镍与不锈钢周报 驱动仍不足 2025年8月26日 宏源期货研究所 吴金恒 从业资格号：F03100418 投资咨询从业证书号：Z0021125 电话：010-82293229 www.hongyuanqh.com 电解镍 ⚫ 策略:观望 ⚫ 运行区间：116000-126000 ⚫ 逻辑：供给端，镍矿价格持平，上周到港量增加，港口累库； 国内铁厂亏损幅度扩大，国内铁厂排产下降，印尼铁厂排产 小幅增加，镍铁小幅去库；国内精炼镍排产上升，出口盈利 缩小。需求端，三元材料排产上升，前驱体排产上升；不锈 钢厂排产上升；合金电镀需求稳定。库存端，上周纯镍社会 库存减少，保税区库存持平。综上，纯镍产量高位，供需偏 松，美联储降息预期反复，预计镍价区间震荡。 ⚫ 风险提示：美联储降息预期变化、需求改善超预期、印尼镍产业政策变化 不锈钢 ⚫ 运行区间：12500-13500 ⚫ 逻辑：基本面来看，不锈钢厂排产回升，不锈钢终端需求 一般。成本端支撑坚挺，镍生铁价格上涨，高碳铬铁价格 上涨。库存方面，总库存去库，300系去库。综上，产量 回升，需求一般，库存压力仍存，但不锈钢成本支撑坚挺， "反内卷"情绪影响仍在，预计不锈钢区间 ...

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the non-ferrous and steel industry [5] Core Viewpoints - The current period is seen as an investment opportunity for the gold sector, driven by expectations of a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve [8][12][13] - Economic indicators suggest that maintaining high growth is challenging, leading to increased expectations for interest rate cuts [14] - The impact of tariffs is becoming evident, with expectations of rising inflation due to the depletion of low-cost inventories [15] Summary by Sections Gold Sector - The gold sector is viewed as a timely investment opportunity, with recent employment data indicating a shift towards lower growth expectations, enhancing the likelihood of interest rate cuts [13][14] - The average tariff rate in the U.S. has reached 20.1%, which is expected to further influence inflation in the coming quarters [15] Steel Sector - The steel industry is experiencing short-term profit fluctuations but is expected to stabilize and recover in the medium term due to the "anti-involution" policy [16] - Steel consumption has increased by 3.63% week-on-week, while production has shown a mixed trend with a notable rise in rebar production [21][18] - Overall steel inventory has risen, but structural improvements in demand are anticipated [23] - The cost of steel production is expected to stabilize, with short-term cost reduction potential diminishing [27] - Steel prices are projected to continue rising, supported by the "anti-involution" policy [36] New Energy Metals - The production of lithium carbonate in June 2025 saw a significant year-on-year increase of 20.95%, indicating strong supply dynamics [41] - The demand for new energy vehicles remains robust, with production and sales showing substantial growth [45] - Prices for lithium, cobalt, and nickel have generally increased, reflecting strong market conditions [50]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the non-ferrous and steel industry [5] Core Viewpoints - The report argues that the value reassessment of the strategic metals sector has just begun, contrary to some investors' belief that the recent rapid price increases indicate an impending peak [8][14] - It highlights three dimensions supporting this view: policy measures against strategic mineral smuggling, a tight supply-demand balance driving product prices up, and an increase in risk appetite due to political policy risk premiums [8][14][17] Summary by Sections Strategic Metals - Some investors believe the recent surge in strategic metals prices is unsustainable and may soon peak [8][13] - The report counters this by stating that the value reassessment of strategic metals is just beginning, driven by macroeconomic inflation, tight supply-demand dynamics, and political risk premiums [14][17] - Policy measures to combat strategic mineral smuggling are expected to be reinforced, particularly for rare earths and other strategic metals [15] - The supply-demand balance remains tight, with increasing demand from sectors like new energy vehicles and offshore wind power, leading to rising prices for rare earths [16] - Political policy risk premiums are expected to rise, enhancing the attractiveness of the strategic metals sector [17] Steel Industry - Steel prices are anticipated to continue rising due to production cut expectations [18] - Steel demand and production have decreased, but a dynamic balance in supply and demand is expected [18][25] - Inventory levels are showing differentiation among various steel products, with total inventory likely to decline further [25] - Cost increases in raw materials are pushing steel prices up, with profits for steel mills expected to recover [28] - The overall steel price