Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the content 2. Core View of the Report - After nearly four months of consolidation, the stainless steel market is regaining upward momentum, and it is expected that this year's peak - season market may exceed seasonal norms and show stronger performance. The multi - wheel drive includes the continuous optimization of the supply - demand structure at the industrial level and the synchronous improvement of the domestic and foreign economic environment at the macro level. The systematic repair of market expectations will provide more lasting support for stainless steel prices than just supply - demand improvement [6][21]. 3. Summary by Related Content Price and Market Sentiment - Since the Trump administration's tariff increase policy in early April 2025, stainless steel futures prices have been at a low level, even dropping to the 12,000 - yuan mark. With the improvement of the domestic commodity market sentiment and industry prosperity, the prices have recovered the April 7th high [3][6]. - The basis between the spot and futures of stainless steel in Wuxi and Foshan is in a reasonable range, with strong linkage between the futures and spot markets and no obvious price divergence. Supported by the steady recovery of demand, the spot market quotation shows a mild upward trend, and the trading atmosphere has improved [7]. Cost and Profit - The prices of upstream ferronickel and ferrochrome have remained stable recently, providing relatively stable support for the production cost of stainless steel. Under the double benefits of steadily rising spot prices and stable raw material costs, the profit margin of steel mills has been gradually repaired, and some loss - making steel mills have turned losses into profits [7]. Supply and Demand and Inventory - Affected by seasonal weak demand, the market could not digest the previous supply, resulting in low trading volume, high inventory (both implicit and explicit), and a significant blow to steel mills' production enthusiasm, leading to many production cut announcements in early July [14]. - With increased production cuts by steel mills and the release of macro - favorable policies, the stainless steel futures market stabilized and rebounded first, driving up spot prices. The supply contraction expectation increased, and the spot market adopted a price - stabilizing and sales - promoting strategy, resulting in improved trading volume in July and a gradual decline in inventory levels [14]. Macroeconomic Factors - The M1 - M2 gap is continuously narrowing, and the M1 growth rate has significantly increased recently, indicating an increase in corporate current deposits, higher market trading activity, and a strengthening investment willingness in the real economy. Although key indicators in the downstream real estate industry are still in negative growth, the decline is narrowing, showing signs of bottoming out. Speculative demand has increased significantly due to improved market expectations, which is expected to support stainless steel prices [17].

Core Insights - As of August 6, the price of 304 cold-rolled stainless steel in Wuxi is 13,000 yuan/ton, remaining stable day-on-day, while in Foshan it is 12,950 yuan/ton, also unchanged [1] - The nickel ore market is currently stable, with mainstream transaction prices for 1.3% nickel ore around CIF 42 and for 1.4% nickel ore around CIF 50 [1] - Domestic stainless steel production is expected to decrease, with July's output from 43 stainless steel plants estimated at 3.2531 million tons, a month-on-month decline of 2.87% and a year-on-year decline of 1.67% [1] Price Trends - The base price has increased by 25 yuan/ton to 235 yuan/ton [1] - Nickel iron prices have risen to 930-940 yuan/nickel, while ferrochrome prices remain weak and stable with slight room for adjustment [1] - The stainless steel futures inventory as of August 6 is 102,803 tons, a week-on-week decrease of 431 tons [1] Market Dynamics - Social inventory of 300 series stainless steel in Wuxi and Foshan is 514,800 tons, with a week-on-week decrease of 1,100 tons [1] - The market is currently experiencing weak demand, with purchases primarily driven by essential stock replenishment [1] - The overall market sentiment is influenced by macroeconomic factors, including weak U.S. data raising expectations for interest rate cuts [1] Production Insights - The production of 300 series stainless steel in July was 1.7133 million tons, a month-on-month decrease of 3.8% but a year-on-year increase of 4.7% [1] - The expected increase in the domestic nickel ore benchmark price in Indonesia is projected to rise by 0.2 - 0.3 USD in August [1] - The short-term supply pressure is unlikely to ease significantly due to insufficient production cuts despite maintenance at stainless steel plants [1] Future Outlook - The market is expected to remain in a narrow range, with the main operational range referenced at 12,600 - 13,200 yuan/ton [1] - The short-term view indicates a range-bound movement driven by policy and macroeconomic sentiment [1]

