Chinese industrial profits surged after months of declines, signaling that national campaigns to tackle overcapacity and excessive competition are bearing fruit. Industrial profits in August climbed 20.4% from a year earlier, the first increase in four months, according to data released Saturday by the National Bureau of Statistics. For the first eight months of the year, they climbed 0.9%, beating a Bloomberg Economics forecast for a 1.6% drop. Most Read from Bloomberg Chinese factory deflation eased f ...

Core Insights - The Nuclear Company has signed a strategic agreement with Nucor Corporation to enhance the nuclear power supply chain in the U.S. and support domestic manufacturing [1] Group 1 - The agreement aims to boost the country's nuclear power supply chain [1] - The collaboration is expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities [1]

Summary of China Basic Materials Monitor - September 2025 Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Basic Materials** industry, highlighting the current demand and supply dynamics affecting pricing and margins in various sectors including construction, automotive, and metals [1][2]. Key Points Demand Trends - **End-user orderbooks** have shown a month-over-month (MoM) increase as of mid-September, consistent with seasonal patterns observed in previous years [1]. - **Aggregated demand** is driven by positive growth in sectors such as **automotive**, **battery production**, and **metal fabrication**, alongside mild seasonal increases in **construction** [1]. - Traditional sectors like **white goods**, **property**, and **machinery** are experiencing weaker demand [1]. Supply Disruptions - Ongoing **supply disruptions** are noted, particularly in: - **Lithium Lepidolite** production - A correction in excess **coal** production - Tightness in domestic **copper scrap** supply [1]. - The Chinese government has reaffirmed its policy on supply management (anti-involution) as a long-term strategy, which is expected to support overall commodity pricing and margins [1]. Pricing and Margin Outlook - Current demand for **cement** and **construction steel** is reported to be 1-6% lower year-over-year (YoY), while **copper** and **aluminium** demand is down 5-7% YoY. In contrast, **flat steel** demand has increased by 3% YoY [1]. - Recent weeks have seen improvements in margins/pricing for **aluminium** and **copper**, while **steel**, **coal**, and **lithium** prices have softened, with **cement** prices remaining stable [1]. Producer Feedback - A proprietary survey indicates that **52%** of respondents in downstream sectors reported an improvement in orderbook trends for August, while **32%** of basic materials producers noted similar improvements [2]. - Conversely, **9%** of downstream respondents and **16%** of basic materials producers indicated a decline in orderbook trends [2]. Additional Insights - The report includes detailed snapshots of downstream demand across various sectors, including infrastructure, property, traditional manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and exports [7]. - Specific commodity analyses cover **steel**, **coal**, **cement**, **aluminium**, **copper**, and **lithium**, providing insights into their respective demand and pricing trends [7]. Conclusion - The China Basic Materials industry is currently experiencing a complex interplay of steady demand growth in certain sectors and ongoing supply disruptions, which collectively influence pricing and margin expectations. The outlook remains cautiously optimistic, supported by government policies aimed at stabilizing supply and pricing dynamics [1][2].

Chinese steel mills are set to miss a key emissions-reduction target because of low production from electric-arc furnaces (EAFs). https://t.co/BxNIQOueM3 ...

FRANKFURT (Reuters) -The European Commission plans to impose tariffs of 25% to 50% on Chinese steel and related products in the next few weeks, German business daily Handelsblatt reported, citing senior officials in Brussels. The European Commission had no immediate comment on the Handelsblatt report, which was published late on Thursday. China's ministry of commerce did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the potential tariffs. The Commission's President Ursula von der Leyen said earl ...

Core Points - China's commerce ministry has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into pecans imported from the United States and Mexico, indicating rising global trade tensions [1] - The investigation is expected to conclude by September 25, 2026, with preliminary evidence suggesting that U.S. and Mexican pecans were sold at prices lower than their normal value, causing material injury to China's domestic industry [2] - China has also launched an investigation into Mexico's proposed tariffs on various goods, which it claims will harm trade partners and reduce investment confidence [3] Trade Relations - The Chinese commerce ministry criticized unilateralism and protectionism, emphasizing the need for countries to oppose such measures collectively [4] - Analysts suggest that China's actions are a response to Mexico's planned tariffs, viewing it as Mexico yielding to U.S. pressure [5] - By including both U.S. and Mexican pecans in the same investigation, China may create leverage for Mexico to gain a competitive advantage in its market [6] Economic Context - The trade relations between China and the U.S. are becoming increasingly unpredictable, with China adding six U.S. firms to its export control and unreliable entity lists [6]

