Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Accumulate" rating for the copper industry [6] Core Viewpoints - The report anticipates that copper prices will continue to rise in 2025 due to tightening supply and improving demand [4] - The report highlights that the U.S. may impose a 50% tariff on copper starting August 1, which could disrupt global copper inventory flows [1][4] - Domestic copper inventory levels are at a near six-year low, indicating potential supply constraints [30] Summary by Sections Inventory - Domestic copper social inventory increased by 9% week-on-week, while LME copper inventory rose by 12% [2] - As of July 11, 2025, domestic mainstream port copper concentrate inventory stood at 646,000 tons, down 3.1% from the previous week [2] - Global electrolytic copper inventory totaled 403,000 tons as of July 7, 2025, reflecting a 5.6% increase [2] Supply - The TC spot price remains low at -43 USD/ton, indicating challenging conditions for smelting profitability [3][59] - China's electrolytic copper production in June 2025 was 1.1349 million tons, a slight decrease of 0.3% month-on-month but a 12.9% increase year-on-year [3][63] - The price difference between refined copper and scrap copper has decreased by 836 RMB/ton, suggesting tighter scrap supply [54] Demand - The cable industry's operating rate increased by 3.7 percentage points week-on-week, indicating a potential uptick in demand [3][73] - Domestic air conditioning production is projected to decline, with year-on-year reductions of 12.8% expected in September [92] - The report notes that the cable sector accounts for approximately 31% of domestic copper demand [3] Futures - SHFE copper active contract positions decreased by 13% week-on-week, while COMEX non-commercial net long positions increased by 18% [4][33] - As of July 11, 2025, SHFE copper active contract positions were at 179,000 lots, reflecting a significant decrease [4][33] Investment Recommendations - The report recommends stocks such as Jincheng Mining, Zijin Mining, Luoyang Molybdenum, and Western Mining, while suggesting to pay attention to Wanguo Resources [4]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Copper: Oscillating [7] - Alumina: Short - term wait - and - see, medium - to - long - term cautious short - selling of far - month contracts or consider reverse arbitrage if warehouse receipts increase [8][10] - Aluminum: Oscillating in a range [11] - Aluminum Alloy: Short - term low - level oscillation, medium - term potential for upward movement [12][14][15] - Zinc: Oscillating weakly, focus on high - short opportunities [15][16] - Lead: Oscillating [16][17][19] - Nickel: Oscillating weakly in the short term [19][20][22] - Stainless Steel: Oscillating in the short term [24] - Tin: Oscillating [25] 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The ongoing US reciprocal tariff game and Trump's threat to impose a 50% tariff on copper imports have led to a cautious market sentiment, causing a decline in the non - ferrous metals market. In the short - to - medium term, tariff uncertainties and weakening demand expectations will suppress prices, with a focus on structural opportunities. In the long term, the demand prospects for non - ferrous metals remain uncertain [1]. 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs Copper - **Information Analysis**: Trump announced a 50% tariff on imported copper. The TC/RC negotiation result between Antofagasta and Chinese smelters in mid - 2025 was 0.0 dollars/dry ton and 0.0 cents/pound. In June, China's electrolytic copper production decreased by 0.34 tons month - on - month, a 0.3% decline, but increased by 12.93% year - on - year. As of July 7, copper inventory increased by 1.11 tons to 14.29 tons [7]. - **Main Logic**: Trump's tariff announcement has put pressure on LME and Shanghai copper prices. The supply of copper raw materials is tight, and the demand has weakened in the off - season. Inventories have started to accumulate, and the