Core Viewpoint - The steel industry is accelerating its digital transformation, particularly in the application of artificial intelligence, as it undergoes structural upgrades and seeks to enhance operational efficiency and value creation [2]. Group 1: Major Trends in the Steel Industry - **Trend 1: End-to-End Value Stream Restructuring** The focus is shifting from operational efficiency and cost reduction to co-creating value across the supply chain, with examples like Shougang's digital initiatives enhancing product quality and customer experience [3]. - **Trend 2: Accelerated Value Realization through Scalable Deployment** Lighthouse enterprises are overcoming the "pilot trap" and facing challenges in scaling solutions, leading to productization and customization for various operational units, which reduces costs and development time [4]. - **Trend 3: Rapid Penetration of Cutting-Edge Technologies** Nearly 80% of the top use cases in lighthouse enterprises involve artificial intelligence, with 10% utilizing generative AI, significantly improving operational efficiency across various domains [5]. - **Trend 4: Skill Restructuring and Empowerment through Diverse Means** The introduction of employee empowerment metrics aims to enhance safety and stability, with advanced training systems and smart tools improving organizational efficiency and productivity [6]. - **Trend 5: Digital Technology Driving Sustainable Development** Digital technologies are essential for building green manufacturing systems, helping the steel industry, which accounts for 7% of global industrial carbon emissions, to achieve emission reduction and circular economy goals [7].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommended" investment rating for the steel industry [1]. Core Insights - The "Steel Industry Stable Growth Work Plan (2025-2026)" has been released, aiming for an average annual growth of around 4% in the industry's added value over the next two years. This plan emphasizes "stabilizing growth and preventing internal competition," guiding structural adjustments and high-quality development in the steel sector [12][14]. - The report highlights the acceleration of digital transformation in the steel industry, with significant investments in AI and digital technologies by leading companies, indicating a shift towards data-driven operations [27][28]. Summary by Sections 1. Review of 2021 Steel Supply-Side Capacity Regulation - In 2021, China's crude steel production fell to 1.035 billion tons, a year-on-year decrease of approximately 2.8%, due to stringent capacity control measures aimed at achieving carbon neutrality goals [4][8]. - The profitability of the steel industry improved significantly, with total profits in the black metal smelting and rolling processing industry reaching 424.09 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 72.1% [9][10]. 2. Stable Growth Work Plan Released, Leaders Benefit from Production Regulation - The "Stable Growth Work Plan" sets a target for the steel industry's added value to grow by about 4% annually from 2025 to 2026, focusing on economic stability and balanced market supply and demand [12][14]. - The plan emphasizes precise control of capacity and production, promoting industry transformation and upgrading, which will benefit leading steel companies [15][16]. 3. Accelerated Digital Transformation, AI + Steel Gaining Momentum - The digital transformation in the steel industry is expected to significantly enhance overall digital levels by 2026, with a focus on integrating new information technologies [19][20]. - Leading companies like Baosteel and Shougang are actively pushing forward their AI and digital transformation initiatives, with Baosteel planning to implement over 300 AI application scenarios by 2025 [27][28]. 4. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on leading companies such as Shougang, Hebei Steel, and CITIC Special Steel, as they are expected to benefit from the ongoing capacity regulation and industry transformation [31].

Core Viewpoint - The steel industry is advancing its digital transformation through a supply-demand matching event held in Tangshan, focusing on the construction of the "One Map and Four Lists" initiative [1][4]. Group 1: Event Overview - The event was organized by the Hebei Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology and the Tangshan Municipal Government, with participation from various industry leaders and government officials [2]. - It included one comprehensive activity and four specialized sessions, highlighting the launch of a public service platform for the steel industry and sharing successful digital transformation case studies from Hebei [2][3]. Group 2: Participation and Engagement - Over 300 participants attended the event, including representatives from steel enterprises and digital transformation service providers from various provinces [3]. - The event was broadcasted live, attracting over 1,000 online viewers, indicating significant interest in the digital transformation of the steel industry [3]. Group 3: Focus Areas - Specialized sessions covered topics such as intelligent monitoring of furnace conditions, smart material yards, general tools for transformation, and talent development for digital transformation [2]. - Various companies, including major players like Huawei and Jiangsu Jinheng, engaged in dialogues regarding technology applications, data needs, and talent cultivation [2].