Core Viewpoint - The antimony industry is facing supply pressure due to declining demand and rising import costs, leading to a significant drop in domestic production in July. The long-term outlook remains positive for antimony prices due to strong fundamentals and geopolitical factors [1][4][6]. Supply Side - Domestic antimony ingot production in July was 3,729 tons, a decrease of 36% year-on-year and 25% month-on-month. From January to July, production totaled 40,300 tons, down 6% year-on-year [4]. - The supply forecast for antimony from 2025 to 2027 is projected at 112,000 tons, 119,000 tons, and 127,000 tons respectively, with a relatively rigid supply-demand gap [5]. Demand Side - Antimony demand is expected to decline in 2025 due to reduced production in photovoltaic glass and inventory adjustments. However, traditional demand from flame retardants and lead-acid batteries is anticipated to remain stable [5]. - July saw domestic photovoltaic glass production drop to 2.09 million tons, a 21% decrease month-on-month and 17% year-on-year [4]. Price Trends - As of August 22, domestic antimony concentrate prices remained stable at 152,000 yuan/ton, while antimony ingot prices were 179,000 yuan/ton. The external market price was 493,000 yuan/ton, reflecting a 3% decrease from early August [2]. - The company expects that the tightening of antimony exports may be nearing its end, and a return to normal purchasing patterns in photovoltaic glass could enhance price elasticity [6]. Import and Export Dynamics - In July, antimony concentrate imports were 2,307 tons, a 63% decrease year-on-year but a 26% increase month-on-month. The average import price was 35,400 yuan/ton, up 48% month-on-month [3]. - Antimony oxide exports were 74 tons in July, continuing a low trend, significantly below the levels seen earlier in the year [3].

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is maintained as "Add" [5] Core Viewpoints - The report indicates that the supply of antimony is expected to continue declining due to reduced production from major mines, while demand from photovoltaic glass is projected to decrease in 2025. However, traditional demand from flame retardants and lead-acid batteries is expected to remain stable [3][37] - The report suggests that the recent tightening of antimony exports may be nearing its end, and a return to normal purchasing patterns in the photovoltaic sector could enhance price elasticity [3][41] - The long-term outlook for antimony prices is positive, driven by strong supply-demand fundamentals and geopolitical factors that may amplify supply-demand imbalances [3][41] Supply and Demand Summary - In July, domestic antimony ingot production was 3,729 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 36% and a month-on-month decrease of 25%. For the first seven months of the year, production totaled 40,300 tons, down 6% year-on-year [2][23] - The report updates the supply-demand balance for 2025-2027, forecasting supply to be 11.2, 11.9, and 12.7 million tons, while demand is expected to be 13.1, 13.9, and 14.8 million tons, indicating a persistent supply-demand gap [3][39] - The report highlights that July antimony ore imports were 2,307 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 37%, while the average import price rose by 48% month-on-month to 35,400 yuan per ton [12][23] Price Outlook - As of August 22, domestic antimony concentrate prices remained stable at 152,000 yuan per ton, while external prices decreased by 3% to 493,000 yuan per ton. The price gap between domestic and external markets is 310,000 yuan per ton [10][12] - The report anticipates that the antimony industry will experience a high price run in the medium to long term due to its strategic metal attributes and ongoing geopolitical tensions [3][41] Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on mining companies with quality resources that are likely to benefit from the upward trend in the antimony industry, specifically mentioning Huayu Mining and Huaxi Nonferrous [4][41]