Core Insights - The China Commodity Price Index (CBPI) rose by 0.5% month-on-month in July 2025, marking three consecutive months of positive growth, indicating optimistic business expectations and overall market expansion [1][5] - The overall stability in the commodity market is supported by the implementation of "anti-involution" policies and increased macroeconomic counter-cyclical adjustment measures [5][7] - Despite the positive trends, global commodity price volatility and external uncertainties remain significant challenges for certain industries [1][5] Commodity Price Index Summary - The CBPI for July 2025 is reported at 111.4 points, with a month-on-month increase of 0.5% and a year-on-year decrease of 2.7% [3][6] - The black metal price index rebounded to 77.9 points, up 1.7% month-on-month, while the non-ferrous price index rose to 130.1 points, up 1.1% month-on-month [3][7] - The energy price index decreased to 96.7 points, down 0.6% month-on-month, and the chemical price index fell to 102.9 points, down 1.4% month-on-month [3][8] Sector-Specific Insights - In July, 32 out of 50 monitored commodities saw price increases, with lithium carbonate, industrial silicon, and coking coal rising by 10.2%, 9.8%, and 9.6% respectively [5][6] - The chemical sector experienced a decline, with methanol and cement prices dropping by 5% and 4.8% respectively, attributed to supply-demand imbalances and increased inventories [8][9] - The agricultural price index slightly decreased to 97.9 points, down 0.2% month-on-month, influenced by high temperatures and lower-than-expected summer consumption [8][9] Market Dynamics - The rebound in black metal prices is driven by improved market confidence and rising prices of raw materials like coking coal and coke [6][7] - The energy sector's decline is linked to seasonal production slowdowns and weaker downstream demand [7][8] - The mineral price index fell to 71.7 points, down 2.7% month-on-month, due to weak downstream demand and increased inventory pressures [9]

Investment Rating - Industry rating: Recommended [4] Core Insights - In Q2 2025, the company's self-owned copper production decreased by 21.0% year-on-year to 176,000 tons, while cobalt production increased by 1.1% to 9,400 tons [1][3] - The company reported a significant increase in zinc production, which rose by 18.9% year-on-year to 251,600 tons, and a decrease in lead and nickel production [1][2] - The first half of 2025 saw a 26% decrease in copper production compared to the first half of 2024, attributed to mining sequencing and lower ore grades [3][7] Summary by Relevant Sections Q2 2025 Production Overview - Self-owned copper production: 176,000 tons, down 21.0% year-on-year, up 4.8% quarter-on-quarter - Self-owned cobalt production: 9,400 tons, up 1.1% year-on-year, down 1.1% quarter-on-quarter - Self-owned zinc production: 251,600 tons, up 18.9% year-on-year, up 17.8% quarter-on-quarter - Self-owned lead production: 41,000 tons, down 7.0% year-on-year, down 17.8% quarter-on-quarter - Self-owned nickel production: 17,800 tons, down 12.7% year-on-year, down 5.3% quarter-on-quarter - Self-owned gold production: 301,000 ounces (9.36 tons), down 18% year-on-year - Self-owned silver production: 9,097,000 ounces (282.95 tons), down 0.2% year-on-year [1][2][3] H1 2025 Production Overview - Self-owned copper production: 343,900 tons, down 26% year-on-year - Self-owned cobalt production: 18,900 tons, up 19% year-on-year - Self-owned zinc production: 465,200 tons, up 12% year-on-year - Self-owned lead production: 90,900 tons, up 3% year-on-year - Self-owned nickel production: 36,600 tons, down 7% year-on-year - Self-owned gold production: 301,000 ounces (9.36 tons), down 18% year-on-year - Self-owned silver production: 9,097,000 ounces (282.95 tons), down 0.2% year-on-year [3][7][8] 2025 Production Guidance - Updated production guidance reflects a tightening of ranges, considering year-to-date performance and expected full-year results [11][13]

Core Viewpoint - The launch of the "Nishk-Horgos-Taiyuan" China-Europe (Asia) freight train marks a significant development in facilitating the import of chromium iron, enhancing supply chain efficiency and reducing logistics costs for Taiyuan Iron and Steel (Group) Co., Ltd. [1][2] Group 1: Company Impact - The new freight train service allows Taiyuan Steel Group to benefit from cross-border trade facilitation measures, significantly shortening the transportation time for imported goods and lowering logistics costs [1]. - The transportation cost of bulk goods is a major component of total costs, directly affecting the profitability and market competitiveness of inland manufacturing enterprises [1]. - The collaboration between Taiyuan Customs, Taiyuan Steel Group, and Shanxi provincial logistics platform Huayuan Land Port optimizes logistics routes, creating a more efficient transportation corridor for chromium iron from Central Asia to Taiyuan [1]. Group 2: Industry Development - The freight train, operated by Huayuan International Land Port Group, carries 110 containers of chromium iron, a key raw material for stainless steel production [2]. - This marks a transition from "one-way operation" to "two-way circulation" for the Shanxi China-Europe (Asia) freight train, promoting cost reduction and efficiency enhancement in the manufacturing sector [2]. - Once the service is regularized, it is expected to operate seven trains per month, transporting 20,000 tons of high-carbon chromium iron [2].