But the shift toward more protectionism in the Americas — a reversal from decades of globalization and close cross-border ties in the region — may not convince Trump to budge. While some countries have won tariff cuts and exemptions for certain goods, the US president has cast duties on steel as key to protecting national security and boosting domestic production of the alloy. His trade policies are bolstering the steel industry in the US while pummeling producers abroad, reshaping supply chains as companie ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2026 was $75.2 million, with earnings per share at $0.72, and net sales reached $872.9 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase [4][13][19] - Earnings increased from $28.4 million or $0.56 per share in the prior year quarter to $36.8 million or $0.72 per share in the current quarter [13][19] - Adjusted EBIT rose to $54.9 million, up $15.5 million from $39.4 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to higher gross margin and increased equity earnings [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Automotive shipments increased by 17% year-over-year, with shipments to the Detroit Three OEMs up nearly 13%, while production for these OEMs grew approximately 5% [21][22] - Direct sales volume constituted 63% of the mix in the current quarter, up from 56% in the prior year quarter, with direct sales volume increasing by 6% [20][21] - Toll processing volumes decreased by 22% year-over-year, attributed to market conditions and the closure of the Worthington Samuel Coil Processing facility [23][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Market pricing for hot rolled coil peaked at $950 per ton in March but has since decreased to approximately $800 per ton due to softer market demand [18] - The agricultural market faced challenges, with volumes down nearly 50% compared to the prior year quarter, while construction market shipments fell modestly by 3% [22] - The energy and container markets saw modest increases, contrasting with declines in the construction and heavy truck markets [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on electrical steel investments and margin-accretive growth, with production in Canada expected to start in early 2026 [7][8] - The expansion of the facility in Mexico will begin production soon, supplying electrical steel laminations for hybrid and electric vehicles [8] - The integration of AI into operations aims to enhance productivity and customer outcomes, with several AI-driven pilots underway [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the automotive market, anticipating continued growth despite market uncertainties [6][32] - The company is positioned to capitalize on opportunities arising from supply chain shifts and customer complexities [6][7] - Management noted that the macro environment remains mixed, with limited visibility in several sectors expected to persist [5][6] Other Important Information - The company reported a cash flow from operations outflow of $5 million and a free cash flow outflow of $34 million, impacted by increases in working capital [24][25] - A quarterly dividend of $0.16 per share was announced, payable on December 26, 2025 [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the Sedum transaction and mezzanine financing structure? - The Sedum acquisition cost $60 million in cash, financed using ABL, with the minority interest classified as mezzanine equity due to foreign currency considerations [30][31] Question: What are the future opportunities in the automotive sector? - Management is cautiously optimistic about the automotive market, expecting to gain further market share and positive momentum in 2026 [32] Question: How does the company manage the impact of Section 232 tariffs on electrical steel laminations? - Management indicated minimal impact from tariffs, as customers are willing to pay, and a significant portion of the customer base is USMCA compliant [35] Question: Will the closure of the Worthington Samuel facility impact supply? - Management confirmed no anticipated disruptions in supply chains due to strong relationships with multiple mill sources [38] Question: What is the outlook for volumes in fiscal Q2? - Management expects normal seasonal trends, with Q2 typically 3% to 4% below Q1, and no significant demand triggers anticipated [42]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $75.2 million, with earnings per share at $0.72, and net sales of $872.9 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase [4][13] - Earnings increased from $28.4 million or $0.56 per share in the prior year quarter to $36.8 million or $0.72 per share in the current quarter [13][15] - Estimated pre-tax inventory holding gains were $5.6 million compared to losses of $16.6 million in the prior year, marking a favorable swing of $22.2 million [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Automotive shipments increased by 17% year-over-year, with the Detroit 3 OEMs experiencing a 5% production increase while Worthington's shipments rose nearly 13% [21][22] - Direct sales volume constituted 63% of the mix, up from 56% in the prior year quarter, while toll processing volumes decreased by 22% year-over-year [20][23] - The construction market saw a modest decline of 3%, while agricultural volumes dropped nearly 50% due to ongoing challenges in the agricultural equipment market [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Current pricing for hot rolled coil is approximately $800 per ton, down from a peak of $950 per ton in March, reflecting softer market demand [18] - The market for transformers is expected to grow by up to 7% per year over the next decade, driven by the increasing need for electricity in the U.S. [7] - The company shipped approximately 929,000 tons during the quarter, down 7% compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to decreased toll volume [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on electrical steel investments and margin-accretive growth, with production in Canada expected to start in early