Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the steel industry, but it implies a stable outlook based on current conditions and trends observed in the market [11][12]. Core Insights - The steel industry is experiencing a stabilization at the bottom of its fundamental performance, with an average profit level of 16.5 yuan per ton and a current loss of 21.4 yuan per ton. The profit rate for steel companies is reported at 38.9% [11][12]. - Iron ore prices have rebounded due to high port inventories and geopolitical events, despite the completion of spring restocking by steel mills. The report notes that iron ore port inventories remain high at 178 million tons [4][11]. - The demand for hot-rolled coils is currently weak, with prices slightly decreasing and social inventories increasing. However, a potential recovery in demand is expected as downstream operations resume [12][13]. Summary by Sections 1. Steel Industry Overview & Index Performance - The steel mills' iron ore inventory has returned to baseline levels, while steel inventory has risen to levels close to those seen after the spring restocking in 2025. The strength of this year's spring restocking is weaker compared to 2025 [11]. - The average profit level in the industry has decreased, indicating a challenging environment for steel producers [11]. 2. Sub-Industry Fundamentals - Hot-rolled coil prices have seen a slight decline, with the average price for 3.0mm hot-rolled coils at 3320 yuan per ton, down 4 yuan from the previous week. Social inventory for hot-rolled coils has increased significantly [12]. - The metallurgical coke prices have remained stable, with trade prices for first-grade coke at 1570 yuan per ton. However, the overall supply remains high, leading to pressure on prices [13]. 3. Black Industry Chain Price Data Update - The report indicates fluctuations in iron ore prices, with the price index for 66% iron concentrate at 955 yuan per ton, reflecting a slight increase. The overall market sentiment is influenced by geopolitical factors and supply chain dynamics [4][13]. 4. Black Industry Chain Supply and Demand Data Update - Steel production and inventory levels are being monitored closely, with expectations of a slight increase in hot-rolled coil prices due to low inventory levels in downstream markets and seasonal supply constraints [12][13]. - Iron ore shipments and port inventories are being tracked, with a noted high level of 178 million tons at ports, indicating a potential for price adjustments in the future [4][11].

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Investment rating: ★ [5] 2. Core Viewpoints - The terminal demand has not started yet, the steel mill production end has little fluctuation, the molten iron output is expected to decline in March, the iron ore inventory is relatively high, and the overall fundamentals are relatively flat. Affected by the situation between the United States and Iran, the market risk aversion sentiment is high this week, and the trend is greatly affected by macro - sentiment. [5][30] - The operation strategies for single - side trading, arbitrage, and options are all to wait and see. [5][31] 3. Summary by Directory 3.1 Market Review - Last week, the Iron Ore 2605 contract fell 0.46%. [4] 3.2 Disk Analysis - It includes analysis of futures prices, spot prices (such as the spot price of PB powder 61.5% at Tianjin Port), and futures position net position analysis. [6][9][11] 3.3 Important Market Information - The Ministry of Ecology and Environment will promote the ultra - low emission transformation of key industries with high quality, and complete the ultra - low emission transformation of 100 million tons of cement clinker and 50 million tons of coking production capacity in 2026. It will also focus on key regions to guide localities to carry out investigations and rectifications of inefficient and ineffective pollution control facilities in key industries and classified rectifications of traditional industrial clusters. [14] 3.4 Supply - side Situation - As of January 2026, Australia's iron ore shipments were 6,111.2 tons, a decrease of 1,028.1 tons from the previous month; Brazil's iron ore shipments were 1,889.1 tons, a decrease of 874.4 tons from the first half of the month. [18] 3.5 Demand - side Situation - It involves the daily average molten iron output of 247 steel mills, Shanghai terminal wire and screw procurement volume, and the profitability rate of 247 steel mills. [22][24] 3.6 Fundamental Analysis - The blast furnace operating rate of 247 steel mills was 80.22%, a month - on - month increase of 0.09 percentage points and a year - on - year increase of 1.93 percentage points; the blast furnace ironmaking capacity utilization rate was 87.45%, a month - on - month increase of 1.05 percentage points and a year - on - year increase of 1.87 percentage points; the steel mill profitability rate was 39.83%, a month - on - month increase of 1.30 percentage points and a year - on - year decrease of 10.39 percentage points; the daily average molten iron output was 2.3328 million tons, a month - on - month increase of 27,900 tons and a year - on - year increase of 53,400 tons. [27] - The total inventory of imported iron ore at 45 ports in the