upward momentum of copper prices has cooled. It is expected that copper prices will oscillate [7]. Alumina - **Information Analysis**: On July 9, the northern spot comprehensive price of alumina increased. The government of Guinea proposed GBX and exercised transportation rights. On July 8, alumina warehouse receipts remained unchanged. The Xinjiang railway issued a suspension order from July 7 - 11 [8][10]. - **Main Logic**: In the short - to - medium term, there is no shortage of ore, but the market sentiment has a significant impact. In the long term, the focus is on ore prices. The measures proposed by Guinea may increase costs. In the short term, wait and see; in the medium - to - long term, consider short - selling far - month contracts [8][10]. Aluminum - **Information Analysis**: On July 9, the average price of SMM AOO was 20,660 yuan/ton. As of July 7, the inventory of electrolytic aluminum and aluminum rods increased, and the warehouse receipts of electrolytic aluminum on the SHFE increased [11]. - **Main Logic**: The tariff negotiation deadline has been postponed, but there is still uncertainty. The fundamentals show inventory accumulation, and downstream willingness to buy at high prices has weakened. In the short term, prices will oscillate in a range; in the long term, consumption has potential risks [11]. Aluminum Alloy - **Information Analysis**: On July 9, the price of Baotai ADC12 remained unchanged. Thailand plans to impose a carbon tax in 2025. In June, the retail sales of passenger cars and new - energy passenger cars increased year - on - year [12]. - **Main Logic**: The supply of scrap aluminum is tight, and the cost is supportive. Demand is in the off - season, and the inventory is accumulating. In the short term, ADC12 and ADC12 - A00 will oscillate at a low level; in the medium term, there is potential for upward movement [12][14][15]. Zinc - **Information Analysis**: As of July 9, the spot premium of zinc decreased, and the inventory increased. The Xinjiang Huoshaoyun lead - zinc smelting project was put into production [15]. - **Main Logic**: The market risk preference has decreased. The supply of zinc ore has loosened, and the demand is in the off - season. The inventory is accumulating, and prices are expected to decline in the long term [15][16]. Lead - **Information Analysis**: On July 9, the price of waste batteries remained stable, and the price of lead ingots increased. The social inventory of lead ingots and SHFE warehouse receipts increased [16][17]. - **Main Logic**: The spot discount has slightly widened, and the supply has increased. The demand for lead - acid batteries has improved slightly. In the short term, prices will oscillate [16][17][19]. Nickel - **Information Analysis**: As of July 9, LME nickel inventory increased, and SHFE nickel warehouse receipts decreased. Multiple nickel - related projects have advanced [19][20][21]. - **Main Logic**: The market sentiment dominates the market. The industrial fundamentals are weakening marginally. The inventory has accumulated significantly, and prices are expected to oscillate weakly in the short term [19][20][22]. Stainless Steel - **Information Analysis**: The inventory of stainless steel warehouse receipts decreased. The price of nickel iron and chrome iron has declined, and the 300 - series is still in an inverted state [24]. - **Main Logic**: The cost support has weakened, and the demand is out of the peak season. The inventory has decreased, and it is expected that stainless steel prices will oscillate in the short term [24]. Tin - **Information Analysis**: On July 9, LME tin warehouse receipts increased, and SHFE tin warehouse receipts decreased. The price of tin ingots increased [25]. - **Main Logic**: The shortage of tin ore in China is intensifying, and the supply from Indonesia is affected. The supply - demand fundamentals are tightening, but the demand will weaken in the second half of the year. It is expected that tin prices will oscillate [25].

