Core Viewpoint - The report from China Merchants Securities International indicates a recovery in traditional industry prices since September, with the sustainability of this upward trend impacting investment strategies. The renewable energy sector shows a more sustained recovery due to stronger downstream demand [1] Traditional Industry Summary - In the past two weeks, cement prices in East China have increased by 6 CNY/ton to 428 CNY/ton [1] - In Southwest China, cement prices have risen by 36 CNY/ton since the second week of August, reaching 479 CNY/ton [1] - Steel prices have also improved, with the rebar price index moving into positive territory, increasing by 23 CNY/ton to 3312.2 CNY/ton [1] - Float glass prices have risen for three consecutive weeks, up by 13 CNY/ton to 1163 CNY/ton [1] - Coking coal and coke prices have been on an upward trend since Q3 2025, with coking coal prices increasing by 268 CNY/ton to 1452 CNY/ton and the coke price index rising by 236 CNY/ton [1] Renewable Energy Industry Summary - The comprehensive price index for photovoltaic products has increased by 3.29% since mid-July, reaching 15.2% [1] - The price of photovoltaic-grade polysilicon has reversed its downward trend, rising by 55% to 6.54 USD/kg as of last week [1] - Domestic polysilicon prices have increased by 41.1% to 6.9 USD/kg [1] - Lithium carbonate prices have risen by 20.5% to 72,400 CNY/ton [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent trends in CPI and PPI, highlighting the need for policy intervention to support price recovery, with a focus on core inflation rather than overall inflation [1][5]. Group 1: CPI Analysis - CPI year-on-year decline narrowed from -0.7% in February to -0.1% in March, exceeding expectations of -0.2%, with food prices contributing negatively [1][6]. - Food prices fell significantly, with fresh vegetables and pork prices decreasing by 5.1% and 4.4% respectively, driven by improved supply and seasonal factors [2][3]. - Core inflation showed resilience, increasing by 0.5% year-on-year, with industrial consumer goods prices rising by 0.5% month-on-month [2][3]. Group 2: PPI Analysis - PPI year-on-year decline widened from -2.2% to -2.5%, and month-on-month decline increased from -0.1% to -0.4%, influenced by international factors and domestic production recovery [3][4]. - High-tech industries experienced positive price changes, with wearable device manufacturing prices rising by 4.6% [3][4]. - Prices in the black metal and non-metal mineral industries decreased due to faster production recovery compared to demand [3][4]. Group 3: Policy Implications - Recent tariff policies from the U.S. may negatively impact global demand and consequently affect China's demand [5]. - The government has emphasized the importance of price governance, indicating potential reforms in public utility pricing and market behavior regulation [5]. - The focus for this year should be on core inflation recovery, necessitating proactive policy measures to stimulate demand and support price stabilization [5].