Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the non-ferrous and steel industry [5] Core Viewpoints - The report argues that the value reassessment of the strategic metals sector has just begun, contrary to some investors' belief that the recent rapid price increases indicate an impending peak [8][14] - It highlights three dimensions supporting this view: policy measures against strategic mineral smuggling, a tight supply-demand balance driving product prices up, and an increase in risk appetite due to political policy risk premiums [8][14][17] Summary by Sections Strategic Metals - Some investors believe the recent surge in strategic metals prices is unsustainable and may soon peak [8][13] - The report counters this by stating that the value reassessment of strategic metals is just beginning, driven by macroeconomic inflation, tight supply-demand dynamics, and political risk premiums [14][17] - Policy measures to combat strategic mineral smuggling are expected to be reinforced, particularly for rare earths and other strategic metals [15] - The supply-demand balance remains tight, with increasing demand from sectors like new energy vehicles and offshore wind power, leading to rising prices for rare earths [16] - Political policy risk premiums are expected to rise, enhancing the attractiveness of the strategic metals sector [17] Steel Industry - Steel prices are anticipated to continue rising due to production cut expectations [18] - Steel demand and production have decreased, but a dynamic balance in supply and demand is expected [18][25] - Inventory levels are showing differentiation among various steel products, with total inventory likely to decline further [25] - Cost increases in raw materials are pushing steel prices up, with profits for steel mills expected to recover [28] - The overall steel price index has seen a slight increase, with specific products like hot-rolled steel showing notable price rises [35] New Energy Metals - Lithium production in June 2025 saw a significant year-on-year increase of 20.95%, indicating strong supply growth [40] - The demand for new energy vehicles remains robust, with production and sales in June 2025 showing substantial growth [44] - Prices for lithium and cobalt have generally risen, while nickel prices have seen a decline [49][50] Industrial Metals - Global refined copper production has increased, with supply slightly better than expected [57] - The demand outlook is improving, with manufacturing activity expected to continue recovering [69]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant price increases in precious metals, particularly platinum and silver, with a strong performance across nearly all non-ferrous metals, driven by investment demand and market conditions [1][2][3][4]. Group 1: Precious Metals Performance - Platinum has seen a price increase of over 57% this year, while silver has risen by 30%, reaching a 14-year high [2][4]. - Investment in silver products, such as silver bars and coins, has surged, leading to a continuous increase in silver ETF shares [3][4]. - Citigroup has raised its price forecasts for silver and platinum, projecting silver to reach $40 per ounce in the next three months and $43 in the next 6-12 months [4]. Group 2: Market Trends and Demand - The non-ferrous metals sector has outperformed other industries, with a year-to-date increase of 19.54%, leading all 31 sectors in the Shenwan classification [3][6]. - The demand for silver is primarily driven by investment, which has a positive correlation with silver prices, indicating a significant "amplifying" effect during a silver bull market [5]. - The World Gold Council suggests that geopolitical tensions and economic downturns could further increase demand for gold, potentially raising its price by 10%-15% [4]. Group 3: Broader Non-Ferrous Metals Market - All sub-sectors within the non-ferrous metals industry have experienced price increases, with the precious metals sector leading at a 36.74% rise [6][7]. - The energy metals sector has seen a 12.69% increase, while the industrial metals sector has risen by 16.78% [7]. - Analysts emphasize the importance of considering long-term supply chain and national defense needs in the context of political risk premiums affecting strategic metals [7].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the non-ferrous and steel industry [5] Core Viewpoints - The current market performance of the non-ferrous steel sector is driven by political policy risk premiums rather than fundamental earnings or growth adjustments [8][14] - There is a significant concern regarding the supply chain security in the context of long-term US-China competition, particularly with strategic metals like copper [15] - The imposition of high tariffs on copper is seen as a market manifestation of political policy risk premiums, influencing inventory behaviors [16] - Non-market strategies, such as US government investments in rare earths, highlight the strategic importance of these materials beyond mere economic considerations [17] Summary by Sections Non-Ferrous and Steel Industry Overview - The report discusses the political policy risk premium affecting the non-ferrous steel sector, suggesting that current valuations may exceed fundamental support [8][14] - It emphasizes the need to consider long-term supply chain and national defense requirements when evaluating market premiums [14] Steel Industry Dynamics - Steel demand and production have both decreased, with a slight week-on-week decline in rebar consumption by 1.50% and a year-on-year drop of 5.85% [18][23] - Total steel inventory is expected to decline further, with social inventory down by 0.23% and year-on-year down by 29.02% [25] - The report anticipates a rebound in steel prices due to industry restructuring and reduced competition, with the overall steel price index rising by 1.14% [38][39] New Energy Metals - In May 2025, China's lithium carbonate production surged by 31.37% year-on-year, indicating strong supply growth [43] - The demand for new energy vehicles remains robust, with production and sales of electric vehicles increasing significantly [47] - Lithium and cobalt prices are on the rise, while nickel prices have shown a downward trend [52][53]