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Positive" and maintained [10]. Core Viewpoints - Copper prices have been leading the industrial metals market, with LME copper expected to surpass $11,000 per ton in May 2024, marking a new high since 2006. From 2000 to July 3, 2025, copper prices have increased by 431%, compared to 58% for aluminum, 319% for lead, and 124% for zinc [2][4][16]. Summary by Sections Long-term Perspective: Metal Prices - Supply and Demand Analysis Framework - The ideal scenario for commodity prices is when demand grows while supply is constrained. Demand determines the industry's ceiling, while supply influences profitability. If demand continues to grow, weak supply responses lead to stronger price performance. Copper is characterized by growing demand and constrained supply [5][20][42]. - Demand is assessed through three dimensions: volume, growth rate, and structure. Volume indicates the industry's ceiling, growth rate reflects industry potential, and structure indicates demand stability. A more diversified demand structure leads to greater stability [5][42]. - Supply is evaluated based on reserves, grade, and mine dispersion. Reserves indicate resource scarcity, grade reflects extraction difficulty, and mine dispersion affects the slope of the cost curve. Generally, lower reserves and grades lead to higher price levels due to increased development costs [5][42][43]. Copper: Growing Demand, Constrained Supply - Copper exhibits the most stable upward demand trend among industrial metals. It is primarily used as a conductor, with over 70% of copper products serving this role. The global electrification trend supports copper demand, aligning closely with global electricity consumption and GDP growth rates [6][21][28]. - On the supply side, copper resources are relatively scarce, with reserves only about one-tenth of iron ore and bauxite. The average grade of copper is lower than that of aluminum, and the industry has the highest mine dispersion, leading to a steep cost curve. New copper mines take over five years to develop, making supply responses to demand changes slow [7][29][31]. Investment Strategy: Focus on Quality Copper Companies - Given the long-term upward trend in copper prices, despite short-term uncertainties in the U.S. economy, it is recommended to invest in copper companies with resource advantages and strong growth expectations. Companies such as Zijin Mining, Luoyang Molybdenum, and Cangge Mining are highlighted as potential investment targets [8][47].

Group 1 - Recent divergence in copper prices between the US and other markets has attracted market attention, with experts suggesting a high probability of a 50% tariff on US copper imports [1][3] - On July 8, COMEX copper futures surged nearly 10%, while other markets like SHFE and LME showed little movement, with SHFE copper futures even declining by 1.36% on July 9 [2][3] - Year-to-date, COMEX copper futures have increased by over 30%, significantly outperforming LME and SHFE copper futures, which have only seen around 10% and lower increases, respectively [2][3] Group 2 - The proposed 50% tariff by President Trump aims to shift copper production back to the US, with implementation expected by late July or August [3] - The significant increase in tariff expectations has widened the price gap between COMEX and LME copper, exceeding $2,500 per ton as of July 9 [3] - If the tariff is implemented, it may reduce the "siphoning effect" on global copper inventories, alleviating supply pressure in non-US regions [3] Group 3 - The rise in copper prices has impacted listed companies, with firms like Zhaolong Interconnect indicating that their product pricing is directly linked to market copper prices [4] - Chujiang New Material has implemented hedging strategies to manage raw material exposure due to copper price fluctuations [4] - Wolong Nuclear Materials has noted that while copper price increases are monitored, their pricing strategies and procurement methods mitigate the impact on profitability [4] Group 4 - The supply side of copper remains under pressure, with declining processing fees and tight raw material supplies [5][6] - As the consumption off-season approaches, downstream replenishment intentions are weakening, leading to a decrease in copper rod and cable production rates [6] - The overall upward momentum for copper prices is being suppressed by rising inventories and declining spot premiums [6] Group 5 - The likelihood of the 50% tariff being implemented is high, which may further widen the price gap between COMEX and LME copper [6] - Short-term, the tariff risk is expected to suppress LME and SHFE prices, compounded by the traditional consumption off-season [6] - In the medium term, while global economic uncertainties may weaken copper demand, supply constraints are expected to provide price support, leading to a primarily oscillating price trend [6]