1. Report Industry Investment Ratings - **Macro Finance**: - Stocks: Bullish [1] - Bonds: Neutral (Oscillating) [1] - Gold: Bullish [1] - Silver: Bullish in the short - term, cautious in the medium - term [1] - **Non - ferrous Metals**: - Copper: Bullish (Oscillating upward) [1] - Aluminum: Neutral (Oscillating) [1] - Alumina: Neutral (Wide - range oscillating) [1] - Zinc: Bullish [1] - Nickel: Bullish in the short - term, cautious in the long - term [1] - Stainless Steel: Bullish (Oscillating upward) [1] - Tin: Volatile in the short - term [1] - Industrial Silicon: Bullish [1] - Polysilicon: Bullish [1] - Lithium Hydroxide: Bullish [1] - **Ferrous Metals**: - Rebar: Neutral (Oscillating) [1] - Hot - rolled Coil: Neutral (Oscillating) [1] - Iron Ore: Neutral (Oscillating) [1] - Silicomanganese: Bullish [1] - Ferrosilicon: Bullish [1] - Glass: Bullish [1] - Soda Ash: Bullish [1] - Coking Coal: Neutral (Oscillating) [1] - Coke: Neutral (Oscillating) [1] - **Agricultural Products**: - Palm Oil: Bullish, with risks [1] - Methanol: Neutral (Oscillating) [1] - Rapeseed Oil: Neutral (Oscillating) [1] - Cotton: Bullish in the short - term, limited upside for 01 contract [1] - White Sugar: Bullish, limited upside [1] - Corn: Bearish for CO1, limited upside for C09 [1] - Soybean Meal: Bullish for M01 on pullbacks, limited upside for M09 [1] - Pulp: Neutral (Oscillating) [1] - Logs: Bullish in the short - term, not advisable to chase [1] - Live Pigs: Neutral (Stable) [1] - **Energy and Chemicals**: - Crude Oil: Neutral (Oscillating) [1] - Fuel Oil: Neutral (Oscillating) [1] - Asphalt: Neutral (Oscillating) [1] - Natural Rubber: Neutral (Oscillating) [1] - BR Rubber: Neutral (Oscillating with support) [1] - PTA: Neutral (Oscillating) [1] - Ethylene Glycol: Bullish [1] - Short - fiber: Bullish [1] - Styrene: Bullish [1] - Urea: Neutral (Oscillating) [1] - PF: Neutral (Oscillating downward) [1] - DO: Bullish (Oscillating upward) [1] - PVC: Bullish (Oscillating upward) [1] - Caustic Soda: Bullish [2] - LPG: Bearish [2] - Shipping: Bearish [2] 2. Core Views - In the short term, stock indices are expected to be strong due to the "asset shortage" and "national team" support, as well as the boost from "anti - involution" and real estate policy expectations. Bond futures are favored by the "asset shortage" and weak economy, but the central bank's short - term interest rate risk warning restricts their upside. Gold and silver are expected to be strong in the short term due to market uncertainties [1]. - In the non - ferrous metals sector, "anti - involution" policies and other factors drive price movements. For example, zinc and stainless steel prices are rising, while nickel is strong in the short term but faces long - term over - supply pressure [1]. - In the ferrous metals sector, supply - side reforms drive the prices of many products such as silicomanganese, ferrosilicon, glass, and soda ash to be strong [1]. - In the agricultural products sector, different products have different trends. For example, corn has different strategies for different contracts, and soybean meal has different outlooks for M09 and M01 [1]. - In the energy and chemicals sector, factors such as supply - demand relationships, cost support, and seasonal factors affect product prices. For example, styrene is bullish due to factors such as increased device load, while LPG is bearish due to high inventory and seasonal factors [1][2]. 3. Summary by Related Catalogs Macro Finance - **Stock Indices**: Recently, stock indices have shown obvious insensitivity to negative news, with strong trading volume and market sentiment. The "asset shortage" and "national team" support increase the willingness to allocate equity assets, and "anti - involution" and real estate policy expectations boost market sentiment. In the short term, stock indices are expected to be strong [1]. - **Bond Futures**: The "asset shortage" and weak economy are favorable for bond futures, but the central bank's short - term interest rate risk warning restricts their upside [1]. - **Gold and Silver**: Market uncertainties remain, so the price of gold is expected to be strong and oscillating in the short term. Silver shows short - term resilience, but caution is needed in the medium term [1]. Non - ferrous Metals - **Copper**: The "anti - involution" theme in