calendar year 2026 [7][8] - The expansion of the facility in Mexico will begin production soon, supplying electrical steel laminations for hybrid and electric vehicles [8] - The company is leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance operations, including demand forecasting and predictive maintenance [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the automotive market for the remainder of calendar year 2025, despite ongoing market uncertainties [6][21] - The company is positioned to capitalize on opportunities arising from supply chain shifts and customer complexities [6] - Management noted that the current macro environment remains mixed, with limited visibility in several sectors expected to persist [5] Other Important Information - The company reported a cash flow from operations outflow of $5 million and a free cash flow outflow of $34 million, impacted by increases in working capital [24] - A quarterly dividend of $0.16 per share was announced, payable on December 26, 2025 [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the Sedum transaction and mezzanine financing structure? - The Sedum purchase price was composed of $60 million in cash and the contribution of the NOG Gold facility, financed using ABL [31] Question: What are the future opportunities in the automotive sector? - Management is cautiously optimistic, projecting a unit build rate of $15 million and expecting further market share gains [33] Question: How does the company manage the impact of Section 232 tariffs on electrical steel laminations? - Management indicated minimal impact from tariffs, as customers are willing to pay them, and a significant portion of the customer base is USMCA compliant [36] Question: Will the closure of the Worthington Samuel facility impact toll processing volumes? - The majority of the toll volume decline is attributed to market conditions and the facility closure, with some reductions due to customer program changes [43] Question: What is the expectation for direct sales volume moving forward? - Direct sales volume is expected to remain in the 60%-65% range, with toll processing at 35%-40% [45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $75.2 million, with earnings per share at $0.72, and net sales reached $872.9 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase [4][13] - Earnings increased from $28.4 million or $0.56 per share in the prior year quarter to $36.8 million or $0.72 per share in the current quarter [13][15] - Estimated pre-tax inventory holding gains were $5.6 million compared to losses of $16.6 million in the prior year, marking a favorable swing of $22.2 million [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Automotive shipments increased by 17% year-over-year, with shipments to the Detroit Three OEMs growing nearly 13% against a 5% production increase [21][22] - Direct sales volume constituted 63% of the mix, up from 56% in the prior year quarter, while toll processing volumes decreased by 22% year-over-year [20][23] - The construction market saw a modest decline of 3%, while agricultural volumes dropped nearly 50% due to ongoing challenges in the agricultural equipment market [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Market pricing for hot rolled coil peaked at $950 per ton in March but has since decreased to approximately $800 per ton due to softer market demand [18] - The company shipped approximately 929,000 tons during the quarter, down 7% compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to decreased toll volume [19][20] - The energy and container markets experienced modest increases, while the heavy truck market saw a 7% decline [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on electrical steel investments and margin-accretive growth, with production in Canada expected to start in early calendar year 2026 [7][8] - The expansion of the facility in Mexico is set to begin production soon, supporting the electrification of transportation [8] - The company is leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance operations and back-office functions, aiming for improved efficiency and cost savings [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism despite market uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of agility and collaboration in navigating challenges [5][6] - The company anticipates continued growth in the automotive sector and is preparing for potential market recovery in 2026 [32] - Management highlighted a disciplined approach to capital allocation and a commitment to generating strong free cash flow [11][24] Other Important Information - The company reported a cash outflow of $5 million from operations and a free cash flow outflow of $34 million, impacted by increases in working capital [24][25] - A quarterly dividend of $0.16 per share was announced, payable on December 26, 2025 [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the Sedum transaction and mezzanine financing structure? - The Sedum acquisition was financed with $60 million in cash and the contribution of a facility, with the minority interest classified as mezzanine equity due to its unique structure [30][31] Question: What are the future opportunities in the automotive sector? - Management remains cautiously optimistic about the automotive market, expecting to gain further market share and positive momentum in 2026 [32] Question: How does the company manage the impact of Section 232 tariffs on electrical steel laminations? - The company has seen little impact from the tariffs, as customers are willing to pay them, and a significant portion of the customer base is USMCA compliant [35] Question: Will the closure of the Worthington Samuel facility impact toll processing volumes? - The decline in toll processing volumes is primarily due to market conditions and the closure of the facility, with some additional impacts from customer decisions [42] Question: What is the expectation for direct sales volume moving forward? - Direct sales volume is expected to remain in the 60% to 65% range, with toll processing making up 35% to 40% [44]