Group 1 - The announcement of a 50% tariff on imported copper by President Trump has led to a significant increase in New York copper futures prices, potentially causing major supply chain disruptions in the global metals market [1][5] - On Tuesday, Comex copper futures surged by 17%, marking the largest single-day increase on record, with New York copper prices reaching an all-time high of $5.8955 per pound before closing at $5.6855 [3][5] - The imposition of tariffs could lead to increased costs across various sectors in the U.S. economy, including consumer electronics, automotive, and residential construction, due to the widespread reliance on copper [5][6] Group 2 - Analysts predict that prices will rise sharply in the short term as market expectations for lower tariff rates were previously held, leading to a surge in purchases before the tariffs take effect [6] - U.S. copper importers have warned that the tariffs could undermine Trump's goals of revitalizing manufacturing and challenging China's industrial dominance, as restrictions on copper imports may lead to severe supply shortages domestically [6][7] - The global copper industry has been preparing for tariffs since February, when Trump ordered a study on the feasibility of imposing tariffs under national security grounds, facing resistance from manufacturers reliant on imports [6][7] Group 3 - The U.S. Commerce Department has completed its investigation into copper tariffs, with expectations that they may be implemented by the end of July or early August [7][10] - Despite the high prices, there is currently sufficient domestic copper supply available for manufacturers, as traders have been shipping record amounts of copper to the U.S. to capitalize on price differences [7][10] - Chile, the largest supplier of copper to the U.S., exports approximately 500,000 tons of refined copper annually, which constitutes a significant portion of U.S. imports [10][11] Group 4 - Analysts expect that once the tariffs are in place and the rush to transport copper subsides, Comex prices may cool down [11] - The U.S. is projected to consume about 1.6 million tons of refined copper in 2024, with domestic mines producing around 850,000 tons, necessitating reliance on imports from major trading partners [11]

Summary of the Copper Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The copper industry is currently experiencing price fluctuations between $8,700 and $10,000 due to weak supply and demand constraints, with 90% of total costs distributed around $8,000, and market sentiment bottoming at $8,700 [1][2][4] - Global manufacturing has been at a low since mid-2022, with expectations for recovery driven by potential interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve [1][2] Key Points Supply and Demand Dynamics - Global copper mine growth expectations for 2025 have decreased from 700,000 tons to over 300,000 tons, maintaining a tight supply-demand balance [1][4][5] - Supply-side challenges include aging mines and political/economic constraints, leading to actual production falling short of expectations [1][5] - Global copper inventories have been declining since Q2, currently at the second-lowest level in five years, influenced by the U.S. 232 security investigation [1][5][6] Impact of U.S. 232 Security Investigation - The U.S. 232 investigation has raised expectations for tariffs on imported copper, increasing U.S. product premiums by approximately 14% [1][7] - U.S. imports of copper surged by 200% year-on-year in the first four months, leading to a depletion of non-U.S. inventories and a strengthening of LME prices [1][7] Investment Strategy - The copper industry is viewed as having good mid-term allocation value, with low current valuations and potential for significant returns as interest rates decline and manufacturing cycles recover [2][3] - Key factors influencing copper price volatility in the short term include U.S. economic performance, Federal Reserve rate cut timing, U.S.-China trade negotiations, and Chinese stimulus policies [3][8] Company-Specific Insights - Zijin Mining and Luoyang Molybdenum's PE valuations are at their lowest in three years, with potential for recovery as risk appetite increases [3][10] - Zijin Mining is expected to increase production by over 40% in the coming years, with potential returns exceeding 50% post-Fed rate cuts [3][12] - Luoyang Molybdenum is projected to improve operational performance significantly, with plans to reduce costs by 5% while other companies face rising costs [13] Long-Term Outlook - The copper price is expected to trend upwards in the long term due to stable demand driven by increased electricity consumption and constrained supply [16][17] - Factors such as copper's steep cost curve and resource distribution contribute to its long-term price resilience [17][18] Conclusion - The copper industry presents a compelling investment opportunity, with significant potential for growth driven by supply constraints and recovering demand, particularly in the context of macroeconomic developments and company-specific performance metrics [10][12][13]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a continued weakening in demand for copper, with potential risks of short squeezes persisting in the market, suggesting that while copper prices may remain strong in the short term, they could revert to a more volatile state after any short squeeze ends [3]. Inventory - As of July 4, 2025, domestic copper social inventory increased by 1.3%, while LME copper inventory rose by 5.1% [4]. - Domestic port copper concentrate inventory reached 666,000 tons, up 6.8% from the previous week [4]. - Global electrolytic copper inventory totaled 381,000 tons as of June 30, 2025, down 4.1% [4]. Raw Materials - The price difference between refined copper and scrap copper decreased by 260 yuan/ton this week [5]. - In March 2025, China's refined copper output was 157,000 tons, up 25.4% month-on-month and 6.9% year-on-year [5]. - Global refined copper output in April 2025 was 1.969 million tons, up 5.6% year-on-year [5]. Smelting - In June 2025, China's electrolytic copper output was 1.1349 million tons, down 0.3% month-on-month but up 12.9% year-on-year [6]. - The TC spot price as of July 4, 2025, was -43.31 USD/ton, reflecting a slight increase of 0.3 USD/ton from June 27, 2025, but still at a low level since September 2007 [6]. Demand - The cable industry's operating rate decreased by 2.4 percentage points to 67.81% as of July 3, 2025, with cables accounting for approximately 31% of domestic copper demand [7]. - Air conditioning production is expected to decline year-on-year by 1.9%, 4.6%, and 12.8% from July to September 2025 [7]. - The operating rate for brass rods was 50.6% in May 2025, down 4.4 percentage points month-on-month but up 0.05 percentage points year-on-year [7]. Futures - As of July 4, 2025, the open interest for SHFE copper contracts increased by 1.3% to 216,000 lots, placing it at the 64th percentile since 1995 [8]. - Non-commercial net long positions on COMEX rose by 23.7% to 29,000 lots, also at the 64th percentile since 1990 [8].

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Accumulate" rating for the non-ferrous metals sector [6]. Core Viewpoints - The report indicates that copper prices are expected to rise in 2025 due to tightening supply and improving demand [4]. - The report highlights a continued weakening in demand, particularly in the cable sector, with risks of further declines in production rates for air conditioning units [1][3]. - The report notes that the short-term risk of warehouse squeezing remains, suggesting that copper prices may continue to show strength before returning to a more volatile state [1]. Supply and Demand Summary - **Production**: In June 2025, China's electrolytic copper production was 1.1349 million tons, a decrease of 0.3% month-on-month but an increase of 12.9% year-on-year [3][65]. - **Demand**: The cable industry's operating rate decreased by 2.4 percentage points, with the operating rate for cable enterprises at 67.81% as of July 3, 2025 [3][75]. - **Inventory**: Domestic copper social inventory increased by 1.3%, while LME copper inventory rose by 5.1% [2][24]. Raw Material Insights - **Copper Concentrate**: Domestic copper concentrate inventory at major ports was 666,000 tons, up 6.8% week-on-week as of July 4, 2025 [2][49]. - **Scrap Copper**: The price difference between refined copper and scrap copper decreased by 260 RMB/ton, indicating a tighter supply of scrap copper [2][54]. Futures Market Overview - The active contract position for SHFE copper increased by 1.3% week-on-week, with a total position of 216,000 lots as of July 4, 2025 [4][33]. Company Profit Forecasts and Valuations - **Western Mining**: Stock price at 17.10 RMB, with EPS forecasts of 1.67 RMB for 2025, and a PE ratio of 10 [5]. - **Zijin Mining**: Stock price at 20.05 RMB, with EPS forecasts of 1.60 RMB for 2025, and a PE ratio of 13 [5]. - **Luoyang Molybdenum**: Stock price at 8.54 RMB, with EPS forecasts of 0.62 RMB for 2025, and a PE ratio of 14 [5]. - **Jincheng Mining**: Stock price at 45.42 RMB, with EPS forecasts of 3.61 RMB for 2025, and a PE ratio of 13 [5].