China is volatile, and downstream demand is fair, so the copper price is oscillating upward [1]. - **Aluminum**: The "anti - involution" theme in China is emerging, but high prices suppress downstream demand, so the aluminum price may oscillate [1]. - **Alumina**: Alumina profits are expanding, with both supply and inventory increasing, and the price is oscillating widely [1]. - **Zinc**: The "anti - involution" and capacity - reduction themes in China are emerging, infrastructure demand is boosted, and the risk of LME zinc squeeze is increasing, so the zinc price is rising. Attention should be paid to LME warehouse receipts [1]. - **Nickel**: The "anti - involution" policy in China is emerging, and the macro - sentiment is positive. Indonesia's RKAB approval quota in the first half of the year reached 364 million wet tons, and the premium of Indonesian nickel ore has slightly declined. In the short term, the nickel price is mainly driven by the macro - situation and is oscillating upward. It is recommended to wait and see and look for short - selling opportunities after the sentiment calms down. In the long term, the over - supply of primary nickel still exerts pressure [1]. - **Stainless Steel**: The "anti - involution" policy in China is emerging, and the macro - sentiment is warming up, which boosts the steel price. The price of raw material ferronickel is weak, the social inventory of stainless steel is slightly decreasing, and after profit recovery, steel mills' production cuts may be less than expected. Attention should be paid to the actual production of steel mills. The stainless steel futures are oscillating upward. It is recommended to wait and see and look for positive arbitrage opportunities between futures and spot, and pay attention to raw material changes and steel mills' production schedules [1]. Ferrous Metals - **Rebar and Hot - rolled Coil**: Strong furnace materials provide valuation support, and the prices are oscillating [1]. - **Iron Ore**: Although the commodity sentiment is positive, the fundamentals are marginally weakening, and the price is oscillating [1]. - **Silicomanganese, Ferrosilicon, Glass, and Soda Ash**: Supply - side reforms are restarted, and the prices are mainly strong [1]. - **Coking Coal and Coke**: The "anti - involution" theme is mentioned in high - level meetings. Although it cannot be compared with the 2015 supply - side reform bull market, it cannot be falsified in the short - term trading aspect. Short - selling orders should be temporarily avoided, and industrial customers should seize the opportunity of premium to establish positive arbitrage positions between futures and spot. For coke, the key is to seize the opportunity of futures premium for short - selling hedging [1]. Agricultural Products - **Palm Oil**: There is an expectation of international demand growth, and the reference price in Malaysia is raised. The risk lies in the negative impact of increased production in the producing areas and weak exports [1]. - **Cotton**: Cotton has increased positions and prices in the short term, mainly driven by the logic of squeezing the 01 contract in the near - month. The upside of the 01 contract is limited. Attention should be paid to the time window from the end of July to the beginning of August and the release of sliding - scale tariff quotas [1]. - **White Sugar**: White sugar is running strongly, with the bottom - divergence rebound of raw sugar and peak - season demand, but the upside is limited. Attention should be paid to the oscillation in the range of 5600 - 6000 [1]. - **Corn**: The supply - demand of old - crop corn is tightening, which supports the market, but the low price difference between wheat and corn squeezes the demand for corn. Under the pressure of high warehouse receipts, the rebound space of C09 is expected to be limited. The planting cost of new - season corn is reduced, and the production situation is good. It is recommended to short CO1 at high prices [1]. - **Soybean Meal**: The domestic soybean meal is in the inventory - accumulation cycle, and the basis is expected to continue to be under pressure. In the short term, the spot lacks the conditions for a sharp rise. Under the low basis, the upside of M09 is expected to be limited. Supported by the import cost, it is recommended to wait for pullbacks