country was 170.9196 million tons, a month - on - month increase of 1.4564 million tons; the daily average port clearance volume was 2.9848 million tons, a month - on - month decrease of 527,100 tons; the number of ships at the port decreased from 107 to 99. The inventory of imported iron ore at 47 ports was 178.9130 million tons, a month - on - month increase of 1.5918 million tons; the daily average port clearance volume decreased from 3.1353 million tons to 2.6089 million tons. In terms of components, Australian ore increased by 2.1016 million tons, Brazilian ore decreased by 807,700 tons; trade ore increased by 1.0572 million tons, coarse powder increased by 1.7951 million tons; lump ore increased by 199,900 tons, concentrate decreased by 252,900 tons, pellets decreased by 150,300 tons, and the number of ships at the port decreased from 111 to 101. [28] - In mid - February 2026, key steel enterprises produced 20.29 million tons of crude steel, with an average daily output of 2.029 million tons, a daily output increase of 4.3% month - on - month; the steel inventory of key steel enterprises was 18.12 million tons, a month - on - month increase of 3.01 million tons, a growth of 19.9%; an increase of 3.98 million tons from the beginning of the year, a growth of 28.2%; an increase of 1.99 million tons from the same period of the previous month, a growth of 12.3%. [28] - In January 2026, the crude steel output of 69 countries/regions included in the World Steel Association statistics was 147.3 million tons, a year - on - year decrease of 6.5%. Among them, China's crude steel output was 75.27 million tons, a year - on - year decrease of 13.9%. [29] - In February 2026, the PMI of the steel industry in Hebei Province was 48.8%, a month - on - month decrease of 4.1 percentage points, falling below the boom - bust line. [29] - As of February 25, the resumption rate of 10,692 construction sites across the country was 8.9%, a lunar year - on - year increase of 1.5 percentage points; the labor attendance rate was 15.5%, a lunar year - on - year increase of 3.7 percentage points; the fund availability rate was 29%, a lunar year - on - year increase of 9.4 percentage points. Among them, the resumption rate of real estate projects was 8.2%, and the resumption rate of non - real estate projects was 9.2%. [29] 3.7 Market Outlook - The terminal demand has not started yet, the steel mill production end has little fluctuation, the molten iron output is expected to decline in March, the iron ore inventory is relatively high, and the overall fundamentals are relatively flat. Affected by the situation between the United States and Iran, the market risk aversion sentiment is high this week, and the trend is greatly affected by macro - sentiment. [5][30] 3.8 Operation Strategies - Single - side trading: Wait and see. - Arbitrage: Wait and see. - Options: Wait and see. [5][31]

Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook for the steel industry, with a notable performance driven by policy expectations and supply-side reforms, leading to a significant increase in the CITIC Steel Index by 11.8%, outperforming the market by 9.8% [1][10]. Core Insights - The steel industry is experiencing a recovery in production and inventory levels post-Chinese New Year, with steel mills increasing their iron and steel output and conducting concentrated replenishment [1][10]. - The profitability of steel companies is reported at 39.8%, indicating a stable bottom for the industry, despite a current loss of 4.9 yuan per ton [1][10]. - The market sentiment is cautious, with expectations of weak demand in the short term, particularly in the hot-rolled coil segment, which saw a slight price decrease of 0.1% to 3780 yuan per ton [2][11]. Summary by Sections 1. Steel Industry Overview & Index Performance - The steel industry is witnessing a rebound in iron and steel production, with a decrease in iron ore inventory and an increase in finished steel inventory, indicating a concentrated replenishment effort by steel mills [1][10]. - The CITIC Steel Index has shown a significant increase of 11.8%, reflecting strong market performance driven by policy expectations [1][10]. 2. Subsector Fundamentals Steel - Steel prices remain stable, with a slight decrease in hot-rolled coil prices and an increase in overall steel inventory by 4.0% to 26.67 million tons, although the current replenishment is weaker than in previous years [2][11]. - The market is facing supply pressures, particularly in East China, with reduced demand from downstream sectors leading to a cautious outlook for future price movements [2][11]. Coking Coal and Coke - Coking coal and coke prices are stable, with a 4.4% decrease in coking coal inventory compared to the previous week, indicating a cautious market sentiment with limited trading activity [2][11]. Iron Ore - Iron ore prices have decreased by 1.2% to 760 yuan per ton, with port inventories remaining high at 178 million tons, while steel mills have reduced their iron ore inventory by 17 million tons [3][12]. - The market sentiment has shifted from a pessimistic view to a more optimistic outlook due to macroeconomic expectations, although the sustainability of this optimism remains uncertain [3][12].

Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook for the steel industry, with a significant performance increase in the sector, as evidenced by the 11.8% rise in the CITIC Steel Index, outperforming the market by 9.8% [1][10]. Core Insights - The steel industry is experiencing a recovery in production, with an increase in iron water output and a decrease in iron ore inventory at steel mills, leading to a concentrated replenishment ahead of the Spring Festival [1][10]. - The average profit margin for steel companies stands at 39.8%, indicating a stable bottom for the steel industry's fundamentals [1][10]. - The market sentiment has shifted positively due to anticipated real estate policies and supply-side reforms, although caution remains regarding future demand and macroeconomic conditions [3][12]. Summary by Sections 1. Steel Industry Overview & Index Performance - The steel industry is witnessing a recovery in production and inventory management, with stable prices across various segments [1][10]. - The CITIC Steel Index has shown a notable increase, reflecting strong market performance [1][10]. 2. Subsector Fundamentals - Steel prices remain stable, with hot-rolled coil prices slightly decreasing by 0.1% to 3780 CNY/ton, while overall steel inventory has increased by 4.0% to 26.67 million tons [2][11]. - The coking coal and coke prices are stable, with a slight decrease in coking coal inventory by 4.4% [2][11]. - Iron ore prices have seen a minor decline of 1.2%, with port inventories remaining high at 178 million tons [3][12]. 3. Black Industry Chain Price Data Update - Steel prices are stable, with specific segments like hot-rolled and cold-rolled coils showing minor fluctuations [2][11]. - Coking coal and iron ore prices are also stable, reflecting a cautious market environment [2][11][12]. 4. Black Industry Chain Supply and Demand Data Update - Steel production and inventory levels are being closely monitored, with seasonal demand expected to rise [3][12]. - Iron ore and coking coal supply dynamics are being influenced by external market conditions and domestic demand fluctuations [3][12].

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No information provided in the report. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - Iron ore: As steel mills' inventory replenishment nears completion, ore prices will fluctuate downward [2][4]. - Rebar and hot - rolled coil: Their apparent demands decline month - on - month, and prices will fluctuate widely [2][9][10]. - Ferrosilicon and silicomanganese: There is a game between fundamentals and sentiment, and prices will fluctuate widely [2][14]. - Coke and coking coal: Prices will fluctuate at high levels [2][18]. - Steam coal: News of production cuts in Indonesia stimulates the import market, and domestic coal prices will remain stable before the Spring Festival [2][22]. - Logs: Prices will consolidate with fluctuations [2][25]. 3. Summary by Directory Iron Ore - **Fundamentals**: The closing price of I2605 was 768.5 yuan/ton, down 13 yuan/ton or 1.66%. The positions increased by 9,456 lots to 525,113 lots. Spot prices of imported ores such as PB and super - special decreased, while domestic ores remained stable. The basis and spreads had minor changes [5]. - **Macro and Industry News**: China's January RatingDog manufacturing PMI was 50.3, and some real - estate enterprises no longer need to report "three red lines" indicators monthly [5]. - **Trend Intensity**: - 1, indicating a bearish view [6]. Rebar and Hot - Rolled Coil - **Fundamentals**: The closing prices of RB2605 and HC2605 were 3,101 yuan/ton and 3,263 yuan/ton respectively, down 9 yuan/ton and 13 yuan/ton, with decreases of 0.29% and 0.40%. Spot prices in most regions remained stable. There were changes in basis and spreads [10]. - **Macro and Industry News**: According to February 5th steel union weekly data, rebar production decreased by 8.15 tons, hot - rolled coil production decreased by 0.05 tons, and the total inventory of five major varieties increased by 59.24 tons. The apparent demand of rebar decreased by 28.76 tons, and that of hot - rolled coil decreased by 5.87 tons. In late January 2026, the average daily output of key steel enterprises' crude steel decreased by 2.2%, pig iron decreased by 3.0%, and steel increased by 3.2%. The steel inventory of key enterprises decreased by 8.8% compared with the previous ten - day period [11][12]. - **Trend Intensity**: 0, indicating a neutral view [12]. Ferrosilicon and Silicomanganese - **Fundamentals**: The prices of silicon - iron 72 and 75 in some regions increased. The closing prices and positions of relevant futures contracts had changes. There were also changes in spot prices, basis, and spreads [15]. - **Macro and Industry News**: The proportion of coal - fired power generation units' fixed - cost recovery through capacity tariffs will be increased to at least 50%. UMK's March 