index has seen a slight increase, with specific products like hot-rolled steel showing notable price rises [35] New Energy Metals - Lithium production in June 2025 saw a significant year-on-year increase of 20.95%, indicating strong supply growth [40] - The demand for new energy vehicles remains robust, with production and sales in June 2025 showing substantial growth [44] - Prices for lithium and cobalt have generally risen, while nickel prices have seen a decline [49][50] Industrial Metals - Global refined copper production has increased, with supply slightly better than expected [57] - The demand outlook is improving, with manufacturing activity expected to continue recovering [69]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the non-ferrous and steel industry [5] Core Viewpoints - The current market performance of the non-ferrous steel sector is driven by political policy risk premiums rather than fundamental earnings or growth adjustments [8][14] - There is a significant concern regarding the supply chain security in the context of long-term US-China competition, particularly with strategic metals like copper [15] - The imposition of high tariffs on copper is seen as a market manifestation of political policy risk premiums, influencing inventory behaviors [16] - Non-market strategies, such as US government investments in rare earths, highlight the strategic importance of these materials beyond mere economic considerations [17] Summary by Sections Non-Ferrous and Steel Industry Overview - The report discusses the political policy risk premium affecting the non-ferrous steel sector, suggesting that current valuations may exceed fundamental support [8][14] - It emphasizes the need to consider long-term supply chain and national defense requirements when evaluating market premiums [14] Steel Industry Dynamics - Steel demand and production have both decreased, with a slight week-on-week decline in rebar consumption by 1.50% and a year-on-year drop of 5.85% [18][23] - Total steel inventory is expected to decline further, with social inventory down by 0.23% and year-on-year down by 29.02% [25] - The report anticipates a rebound in steel prices due to industry restructuring and reduced competition, with the overall steel price index rising by 1.14% [38][39] New Energy Metals - In May 2025, China's lithium carbonate production surged by 31.37% year-on-year, indicating strong supply growth [43] - The demand for new energy vehicles remains robust, with production and sales of electric vehicles increasing significantly [47] - Lithium and cobalt prices are on the rise, while nickel prices have shown a downward trend [52][53]

Group 1 - In June 2025, China's nickel pig iron production was 23,300 tons, with a month-on-month decrease of 2.87% and a year-on-year decrease of 7.35% [2] - The production of medium and high nickel pig iron was 16,700 tons, down 4.17% month-on-month and down 13.51% year-on-year, while low nickel pig iron production increased by 0.53% month-on-month to 6,700 tons, up 12.68% year-on-year [2] - From January to June 2025, China's total nickel pig iron production was 138,000 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 5.06%, with medium and high nickel pig iron accounting for 100,900 tons, down 9.04% year-on-year [2] Group 2 - In June 2025, the combined nickel pig iron production from China and Indonesia was 174,700 tons, reflecting a month-on-month decrease of 3.85% but a year-on-year increase of 22.21% [5] - The medium and high nickel pig iron production from both countries was 168,100 tons, down 4.01% month-on-month but up 22.62% year-on-year [5] - From January to June 2025, the total nickel pig iron production from China and Indonesia reached 1,040,700 tons, a year-on-year increase of 19.31%, with medium and high nickel pig iron production at 1,003,600 tons, up 20.27% year-on-year [5] Group 3 - As of June 30, 2025, Indonesia's nickel pig iron production was 151,400 tons, down 3.99% month-on-month but up 28.52% year-on-year [6] - From January to June 2025, Indonesia's total nickel pig iron production was 902,700 tons, a year-on-year increase of 24.77% [6] Group 4 - In Indonesia, the phenomenon of cost inversion among mainstream smelting plants has become common, with some production lines halting operations due to high cost pressures [8] - The production enthusiasm among smelting plants is low due to declining finished product prices, and some production lines may consider maintenance due to weak demand from downstream stainless steel [8] - It is expected that Indonesia's nickel pig iron production may further weaken in July due to ongoing high costs and reduced production capacity [8]