to buy M01 [1]. - **Pulp and Logs**: Pulp has rebounded significantly due to the strong commodity sentiment. Currently, the basis of broad - leaf pulp has weakened to - 1400 yuan/ton, and it is not recommended to chase the rise. In the short term, the main trading logic of logs may shift to the "strong expectation" of the 09 contract. After a sharp rise, it is not recommended to chase the rise [1]. - **Live Pigs**: With the continuous restoration of live - pig inventory, the slaughter weight is continuously increasing. The market expects sufficient inventory, and the futures are at a large discount to the spot. In the short term, the spot is less affected by slaughter, and the overall decline is limited, so the futures remain stable [1]. Energy and Chemicals - **Crude Oil and Fuel Oil**: The geopolitical situation in the Middle East has cooled down, and the market has returned to the supply - demand logic. OPEC+ has increased production more than expected, and short - term peak - season consumption in Europe and the United States provides support. The prices are oscillating [1]. - **Asphalt**: In the short term, the supply - demand contradiction is not prominent, and it follows the crude oil price. Cost disturbances and demand recovery balance each other, and the price fluctuation is limited [1]. - **Natural Rubber and BR Rubber**: For natural rubber, there are short - term rainfall disturbances in the producing areas, slow inventory reduction, and positive macro - sentiment in the market. For BR rubber, the cost of butadiene provides support, the fundamentals of synthetic rubber are stable, demand is weakening, the spot price is oscillating, and there will be some device maintenance of butadiene in the future with limited cargo supply, so the BR futures are expected to consolidate in stages and then have price support [1]. - **PTA**: PTA supply has shrunk, but the crude oil price remains strong. The downstream load of polyester remains at 90% despite the expectation of load reduction. In July, bottle chips and short - fibers will enter the maintenance cycle. PTA ports have slightly reduced inventory, and the replenishment willingness of polyester is not high [1]. - **Ethylene Glycol**: The coal price has risen slightly, the commodity sentiment is generally positive, overseas ethylene glycol device maintenance has been postponed, the supply has shrunk, and the market expects less arrival of goods in the future [1]. - **Short - fiber**: The registration volume of short - fiber warehouse receipts is small, and short - fiber factories' maintenance is increasing. Under the high basis, the cost of short - fiber is closely related [1]. - **Styrene**: The pure - benzene price has slightly declined, styrene sales are active, the device load of styrene has increased, the basis of styrene has significantly weakened, and there are many old - capacity issues in the pure - benzene and styrene industries [1]. - **Urea**: There is an expectation of supply contraction, and domestic demand has entered the off - season [1]. - **PF**: The macro - sentiment has faded, and it has returned to the fundamentals. There are many maintenance activities, demand is mainly for rigid needs, and the price is oscillating downward [1]. - **DO**: The downstream has entered the seasonal off - season, the supply pressure is increasing, and the price is oscillating upward [1]. - **PVC**: The prices of coking coal and other products have risen, the market sentiment is good, the maintenance has decreased compared with the previous period, and the price is oscillating upward [1]. - **Caustic Soda**: Maintenance is approaching the end, the spot price has fallen to a low level, the premium of caustic soda delivery substitutes has increased, there are many coal policies, and the sentiment is positive [2]. - **LPG**: The support from crude oil is insufficient, the international fundamentals are loose, the port propane inventory is high, the CP - FEI spread has narrowed, the LPG combustion demand is in the seasonal off - season, the chemical demand is average, the spread between industrial and civil uses has narrowed, and the domestic LPG price is running weakly [2]. - **Shipping**: The signal of freight rate peaking is emerging, European ports are still congested, and there will be many scheduled ships in August [2].

