Industry Overview - Recent policies indicate a focus on supply-side reforms addressing "structural contradictions in key industries" rather than "overcapacity" issues[10] - The majority of industries in China face structural issues characterized by excess low-end capacity and insufficient high-end capacity[11] Capacity Utilization - As of Q4 2024, the industrial capacity utilization rate is at 65.9%, indicating that overcapacity is concentrated in specific industries[18] - Industries potentially facing overcapacity include non-metallic minerals, black metals, photovoltaic, lithium batteries, automotive manufacturing, petroleum and coal, specialized equipment, food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals[37] Types of Overcapacity - Overcapacity can be categorized into frictional, cyclical, and structural types, with structural overcapacity being the most persistent and challenging to resolve[3] - Structural overcapacity is characterized by the coexistence of low-end overcapacity and high-end capacity shortages, often requiring government intervention for resolution[38] Key Industries Affected - The steel and cement industries are experiencing both cyclical and structural overcapacity due to a downturn in the real estate sector, leading to a projected reduction in steel production by 30-50 million tons[41] - Emerging industries such as new energy vehicles, photovoltaics, and lithium batteries are facing frictional and structural overcapacity due to rapid technological advancements and local government competition[59] Policy Recommendations - The government aims to guide the orderly exit of inefficient capacity through supply-side reforms, focusing on both eliminating low-end capacity and expanding high-end supply[40] - Effective market mechanisms and government actions are necessary to address the "involution" competition in emerging industries, including the implementation of fair competition regulations[65] Risk Factors - Risks include the potential for slower-than-expected capacity elimination, a more severe downturn in the real estate market, and unexpected declines in exports[5]