Report Summary 1. Investment Rating No investment rating for the industry is provided in the report. 2. Core Views - **L利多因素**: The price of nickel ore remains firm, with strong price - holding intentions from mines, and rising sea freight costs support the cost. Policy disturbances in Indonesia (such as shortened quotas) and favorable new - energy policies strengthen the expectation of a strong supply chain [3]. - **利空因素**: Stainless steel has entered the traditional off - season for demand, increasing the pressure to reduce inventory and suppressing consumption. The supply of nickel ore from the Philippines is expected to loosen, and combined with high - level inventory fluctuations, the supply - demand contradiction has weakened [3]. - **交易咨询观点**: There are limited changes in the fundamentals. Nickel price fluctuations are mainly driven by market sentiment and macro factors, and there is no obvious supply - demand contradiction [3]. 3. Summary by Related Catalogs **Market Data** - **镍期货**: The latest value of SHFE nickel main contract is 122,270 yuan/ton, with a weekly increase of 1,550 yuan and a weekly increase rate of 1.28%. The latest value of LME nickel 3M is 15,355 dollars/ton, with a weekly increase of 165 dollars and an increase rate of 1.17%. The trading volume increased by 60.25% week - on - week, while the position decreased by 6.9% week - on - week [4]. - **不锈钢期货**: The latest value of the stainless - steel main contract is 12,730 yuan/ton, with a weekly increase of 170 yuan and an increase rate of 1%. The trading volume decreased by 9.97% week - on - week, and the position decreased by 8.28% week - on - week [4]. - **现货价格**: The latest value of Jinchuan nickel is 124,550 yuan/ton, with a daily increase of 800 yuan and an increase rate of 0.65%. The latest value of imported nickel is 122,750 yuan/ton, with a daily increase of 900 yuan and an increase rate of 0.74% [4]. - **库存情况**: The domestic social inventory of nickel is 37,843 tons, a decrease of 380 tons compared to the previous period. The LME nickel inventory is 202,470 tons, a decrease of 1,158 tons. The stainless - steel social inventory is 978 tons, a decrease of 14.1 tons, and the nickel pig iron inventory is 37,534 tons, an increase of 2,924 tons [4][6]. **Supply and Inventory of Primary Nickel** - **产量情况**: The report presents the seasonal production of China's refined nickel, total monthly supply of primary nickel including imports, nickel - iron production in China and Indonesia [14][18][20]. - **库存情况**: It shows the seasonal changes in domestic social inventory (nickel plates + nickel beans) and LME nickel inventory, as well as the seasonal changes in nickel ore inventory at Chinese ports [15][16]. **Downstream Sulfuric Acid Nickel** - **价格情况**: The average price of battery - grade nickel sulfate and its premium over primary nickel (plates) are presented, along with the seasonal profit margins of producing nickel sulfate from nickel beans and producing electrowon nickel from externally purchased nickel sulfate [22][24][26]. - **产量情况**: The monthly production of nickel sulfate in China and the seasonal production capacity of ternary precursors are shown [28]. **Stainless Steel** - **利润率情况**: The seasonal profit margin of China's 304 stainless - steel cold - rolled coils is presented [29]. - **产量和库存情况**: The seasonal production and inventory of stainless steel are shown [30][32].