Report Summary 1. Industry Investment Ratings The report does not provide an overall industry investment rating. Instead, it offers trend judgments for various products in different sectors: - **Macro Finance**: Index futures are expected to show a relatively strong oscillatory pattern; Treasury bond futures may face limited upside due to the central bank's interest - rate risk warning; Gold and silver prices are likely to oscillate; Copper prices are bearish; Aluminum prices are likely to oscillate strongly; Alumina prices are expected to stabilize and rebound; Zinc prices are under pressure, and short - selling opportunities are recommended; Nickel prices will oscillate, with short - term short - selling suggestions; Stainless steel prices may rebound, but the sustainability needs observation [1]. - **Non - ferrous Metals**: Tin prices have limited upward drive in the short term; Industrial silicon prices will oscillate; Polysilicon prices are bullish; Lithium carbonate prices will oscillate [1]. - **Black Metals**: Rebar and hot - rolled coil prices are supported by cost; Iron ore prices will oscillate; Manganese silicon and ferrosilicon prices are under pressure; Coke and coking coal prices have short - term support but face medium - term oversupply; Anthracite prices suggest short - term avoidance of short positions and building long - short hedging positions for industrial customers [1]. - **Agricultural Products**: Palm oil, soybean oil, and rapeseed oil prices are expected to oscillate; Cotton prices are expected to oscillate weakly; Sugar production in Brazil is expected to increase, and the impact of crude oil on sugar production needs attention; Corn prices are expected to oscillate, and short - selling opportunities for the far - month contract C01 are recommended; Soybean meal prices may have different trends depending on trade policies; Pulp prices are currently over - valued with macro - level positives; Log prices are bearish; Live pig futures are stable; Crude oil and fuel oil prices are affected by supply and demand, with short - term support from consumption; Asphalt prices will oscillate; Natural rubber prices are bearish; BR rubber prices have some support and speculation; PTA prices are affected by various factors; Ethylene glycol prices are expected to reach a certain level; Short - fiber prices are affected by cost and production; Styrene prices are affected by raw material and production factors [1]. - **Energy and Chemicals**: Urea prices will oscillate; PE and PP prices are likely to oscillate strongly; PVC prices will oscillate strongly; Chlor - alkali prices are affected by various factors; LPG prices will oscillate [1]. - **Other**: The freight rate of the European container shipping line is expected to form an arc - top shape, with the peak time advancing [1]. 2. Core Views The report analyzes the trends of different products in multiple sectors based on various factors such as market supply and demand, policy changes, international trade policies, and geopolitical situations. It provides trend judgments and trading suggestions for each product, highlighting the importance of considering both short - term and long - term factors in investment decisions [1]. 3. Section - by - Section Summaries Macro Finance - **Index Futures**: Short - term domestic and international positive factors are limited, but market sentiment and liquidity are acceptable, so the index may show a relatively strong oscillatory pattern [1]. - **Treasury Bond Futures**: The asset shortage and weak economy are beneficial for bond futures, but the central bank's short - term interest - rate risk warning restricts the upside [1]. - **Precious Metals**: Market uncertainties remain, so gold and silver prices are expected to oscillate in the short term [1]. - **Base Metals**: Copper prices may decline due to potential US tariffs; Aluminum prices are supported by alumina but face high - price demand suppression; Alumina prices are expected to rise due to supply - side reform expectations; Zinc prices are under pressure from tariffs and inventory accumulation; Nickel prices will oscillate, affected by supply and macro factors; Stainless steel prices may rebound, but the sustainability needs to be observed [1]. Non - ferrous Metals - **Tin**: Short - term fundamentals are weak in both supply and demand, with limited upward drive [1]. - **Industrial Silicon**: Supply shows a pattern of decrease in the north and increase in the south, and demand has marginal growth but a potential decline in the future, with high market sentiment [1]. - **Polysilicon**: There are expectations of photovoltaic supply - side reform, and market sentiment is high [1]. - **Lithium Carbonate**: Supply has no reduction, downstream replenishment is mainly by traders, and there is capital game, so prices will oscillate [1]. Black Metals - **Steel Products**: Rebar and hot - rolled coil prices are supported by strong furnace materials; Iron ore prices have a positive commodity sentiment but a weakening fundamental situation; Manganese silicon and ferrosilicon prices are affected by supply - demand and cost factors; Coke and coking coal prices have short - term support but face medium - term oversupply; Anthracite prices suggest short - term avoidance of short positions and building long - short hedging positions for industrial customers [1]. Agricultural Products - **Oils and Fats**: Palm oil, soybean oil, and rapeseed oil prices are expected to oscillate due to different factors such as monthly reports and lack of drivers [1]. - **Cotton**: Domestic cotton prices are expected to oscillate weakly due to trade negotiations, weather, and consumption season factors [1]. - **Sugar**: Brazil's sugar production is expected to increase, and the impact of crude oil on sugar production needs attention [1]. - **Corn**: Short - term policy - related grain supply and price differentials have a negative impact, and far - month contract short - selling opportunities are recommended [1]. - **Soybean Meal**: The price trend depends on Sino - US trade policies [1]. - **Pulp**: The price is currently over - valued, but there are macro - level positives [1]. - **Log**: The price is bearish due to the off - season and limited supply reduction [1]. - **Live Pig**: Futures prices are stable due to存栏 and出栏 factors [1]. - **Crude Oil and Fuel Oil**: Prices are affected by supply and demand, with short - term support from consumption [1]. - **Asphalt**: Prices will oscillate due to cost and demand factors [1]. - **Natural Rubber**: Prices are bearish due to weakening demand, increased supply, and inventory increase [1]. - **BR Rubber**: Prices have some support and speculation [1]. - **PTA**: Prices are affected by factors such as basis, crude oil, and polyester downstream load [1]. - **Ethylene Glycol**: Prices are expected to reach a certain level due to coal prices, arrival volume, and polyester procurement [1]. - **Short - fiber**: Prices are affected by cost and production factors [1]. - **Styrene**: Prices are affected by raw material and production factors [1]. Energy and Chemicals - **Urea**: Prices will oscillate due to domestic demand and export expectations [1]. - **PE and PP**: Prices are likely to oscillate strongly due to macro - sentiment, maintenance, and demand factors [1]. - **PVC**: Prices will oscillate strongly due to factors such as coal prices, maintenance, and seasonal demand [1]. - **Chlor - alkali**: Prices are affected by various factors such as coal prices, arrival volume, and profit [1]. - **LPG**: Prices will oscillate due to spot market, crude oil support, and seasonal demand factors [1]. Other - **Container Shipping (European Line)**: The freight rate is expected to form an arc - top shape, with the peak time advancing and sufficient subsequent capacity deployment [1].

Core Viewpoint - The stainless steel market is experiencing stable prices with a slight increase in futures, but overall demand remains weak and inventory depletion is slow [3] Pricing - As of July 8, the price of 304 cold-rolled stainless steel in Wuxi is 12,700 yuan/ton, and in Foshan is 12,650 yuan/ton, both unchanged from the previous day [1] - The nickel iron price is reported at 910-920 yuan/nickel (including tax), with significant pressure on profits for steel mills [3] Raw Materials - Philippine 1.3% nickel ore is trading at FOB 36-37, with shipping efficiency hindered by rainy weather [1] - The domestic benchmark price for Indonesian nickel ore is expected to decrease by 0.5-0.8 USD, with domestic premiums expected to drop by 2 USD to +24-25 [1] Supply - In July, the estimated crude steel output from 43 domestic stainless steel mills is 3.2531 million tons, a month-on-month decrease of 2.87% and a year-on-year decrease of 1.67% [1] - The output for the 300 series is estimated at 1.7133 million tons, with a month-on-month decrease of 3.8% but a year-on-year increase of 4.7% [1] Inventory - As of July 4, social inventory for the 300 series in Wuxi and Foshan is 507,500 tons, a week-on-week decrease of 25,200 tons [2] - On July 8, stainless steel futures inventory is reported at 111,410 tons, a week-on-week decrease of 546 tons [2] Market Dynamics - The overall demand in the market is weak, with manufacturing orders recovering slowly due to continuous rainy and high-temperature weather [3] - The psychological price gap between supply and demand continues to widen, with steel mills increasing pressure on raw material prices [3]

