Core Viewpoint - The petrochemical industry investment strategy for May 2025 highlights a positive economic outlook driven by proactive fiscal policies and increased domestic consumption confidence, alongside a growing global interest in China's artificial intelligence sector [1][2]. Economic Overview - Since late September 2024, a series of domestic policies have been implemented, leading to a noticeable effect on the economy. In 2024, China's GDP reached 134.9 trillion RMB, marking a 5% increase from the previous year [2]. - In Q1 2025, China's GDP at current prices was 31,875.8 billion RMB, with a year-on-year growth of 5.4% at constant prices, indicating steady economic growth [2]. Policy Environment - The Central Political Bureau meeting on April 25 emphasized the need for more proactive macroeconomic policies in response to escalating US-China trade tensions and external uncertainties. The focus will be on expanding consumption and boosting domestic demand [2]. Industry Performance - In April 2025, the comprehensive PMI output index was 50.2%, a decrease of 1.2 percentage points from the previous month. The manufacturing production index fell to 49.8%, down 2.8 percentage points, indicating a decline in manufacturing activity [3]. - Despite a drop in international oil prices by over 15% in April due to increased production by OPEC and trade tensions, the expected price range for Brent crude is projected to be between $65-70 per barrel and WTI at $60-65 per barrel for 2025 [3]. Investment Recommendations - Key investment areas for May 2025 include potassium fertilizers, refrigerants, aramid paper, civil explosives, and pentaerythritol, with specific companies recommended for each sector: - **Potassium Fertilizers**: Global prices are rebounding, and there is a domestic demand gap. Recommended company: **Yaqi International** [4]. - **Refrigerants**: The market outlook is positive due to tightening long-term quotas and increased air conditioning production. Recommended companies: **Juhua Co.** and **Sanmei Co.** [4][7]. - **Aramid Paper**: Demand is increasing due to applications in electrical insulation and honeycomb core materials. Recommended company: **Tongyi Zhong** [4]. - **Civil Explosives**: The industry is experiencing improved profitability due to stable demand and declining costs. Recommended company: **Guangdong Hongda** [5]. - **Pentaerythritol**: Anticipated price increases due to low inventory levels and high demand from the PCB sector [5]. Investment Portfolio - The investment portfolio for this month includes: - **Yaqi International**: A rare potassium fertilizer producer with expanding capacity - **Bailong Chuangyuan**: A long-term growth "small giant" in functional sugars - **Tongyi Zhong**: A company with a full industrial chain layout for UHMWPE fibers - **Guangdong Hongda**: A leading integrated service provider in the civil explosives sector [6].