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the non-ferrous and steel industry [6]. Core Viewpoints - The mid-term investment logic for the steel industry is centered around the concept of "anti-involution," which is expected to improve profitability [10][15]. - Despite some investors questioning the sustainability of the "anti-involution" theme, the report argues that it is a key driver for profit improvement in the steel sector [10][15]. - The report anticipates a shift in the iron ore supply side dynamics, which will further reinforce the mid-term investment logic of "anti-involution" in the steel industry [10][15][16]. Summary by Sections Investment Suggestions and Targets - The report highlights the importance of focusing on stable profit and high dividend-paying segments within the electrolytic aluminum sector [9]. - It suggests monitoring companies with high gross profit elasticity per ton of steel, such as Sansteel Minmetals, Hualing Steel, and Nanjing Steel [10]. Steel Industry Analysis - The report indicates that steel demand is better than expected, with a notable increase in rebar consumption [17]. - Total steel inventory is expected to decline further due to the "anti-involution" measures [24]. - Profit margins for long and short process rebar steel are projected to continue expanding [28]. - Steel prices are likely to rise further, with the rebar price showing a significant increase [34]. New Energy Metals - The report notes a substantial year-on-year increase in lithium production, indicating a positive outlook for lithium prices [38]. - The demand for new energy vehicles remains strong, with significant growth in production and sales [42]. Industrial Metals - The report observes a decrease in electrolytic aluminum inventory, suggesting potential price increases [56]. - The global refined copper production is slightly better than expected, with a year-on-year increase [59]. Other Notable Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of supply-side reforms in the steel industry, particularly in reducing overcapacity and improving efficiency [16]. - It highlights the role of state-owned enterprises in leading the charge against involutionary competition within the steel sector [16].

Group 1: Core Insights - The report emphasizes the strategic and tactical value of investing in the rare earth sector, viewing it as a critical asset in the long-term geopolitical competition between China and the US [2][15]. - It argues that the current market fluctuations in the rare earth and magnetic materials sectors are largely driven by short-term speculative trading rather than long-term fundamentals [8][14]. - The report highlights the unique competitive advantages of China's rare earth refining and separation capabilities, which are difficult for foreign entities to replicate [15][16]. Group 2: Supply Side Analysis - The domestic supply of rare earths is expected to remain stable, with a concentration of production among two major rare earth groups, while illegal mining activities are being strictly controlled [16]. - China's ability to manage both domestic and international rare earth resources is strengthening, which may further enhance the strategic importance of these resources [16] . Group 3: Demand Side Analysis - The demand for high-performance rare earth permanent magnets is anticipated to grow significantly due to emerging industries such as humanoid robots and low-altitude economies [17]. - Recent approvals for export applications have alleviated previous concerns regarding demand for magnetic materials, indicating a positive shift in market sentiment [17]. Group 4: Steel Industry Insights - The steel industry is entering a seasonal downturn, with a notable increase in rebar production and a slight decrease in consumption [18][23]. - Total steel inventory has decreased significantly, both on a week-over-week and year-over-year basis, indicating a tightening supply [25]. - The profitability of long and short process rebar production is diverging, with long process margins showing slight improvement [29][34]. Group 5: New Energy Metals - Lithium production in China saw a substantial year-over-year increase, while hydroxide production experienced a decline [41]. - The production and sales of new energy vehicles in China have surged, reflecting strong demand in the market [45]. - Prices for lithium, nickel, and cobalt have generally declined, indicating a potential softening in the market [51]. Group 6: Industrial Metals - The report notes a continuous decline in electrolytic aluminum inventory, suggesting potential upward pressure on prices [62]. - Global refined copper production has increased, with slight improvements in smelting fees [62].

Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided Core Viewpoints - Nickel and stainless steel may continue to fluctuate widely in the short term. The audit event of Indonesia's Tsingshan Industrial Park may affect the production of nickel intermediates and stainless steel. The support of ore prices still exists, but there is a certain deviation between the short - term nickel ore and the market trend. The nickel - iron price is still falling, and the demand in the stainless steel market is weak during the off - season. The demand for nickel salts in the new energy chain recovers slowly. Attention should be paid to spot transactions and macro news [1][4][5] Summary by Relevant Contents 1. Price and Management Strategy - **Price Forecast**: The predicted price range of Shanghai nickel is 115,000 - 124,000 yuan/ton, with a current volatility of 15.17% and a historical percentile of 3.2% [3] - **Inventory Management Strategy**: When product sales prices fall and inventory has depreciation risks, short Shanghai nickel futures (60% ratio) and sell call options (50% ratio) to lock in profits and hedge against spot price drops [3] - **Procurement Management Strategy**: When the company has future production procurement needs and is worried about rising raw material prices, buy long - term Shanghai nickel contracts and sell put options according to the production plan, and also buy out - of - the - money call options [3] 2. Market Situation - **Nickel Market**: Intraday, Shanghai nickel continued to fluctuate. The follow - up of the Indonesia audit event may affect production. The support of ore prices still exists, but there is a deviation between short - term nickel ore and the market trend. Nickel - iron prices are falling, with large profit pressure and weak procurement [4] - **Stainless Steel Market**: In the off - season, demand is weak. Spot sales are mainly through price concessions, and overall transactions are average [4] - **New Energy Chain**: The demand for nickel salts recovers slowly, maintaining a production - to - order situation [4] 3. Market Data - **Nickel Disk Data**: The latest price of Shanghai nickel main contract is 118,890 yuan/ton, with a 0% change. The LME nickel 3M price is 15,095 US dollars/ton, up 0.39%. The number of warehouse receipts decreased by 1.69% [6] - **Stainless Steel Disk Data**: The latest price of the stainless steel main contract is 12,575 yuan/ton, with a 0% change. The number of warehouse receipts decreased by 1.80% [7] - **Inventory Data**: Domestic social nickel inventory is 39,383 tons (up 8 tons), LME nickel inventory is 203,598 tons (down 522 tons), stainless steel social inventory is 1,000.6 tons (up 1.8 tons), and nickel pig iron inventory is 34,610 tons (up 3,148 tons) [8] 4. Market Influencing Factors - **Positive Factors**: Some stainless steel mills announced production cuts, the cost of nickel ore prices is supported, and the government's review of some enterprises in Indonesia's Morowali Park may affect production [5] - **Negative Factors**: Stainless steel enters the traditional off - season, inventory clearance is slow, the contradiction in the nickel - iron industry chain deepens, and the demand for precursors in the new energy chain is weak [5]

Group 1 - The core point of the article is the impact of the recent US-China tariff agreement, where the US cancels 91% of tariffs on Chinese goods, while China suspends additional tariffs for 90 days, leading to significant shifts in trade dynamics between the two countries [1][3][12] - Following the agreement, there was a surge in cargo traffic from US ports to China, but traditional US exports like energy and agricultural products faced a decline in demand from China [3][6] - The US soybean exports to China dropped by 32% in Q1 2025, while Brazil's soybean exports reached 60 million tons, indicating a shift in China's sourcing preferences towards South America [6][10] Group 2 - In the energy sector, US propane shipments were not approved for entry into China, redirecting to Southeast Asia, while China signed long-term contracts for liquefied natural gas with Qatar and Canada [8][22] - In manufacturing, China has replaced US scrap steel imports with nickel pig iron from Indonesia, and cobalt exports from the Democratic Republic of Congo to China surged by 47% [10][15] - China's chip self-sufficiency has increased to 35%, indicating a significant reduction in reliance on US semiconductor imports despite ongoing US restrictions [11][12] Group 3 - The article highlights a broader trend of China reducing imports from the US due to various factors, including a shift towards clean energy and a growing domestic market for electric vehicles, which has decreased the demand for US energy imports [15][17] - The trust crisis stemming from US policy fluctuations has led Chinese companies to seek stable and reliable supply sources outside the US [19][20] - The restructuring of supply chains and the establishment of a new global trade order based on the renminbi is underway, as China diversifies its energy and commodity sources [22][24] Group 4 - The article discusses the current state of the US economy, noting a decline in support for the Trump administration and a general perception of poor economic performance among Americans [26][28] - Economic uncertainty in the US has led to increased inflation and rising prices for consumers, with estimates suggesting an annual loss of $1,200 per household due to higher import tariffs [30][31] - The article concludes that the temporary resolution of the US-China trade conflict may provide short-term relief, but without a change in US policy, a trend towards economic recession is likely [37][38]