Market Performance - The new materials sector experienced a decline this week, with the new materials index falling by 0.31%, underperforming the ChiNext index by 2.67% [1][2] - Over the past five trading days, the synthetic biology index decreased by 0.51%, semiconductor materials dropped by 4.74%, and specialty chemicals fell by 1.54%. In contrast, biodegradable plastics saw a slight increase of 0.02%, while industrial gases declined by 1.20%. Battery chemical products surged by 13.36% [1][2] Price Tracking - Amino acids prices showed the following changes: valine at 12,750 CNY/ton (-1.92%), arginine at 22,900 CNY/ton (-1.08%), tryptophan at 39,500 CNY/ton (-4.82%), and methionine at 22,050 CNY/ton (-0.68%) [3] - Prices for biodegradable materials remained stable: PLA (FY201 injection grade) at 17,800 CNY/ton, PLA (REVODE201 blow film grade) at 17,200 CNY/ton, PBS at 17,800 CNY/ton, and PBAT at 9,850 CNY/ton [3] - Vitamin prices were as follows: Vitamin A at 64,000 CNY/ton (unchanged), Vitamin E at 64,500 CNY/ton (-1.53%), Vitamin D3 at 227,500 CNY/ton (unchanged), calcium pantothenate at 40,500 CNY/ton (unchanged), and inositol at 26,000 CNY/ton (unchanged) [3] - Industrial gases and wet electronic chemicals prices remained unchanged: UPSSS grade hydrofluoric acid at 11,000 CNY/ton and EL grade hydrofluoric acid at 5,600 CNY/ton [3] - In the plastics and fibers category, carbon fiber remained at 83,750 CNY/ton (unchanged), polyester industrial yarn at 8,500 CNY/ton (-2.30%), and aramid at 102,700 CNY/ton (+17.62%). The export average price for polyester tire cord fabric in July was 16,353 CNY/ton (-0.61%) [3] Investment Opportunities - The DAC project has been included in Shanghai's 2025 key technology research and development plan, highlighting opportunities in domestic DAC adsorbents and equipment [4] - The recognition and strong support from various government levels for DAC technology mark a significant milestone in addressing climate change and promoting green energy development [5] - The establishment of a thousand-ton demonstration project will provide valuable engineering data and operational experience for future commercial projects, potentially enhancing DAC product performance and reducing capture costs [5] - Companies to watch for key adsorbent materials and related equipment include Blue Sky Technology, Jianlong Micro-Nano, Xizhuang Co., China Energy Construction, GCL-Poly, and United Water [5]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a rating of "B" for the new materials sector, indicating a leading position in the market [2]. Core Insights - The new materials sector has experienced a decline, with the new materials index falling by 0.31%, underperforming compared to the ChiNext index which dropped by 2.67% [4]. - The report highlights the potential of Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, which has been recognized by the Shanghai government as a key technology for 2025, suggesting significant market opportunities in domestic adsorption materials and equipment [7]. Market Performance - The new materials sector saw varied performance across sub-sectors: - Synthetic biology index decreased by 0.51% - Semiconductor materials fell by 4.74% - Electronic chemicals dropped by 1.54% - Biodegradable plastics increased slightly by 0.02% - Industrial gases decreased by 1.20% - Battery chemicals surged by 13.36% [4][19]. Price Tracking - Weekly price changes for key chemical products include: - Valine: 12,750 CNY/ton (-1.92%) - Arginine: 22,900 CNY/ton (-1.08%) - Tryptophan: 39,500 CNY/ton (-4.82%) - Methionine: 22,050 CNY/ton (-0.68%) - PLA (injection grade): 17,800 CNY/ton (unchanged) - PLA (blown film grade): 17,200 CNY/ton (unchanged) [5]. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on DAC technology and related materials and equipment, highlighting companies such as Blue Sky Technology, Jianlong Micro-Nano, and Xizhuang Co., among others, as potential investment opportunities [8].