2026 manganese ore price for China increased. River Steel's February 75B ferrosilicon procurement price remained the same as in January, but the quantity decreased. In January, the electricity price of ferrosilicon in Ningxia showed a downward trend, while in Qinghai, it increased [14][15][16]. - **Trend Intensity**: 0, indicating a neutral view [17]. Coke and Coking Coal - **Fundamentals**: The closing prices of JM2605 and J2605 were 1,172 yuan/ton and 1,738 yuan/ton respectively, down 37 yuan/ton and 32 yuan/ton, with decreases of 3.1% and 1.8%. Spot prices of some coking coals and cokes changed slightly, and there were changes in basis and spreads [18]. - **Macro and Industry News**: On February 5th, the CCI metallurgical coal index of China Coal Resources Network showed a decline in some coal prices. The coke market was running weakly, with steel mills' procurement enthusiasm being average [18]. - **Trend Intensity**: 0, indicating a neutral view [20]. Steam Coal - **Fundamentals**: The prices of steam coal in different regions and ports had slight changes, and the long - term agreement prices decreased [23]. - **Macro and Industry News**: On February 5th, the port steam coal market was stable with a slight upward trend. Near the Spring Festival, the spot market showed weak supply and demand, and port inventories continued to decline. News of import coal reduction led to an increase in import coal prices, providing support for the domestic market. There were also reports of potential production cuts in Indonesian coal mines [24]. Logs - **Fundamentals**: The closing prices, trading volumes, and positions of log futures contracts had different degrees of change. Spot prices of most log products remained stable [25]. - **Macro and Industry News**: China's January RatingDog manufacturing PMI was 50.3, and some real - estate enterprises no longer need to report "three red lines" indicators monthly [27]. - **Trend Intensity**: 0, indicating a neutral view [28].

Report Industry Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Bullish" [1] Report's Core View - The fundamentals of the steel industry are stronger than expected, with high molten iron production and steel inventory reduction [1] Summary by Related Catalogs Price - The Shanghai Composite Index was at 3,840, with a weekly decline of 1.5% and a year-to-date increase of 14.6% [3] - The CSI 300 Index was at 4,514, with a weekly decline of 2.2% and a year-to-date increase of 14.7% [3] - The SW Steel Index was at 2,545, with a weekly decline of 2.0% and a year-to-date increase of 21.1% [3] - The prices of various steel products and raw materials showed different degrees of change, such as the price of HRB400 20mm rebar was 3,210 yuan/ton, with a weekly change of 0.0% and a year-to-date decline of 5.9% [3] Inventory - The total social inventory of five major steel products was 1,125 tons, with a weekly decline of 0.2% and a year-to-date increase of 48.3% [5] - The total steel mill inventory of five major steel products was 456 tons, with a weekly decline of 3.4% and a year-to-date increase of 30.3% [5] - The iron ore port inventory was 14,282 tons, with a weekly increase of 1.8% and a year-to-date decline of 3.9% [5] Supply and Demand - The weekly production of five major steel products and the daily average molten iron production showed different trends over the years [9] - The blast furnace and electric furnace operating rates and capacity utilization rates in China showed different trends over time [12] - The profitability rate of steel mills and the apparent demand for rebar in China were presented [15] Stock Price Performance - The top 5 stocks in terms of weekly price increase were Lingang Co., Ltd., Baotou Steel Co., Ltd., etc., and the bottom 5 stocks were Jiuli Special Materials Co., Ltd., Shougang Co., Ltd., etc. [18][19]

Report Overview - Report Type: Steel Daily Review [1] - Date: May 15, 2024 [2] - Research Team: Black Metal Research Team [3] Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the report Core Viewpoints - Currently, the production of the top five steel products has slightly declined, inventory has increased, and the demand for rebar and hot-rolled coils has fallen from its peak. However, there are multi-dimensional signs of recovery in the real estate market, and the steel demand in the automotive, shipbuilding, and machinery industries generally maintains a high growth trend. With the easing of Sino-US tariffs and increased expectations of export rush, the downstream demand outlook has improved. In the short term, the futures prices of rebar and hot-rolled coils are expected to show a slightly stronger and volatile trend [10] Summary by Directory 1. Market Review - On May 14, the main futures contracts 2510 of rebar and hot-rolled coils opened low and closed high, rising significantly, while the main futures contract 2507 of stainless steel fluctuated upward. The KDJ indicators of the daily lines of rebar and hot-rolled coil 2510 contracts diverged upward, and the MACD red bars of the daily lines of both contracts expanded [5][8] - The trading data of the main steel futures contracts on May 14 are as follows: - RB2510: The previous closing price was 3,079 yuan/ton, the opening price was 3,084 yuan/ton, the highest price was 3,133 yuan/ton, the lowest price was 3,067 yuan/ton, the closing price was 3,127 yuan/ton, with a daily increase of 1.23%. The trading volume was 2,134,942 lots, the open interest was 2,111,525 lots, a decrease of 39,651 lots, and the capital inflow/outflow was -0.15 billion yuan [5] - HC2510: The previous closing price was 3,215 yuan/ton, the opening price was 3,220 yuan/ton, the highest price was 3,269 yuan/ton, the lowest price was 3,207 yuan/ton, the closing price was 3,267 yuan/ton, with a daily increase of 1.27%. The trading volume was 801,521 lots, the open interest was 1,351,894 lots, a decrease of 2,694 lots, and the capital inflow/outflow was 0.43 billion yuan [5] - SS2507: The previous closing price was 12,930 yuan/ton, the opening price was 12,930 yuan/ton, the highest price was 13,120 yuan/ton, the lowest price was 12,910 yuan/ton, the closing price was 13,080 yuan/ton, with a daily increase of 1.16%. The trading volume was 142,909 lots, the open interest was 131,758 lots, an increase of 6,744 lots, and the capital inflow/outflow was 0.75 billion yuan [5] - The spot market prices and changes of rebar and hot-rolled coils on May 14 are as follows: - Rebar (HRB400E: 20mm): The prices in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Beijing, and other places were 3,250 yuan/ton, 3,240 yuan/ton, 3,200 yuan/ton, etc., with price increases ranging from 10 to 40 yuan/ton [8] - Hot-rolled coils (4.75mm): The prices in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Beijing, and other places were 3,320 yuan/ton, 3,330 yuan/ton, 3,330 yuan/ton, etc., with price increases ranging from 0 to 60 yuan/ton [8] 2. Industry News - According to data released by the China Iron and Steel Association, in early May 2025, key steel enterprises produced 22.05 million tons of crude steel, with an average daily output of 2.205 million tons, a 0.2% increase in daily output compared to the previous period; 19.9 million tons of pig iron, with an average daily output of 1.99 million tons, a 1.6% increase in daily output; and 20.83 million tons of steel products, with an average daily output of 2.083 million tons, an 8.4% decrease in daily output. The steel inventory of key steel enterprises was 16.06 million tons, a 5.0% increase from the previous ten-day period, a 29.8% increase from the beginning of the year, a 0.1% increase from the same period last month, a 1.4% decrease from the same period last year, and an 8.8% decrease from the same period the year before last [11] - The spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce stated that strategic mineral export control is related to national security and development interests. To prevent the illegal outflow of strategic minerals, it is necessary to strengthen control over all links of the production and supply chain, starting from the source and involving all aspects from mining to export. All departments need to cooperate in their work, strengthen daily supervision, and promptly detect potential risks. Local governments should implement their regulatory responsibilities, comprehensively investigate relevant business entities in their regions, understand the production, operation, and flow of strategic minerals, and guide local enterprises to improve their compliance awareness and capabilities [11] - According to Mysteel, an alloy plant in Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia, recently reduced production at two 33,000KVA ferrosilicon-manganese alloy submerged arc furnaces, expected to affect the daily output by about 400 tons. A large ferrosilicon-manganese enterprise in Chongqing shut down two submerged arc furnaces starting from 12:00 on May 12, 2025, with the resumption time to be determined, affecting a daily output of 400 tons [11] - The UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) recommended on Tuesday that country-specific quota caps should be imposed on certain categories of steel imported into the UK to protect the UK's steel production industry. The quota cap measures will take effect on October 1 this year [11] 3. Data Overview - The report provides multiple data charts, including the spot prices of rebar and hot-rolled coils in major markets, the weekly production of the top five steel products, the steel mill inventory of the top five steel products, the social inventory of rebar and hot-rolled coils in major cities, blast furnace and electric furnace operating rates and capacity utilization rates, the national daily average pig iron output, and the apparent consumption of the top five steel products [14][16][19]