Core Viewpoint - Stainless steel futures prices have shown weakness in Q2 2023, nearing 2020 lows, but recent production cuts have led to a rebound in spot prices, indicating potential changes in supply and demand dynamics [1][4]. Supply Summary - As of May 2025, the crude stainless steel output from 43 domestic steel enterprises was 3.4629 million tons, a decrease of 1.14% month-on-month but an increase of 4.9% year-on-year [1]. - Cumulative output from January to May was 16.4843 million tons, up 10.15% year-on-year [1]. - June production was 3.3623 million tons, down 2.91% month-on-month, while July production is expected to be 3.1655 million tons, a decrease of 9.58% [1]. - The production of 200 series stainless steel was 1.0219 million tons, down 1.62% month-on-month; 300 series was 1.5427 million tons, down 4.94%; and 400 series was 600.9 thousand tons, up 0.19% [1]. Demand Summary - The apparent consumption of stainless steel in May 2025 was 2.9093 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 4.4% [2]. - From January to May, the apparent consumption totaled 13.9384 million tons, up 5.68% year-on-year [2]. - Demand from the real estate sector has declined, and the effects of policies promoting the replacement of consumer goods have been fully realized [2]. - July is traditionally a weak demand month for stainless steel, which may put pressure on prices [2]. Inventory Summary - The accumulation of stainless steel social inventory is due to supply growth outpacing demand growth, with total inventory at 1.1544 million tons, a decrease of 0.3% [2]. - Cold-rolled stainless steel inventory was 622.2 thousand tons, down 2%, while hot-rolled stainless steel inventory was 532.2 thousand tons, up 1.82% [2]. Trade Summary - From January to May 2025, China imported 718 thousand tons of stainless steel, a decrease of 258.6 thousand tons or 26.5% year-on-year [3]. - Exports totaled 2.1101 million tons, an increase of 200.6 thousand tons or 10.5% year-on-year, although recent export growth has slowed [3]. - Net exports reached 1.392 million tons, up 459 thousand tons or 49.2% year-on-year, with over 50% of exports going to Southeast Asian countries, which may be affected by U.S. tariff policies [3]. Cost Summary - As of late June, the profit margins for various stainless steel production methods were negative, indicating a cost-price mismatch: -2.44% for high-nickel iron, -0.68% for scrap stainless steel, -7.88% for self-produced high-nickel iron, and -21.57% for low-nickel and pure nickel processes [3]. - The actual reduction in stainless steel production in July remains to be observed, with short-term cuts potentially leading to price rebounds, but a long-term reduction trend has not yet formed [3]. Nickel and Chrome Market Summary - Nickel iron prices are weak, with recent bids at 940 yuan per nickel and a Mysteel index at 920 yuan per nickel [4]. - Domestic nickel pig iron imports for May 2025 were 97.7 thousand tons, with a cumulative import of 523 thousand tons from January to May, reflecting a 23.7% year-on-year increase [4]. - Chrome ore prices have declined, weakening cost support for ferrochrome, while the southern production areas are entering a peak water period, which may affect electricity prices and ferrochrome costs [4]. Overall Market Outlook - The stainless steel market is currently characterized by oversupply and weak demand, with ongoing inventory accumulation and insufficient cost support for prices [4]. - Short-term production cuts may lead to price rebounds, but a long-term reduction trend has not yet emerged, indicating that prices are still in a "bottoming" phase [4]. - As global excess capacity is gradually eliminated, the influence of major stainless steel producing countries is expected to increase, potentially creating better long positions in the future [4].

Core Viewpoint - The stainless steel market is experiencing a mixed situation with stable prices but weak demand, leading to a cautious outlook for the near term [3]. Pricing - As of June 30, the price of 304 cold-rolled stainless steel in Wuxi and Foshan is 12,650 CNY/ton, with Wuxi seeing a daily decrease of 50 CNY/ton, while Foshan remains unchanged [1]. - The nickel iron price has decreased to 910 CNY/nickel (including tax) in a major steel mill in South China, with traders adjusting their quotes down to 910-920 CNY/nickel [1]. Raw Materials - The price of 1.3% nickel ore from the Philippines is trading at FOB 37-38 USD, affected by rainy weather which has slowed shipping efficiency [1]. - The domestic benchmark price for Indonesian nickel ore is expected to drop by 0.5-0.8 USD in July, with domestic premiums anticipated to decrease by 2 USD to +24-25 USD [1]. Supply - According to Mysteel, the estimated crude steel output from 43 domestic stainless steel mills is 3.3623 million tons for June, a month-on-month decrease of 2.91% but a year-on-year increase of 2.24% [1]. - The production of the 300 series is expected to be 1.7912 million tons, showing a month-on-month increase of 0.36% and a year-on-year increase of 8.35% [1]. Inventory - As of June 27, the social inventory of the 300 series in Wuxi and Foshan is 532,700 tons, with a week-on-week decrease of 1,500 tons [2]. - The stainless steel futures inventory is reported at 112,140 tons as of June 30, reflecting a week-on-week decrease of 1,763 tons [2]. Market Dynamics - The stainless steel market is showing a strong oscillation in prices, with some traders in East and South China slightly increasing their purchase prices due to the strong futures market [3]. - The overall sentiment in the market is improving, but the fundamental conditions remain weak, with slow demand recovery and high stainless steel production levels [3]. Short-term Outlook - The market is expected to operate within a weak range, with a reference range of 12,300-13,000 CNY [4].