 tons, a year - on - year decrease of 2.4%; the cumulative production was 64586000 tons, a year - on - year decrease of 1.1% [4] - Crude steel production was 7349000 tons, a year - on - year decrease of 4.6%; the cumulative production was 74625000 tons, a year - on - year decrease of 2.9% [4] - Steel production was 12421000 tons, a year - on - year increase of 5.1%; the cumulative production was 110385000 tons, a year - on - year increase of 5.4% [4] - Steel imports were 50000 tons, a year - on - year decrease of 1%; the cumulative imports were 504000 tons, a year - on - year decrease of 11.9% [4] - Steel exports were 978000 tons, a year - on - year increase of 3.6%; the cumulative exports were 9774000 tons, a year - on - year increase of 6.6% [4] Five - Major Steel Products Weekly Data (as of November 14, 2025) | Product | Weekly Production (tons) | Production Change | Cumulative Production YoY | Weekly Consumption (tons) | Consumption Change | Cumulative Consumption YoY | Inventory (tons) | Inventory Change | Inventory YoY | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Rebar | 200000 | - 8540 | - 3% | 216370 | - 2150 | - 6% | 576170 | - 16370 | 29.33% | | Wire Rod | 78570 | - 7900 | - 7% | 87000 | - 1870 | - 8% | 122280 | - 8410 | 21% | | Hot - Rolled Coil | 313660 | - 4500 | 1% | 313590 | - 710 | 1% | 410520 | 70 | 27% | | Cold - Rolled Coil | 83960 | 120 | 1.84% | 86390 | 1070 | 1.13% | 172070 | - 2430 | 15.71% | | Medium and Heavy Plate | 158190 | - 1540 | 4.33% | 157270 | - 2670 | 4.21% | 196310 | 920 | 5.27% | | Total | 834380 | - 22360 | 0% | 861000 | - 6000 | - 1.25% | 1477000 | - 26220 | 22.72% | [5] Steel Production Profit (as of November 13, 2025) | Region | Rebar - Blast Furnace Change | Rebar - Electric Furnace - Valley Electricity Change | Rebar - Electric Furnace - Flat Electricity Change | Hot - Rolled Coil - Blast Furnace Change | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | East China | 29 | 17 | - 86 | 3 | | North China | 39 | 5 | - 50 | - 56 | | Central China | 175 | 10 | - 123 | 75 | [20] Steel Demand Real Estate High - Frequency Data - The cumulative year - on - year decrease in the commercial housing transaction area of 30 large - and medium - sized cities was 6.5% [27] - The cumulative year - on - year decrease in the land transaction area of 100 cities was 13.6% [27] Cement and Concrete Demand - The marginal improvement in cement out - bound volume, with a cumulative year - on - year decrease of 25% [30] - The concrete delivery volume increased month - on - month, with the absolute level comparable to the same period last year and a cumulative year - on - year decrease of 9% [30] Steel Exports - In October, steel exports decreased month - on - month and were lower than the same period last year [36] - After October, the domestic - foreign price difference declined again [36] Steel Inventory and Basis Rebar - Rebar basis remained stable this week, with limited fluctuations in both the futures and spot markets. After November, the basis usually weakens. During the basis convergence period, the futures market usually oscillates upward. With current rebar production lower than last year, inventory is expected to enter a normal destocking phase, and the short - term basis is expected to remain stable [50] - The 1 - 5 month spread of rebar was weak at a low level this week, with limited fluctuations [60] Hot - Rolled Coil - The basis of the hot - rolled coil 01 contract remained stable. This week, the inventory of hot - rolled coil continued to rise slightly, reaching the highest level for the same period. Cold - rolled coil inventory was also at a relatively high level. According to seasonal patterns, there is a risk of further inventory increase, which will continue to suppress the basis [54] - The 1 - 5 month spread of hot - rolled coil changed little, showing a slight discount. The fundamentals of hot - rolled coil tend to be looser, suppressing the inter - month spread and preventing it from strengthening [65]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Mid - term outlook for the black building materials industry: Oscillating with a slight upward trend [7] - Short - term outlook for each variety: - Steel: Oscillating [9] - Iron ore: Oscillating [10] - Scrap steel: Oscillating [11] - Coke: Oscillating [13] - Coking coal: Oscillating with a slight upward trend [14] - Glass: Oscillating [15] - Soda ash: Oscillating [18] - Manganese silicon: Oscillating [19] - Ferrosilicon: Oscillating [20] 2. Core Views of the Report - The release of the "Steel Industry Steady Growth Work Plan (2025 - 2026)" has a minor impact on the futures prices of the sector, but the prices of sector varieties still have support due to the marginal improvement in the industrial chain during the peak season and the market's expectations for the fourth - quarter important meetings [2] - Overall, in the short term, the "anti - involution" factor causes market fluctuations, but based on the improvement of the industrial chain fundamentals, the callback space is limited. With the positive expectations of domestic important meetings in the fourth quarter and overseas interest rate cuts, prices are expected to rise steadily [7] 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Iron Element - Iron ore: Shipments have declined but remain at a high level. The arrival volume has been affected by typhoons. Demand remains high, and the pre - National Day restocking expectation still exists. The fundamentals are healthy, and prices are supported [3] - Scrap steel: The fundamentals have marginally weakened, and prices mainly follow the fluctuations of finished products [3] 3.2 Carbon Element - Coke: The work plan has a certain negative impact on the furnace charge end, but before the National Day, the demand is well - supported, and with the cost support from the stable and rising coal prices, the price is expected to remain oscillating in the short term [3] - Coking coal: The "anti - involution" policy remains the main line. The fundamentals are healthy, and with the pre - National Day restocking by the mid - and downstream, the price is expected to oscillate with a slight upward trend in the short term [3] 3.3 Alloys - Manganese silicon: The short - term peak - season expectation supports the price to some extent, but the future supply - demand outlook is pessimistic, and the price may decline after the peak season [3] - Ferrosilicon: The peak - season expectation supports the price, but the future supply - demand relationship will tend to be loose, and the price may face downward pressure after the peak season [3] 3.4 Glass - The current demand is weak, but there are peak - season and policy expectations. After the mid - stream destocking, there may be another round of oscillations. In the long term, market - oriented capacity reduction is needed, and if prices return to fundamental trading, they are expected to decline oscillatingly [4] 3.5 Soda Ash - The supply - surplus pattern remains unchanged. After the decline in the futures price, the spot - futures trading volume has slightly increased, and the price is expected to oscillate widely in the future. In the long term, the price center will decline to promote capacity reduction [7] 3.6 Specific Analysis of Each Variety - Steel: Spot market transactions are generally weak. The peak - season demand recovery is less than expected, and inventories are at a moderately high level. The short - term futures price is expected to oscillate widely [9] - Iron ore: Overseas shipments have slightly declined, and the arrival volume has increased. Demand is supported in the short term, and inventories are at a moderate level. The price is expected to oscillate in the short term [9] - Scrap steel: Supply has increased slightly, demand has decreased, and inventories have increased slightly. The fundamentals have marginally weakened, and prices follow finished products [11] - Coke: Supply remains stable at a high level, and demand is strongly supported. The price is expected to remain oscillating in the short term [13] - Coking coal: Supply recovery is slow, and demand is strong. The price is expected to oscillate with a slight upward trend in the short term [14] - Glass: Demand is in the off - season, and supply has uncertainties. The price is expected to oscillate in the short term and decline in the long term [15] - Soda ash: Supply capacity has not been cleared, and demand is stable with a slight increase. The price is expected to oscillate [18] - Manganese silicon: Market supply pressure is increasing, and the future price may decline [19] - Ferrosilicon: Supply is increasing, and demand growth is limited. The price may face downward pressure after the peak season [20]