Group 1 - Copper prices have surged unexpectedly, driven by rising expectations of interest rate cuts and improving demand sentiment, alongside a declining US dollar index which benefits global commodities, particularly copper and aluminum [1] - The price difference between Comex copper and LME has widened to $1,400, indicating market speculation around the potential removal of Section 232 tariffs [1] - Global copper inventory levels are low, with LME copper stocks decreasing from 270,000 tons at the beginning of the year to 90,000 tons currently, leading to a significant increase in LME copper's backwardation to $320, indicating tightness in the spot market [1] Group 2 - In the copper sector, companies had previously priced in copper prices of $9,000 to $9,500, and the recent price surge is expected to lead to earnings upgrades for these companies [2] - Recommended copper stocks with alpha attributes include Jincheng Mining, Luoyang Molybdenum, Zijin Mining, China Nonferrous Mining, and Minmetals Resources, which are expected to benefit from improved performance and high profit elasticity [2] - In the aluminum sector, while some stocks like China Hongqiao and Zhongfu have shown strong performance, concerns about demand from the photovoltaic sector have led to weaker performance in other aluminum stocks, despite strong underlying demand [2]

Report Overview - The report is the Commodity Research Morning Report - Precious Metals and Base Metals by Guotai Junan Futures on July 4, 2025, covering copper, tin, nickel, and stainless steel [1][2] Core Views - Copper: The rise of the US dollar restricts price increases [2] - Tin: The macro - environment drives the price up [2] - Nickel: The support from the ore end is loosening, and the smelting end limits the upside potential [2] - Stainless steel: Inventory is slightly decreasing marginally, and the steel price is recovering but with limited elasticity [2] Copper Fundamental Data - **Futures**: The closing price of the Shanghai Copper main contract was 80,560 with a daily increase of 0.02%, and the night - session closing price was 80,540 with a decline of - 0.02%. The LME Copper 3M electronic disk closed at 9,952 with a decline of - 0.58% [4] - **Inventory**: Shanghai Copper futures inventory was 24,103, a decrease of 994; LME Copper inventory was 94,325, an increase of 1,075 [4] - **Spreads**: The LME copper ascension discount was 87.61, a decrease of 8.59 compared to the previous day [4] Macro and Industry News - US non - farm payrolls in June increased by 147,000, exceeding expectations, and the unemployment rate unexpectedly dropped to 4.1% [4] - Western Mining's Yulong Copper Mine Phase III project was approved, with the production scale increasing to 30 million tons/year [4] - The TC/RC negotiation result between Antofagasta and Chinese smelters in mid - 2025 was set at 0.0 US dollars/kiloton and 0.0 US cents/pound [4] Trend Intensity - Copper trend intensity is 0, indicating a neutral view [6] Tin Fundamental Data - **Futures**: The closing price of the Shanghai Tin main contract was 268,420 with a decline of - 0.04%, and the night - session closing price was 269,130 with an increase of 0.04%. The LME Tin 3M electronic disk closed at 33,805 with an increase of 0.66% [8] - **Inventory**: Shanghai Tin futures inventory was 6,882, a decrease of 6; LME Tin inventory was 2,165, a decrease of 50 [8] - **Spreads**: The SMM 1 tin ingot price was 266,500, a decrease of 700 compared to the previous day [8] Macro and Industry News - The "Big Beautiful" bill passed in the US House of Representatives by a narrow margin, bringing a deficit of 3.4 trillion [9] - The US non - farm payroll report was unexpectedly strong, and the market abandoned the bet on a rate cut in July [9] Trend Intensity - Tin trend intensity is 0, indicating a neutral view [10] Nickel and Stainless Steel Fundamental Data - **Futures**: The closing price of the Shanghai Nickel main contract was 121,790, and the stainless - steel main contract was 12,710 [11] - **Spreads**: The 8 - 12% high - nickel pig iron (ex - factory price) was 909, a decrease of 2 compared to the previous day [11] Macro and Industry News - The governor of Ontario, Canada, proposed to stop exporting nickel to the US in response to US tariff threats [11] - The CNI nickel - iron RKEF Phase I project in Indonesia entered the trial production stage [12] - An important nickel smelter in Indonesia resumed production, and the capacity of PT QMB New Energy Materials has recovered to 70% - 80% [13][14] Trend Intensity - Nickel trend intensity is 0, and stainless - steel trend intensity is 0, both indicating a neutral view [16]