Core Insights - The industrial metals sector is crucial for modern industrial systems, reflecting the economic operation status of a nation. The sector is characterized by high strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent processing performance, supporting key industries such as construction, machinery, automotive, electricity, and aerospace [1][13]. Industry Overview - Industrial metals, a subset of non-ferrous metals, include copper, aluminum, lead, and zinc, which are widely used in various industrial applications. The sector has a complete industrial chain in China, from mining to processing, with production and consumption at the global forefront [4][6][13]. - The demand structure is shifting, with traditional construction growth slowing, while emerging industries like new energy, high-end equipment, and electronic semiconductors are driving demand for high-precision, lightweight, and specialty alloys [1][13]. Industry Policies - Recent policies aim to enhance the resilience and security of the industrial metals supply chain. For instance, the "Copper Industry High-Quality Development Implementation Plan (2025-2027)" targets a 5%-10% increase in domestic copper resources by 2027 and aims for a 5% annual growth in the value added of the non-ferrous metals industry from 2025 to 2026 [9][13]. Industry Chain - The industrial metals industry chain consists of upstream mining exploration and selection, midstream smelting and purification, and downstream applications in construction, automotive, shipbuilding, machinery, electrical, and aerospace sectors [9][10][13]. Market Trends - The industrial metals sector is transitioning towards high-performance, lightweight, and green manufacturing, with a focus on new alloy materials and resource recycling. The "dual carbon" goals are expected to accelerate the development of energy-saving technologies and the recycled metals industry [1][13]. - The market for copper alloy materials is projected to exceed 3000 billion yuan by 2028, driven by the growth of new energy vehicles and advanced manufacturing sectors [18]. Key Companies - Major players in the industrial metals sector include Jiangxi Copper, Zijin Mining, and China Aluminum, which dominate the market due to their scale and resource advantages. Private companies like Nanshan Aluminum and Yunnan Aluminum are also gaining market share through innovation [2][18][19]. Production Statistics - China's copper production is expected to grow significantly, with the copper alloy materials market reaching 2367 billion yuan in 2024. The production of aluminum alloys is projected to increase from 629.4 million tons in 2015 to 1614.1 million tons in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 11.03% [14][17][18].