Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by central enterprises in the new materials and new energy sectors, particularly the issues of "supply-demand imbalance" and "incremental growth without efficiency" as they expand their investments in strategic emerging industries [1][3][4]. Group 1: Supply-Demand Imbalance - Central enterprises in sectors like new materials and new energy are experiencing a mismatch between supply and demand, leading to overcapacity and underutilization of resources [3][4]. - The investment in strategic emerging industries has increased significantly, with a reported investment of 2.18 trillion yuan in 2023, marking a 32.1% year-on-year growth [12]. - Despite the push for expansion, many enterprises are struggling with low capacity utilization rates, with some reporting rates below 30% [9][22]. Group 2: Incremental Growth Challenges - Companies are facing difficulties in achieving expected returns on their investments, leading to a situation where increased production does not translate into proportional revenue growth [21][23]. - The carbonates industry, for example, saw a projected gross margin of less than 10% in 2024, significantly below the industry average, due to falling prices and excess inventory [22]. - The construction sector is also experiencing similar issues, with rapid capacity expansion in offshore wind projects leading to market saturation and reduced profit margins [24][25]. Group 3: Strategic Direction and Policy Alignment - The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) has set clear quantitative targets for central enterprises, aiming for 35% of their revenue to come from strategic emerging industries by 2025 [4][28]. - Enterprises are encouraged to balance policy directives with market realities, as they face challenges in aligning their operational capabilities with ambitious targets set by SASAC [27][29]. - There is a concern among enterprises about the potential risks of investing in new materials and technologies, particularly if market demand does not meet expectations [28][30].

Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges faced by state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in the strategic emerging industries, particularly in new materials and renewable energy sectors, highlighting issues of supply-demand imbalance and ineffective growth despite increased investments [2][6][30]. Group 1: Industry Challenges - SOEs in the strategic emerging industries are experiencing a common issue of "supply-demand imbalance and ineffective growth," as noted by Liu Bing, a project leader in a new materials SOE [2]. - Many SOEs are still in the early stages of capital investment or output, with significant revenue opportunities yet to materialize [2]. - The National State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) has set a target for SOEs to achieve a 35% revenue share from strategic emerging industries by 2025 [5][32]. Group 2: Investment and Market Dynamics - Since 2025, SASAC has focused on key industries such as new energy vehicles and new materials, which are crucial for the transformation and upgrading of China's manufacturing sector [3]. - In 2023, central enterprises invested 2.18 trillion yuan in strategic emerging industries, marking a 32.1% year-on-year increase [14]. - Despite the optimistic market outlook for carbonates, the industry faces significant challenges, including low capacity utilization rates and inconsistent product quality [10][25]. Group 3: Financial Implications - The rapid expansion of production capacity has not been matched by market demand, leading to a decline in product prices and a significant drop in profitability for enterprises [23][27]. - In 2024, the overall operating rate of the carbonate industry was less than 40%, with profit margins expected to fall below 10%, significantly lower than the industry average [21][25]. - To address inventory buildup, companies have resorted to price reductions, but this strategy has not yielded the desired results, further exacerbating the industry's profitability issues [28][29]. Group 4: Strategic Considerations - SOEs must balance policy directives with market realities, as highlighted by concerns over potential market demand shortfalls impacting investment returns [32][34]. - The SASAC's push for SOEs to enter emerging industries aims to align with national strategies, but companies face challenges in meeting ambitious targets while ensuring economic viability [32][34]. - Liu Bing's team emphasizes the need to focus on quality and effectiveness in addition to meeting quantitative targets set by SASAC [34].