Core Insights - The production quota for the third-generation refrigerants in 2026 is set at 798,000 tons, which is a modest increase of 5,963 tons compared to 2025, with domestic and export quotas increasing by 4,502 tons and 1,461 tons respectively, indicating limited overall change [1] Industry Overview - The supply side of the refrigerant industry is highly concentrated, with the CR6 (concentration ratio of the top six companies) reaching 90% for overall production quotas and 88% for domestic quotas [1] - Major players in the industry include Juhua Co., Ltd. with a market share of 37.6% and Sanmei Co., Ltd. with 15.2% [1] Quota Adjustments - The quota adjustments show an increase of 3,242 tons for R134a driven by demand from new energy vehicles, while R245fa, a green alternative, sees an increase of 2,918 tons; however, adjustments for previously high-priced varieties like R32 are being made cautiously [1] - Yonghe Co., Ltd. is identified as a key company increasing its quotas, with R32 and R134a quotas rising to 7,611 tons and 13,000 tons respectively [1] ETF and Index Information - The chemical leader ETF (516220) tracks a specialized chemical index (000813), which selects representative companies from various segments of the chemical industry, including organic and inorganic chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides, to reflect the overall performance of listed companies in the chemical sector [1]

Group 1 - The total production quota for third-generation refrigerants in 2026 is set at 797,844 tons, with an internal quota of 394,082 tons, reflecting an increase of 5,962 tons and 4,502 tons respectively compared to 2025 [1] - The increase in production quotas for 2026 is primarily driven by R32 (up 1,171 tons), R134a (up 3,242 tons), and R245fa (up 2,918 tons), while reductions are noted for R143a (down 1,255 tons), R227ea (down 517 tons), and R152a (down 63 tons) [1] - The demand for refrigerants is expected to grow due to the increasing ownership of air conditioning and automotive cooling systems, which will continue to drive the demand for refrigerants [1][3] Group 2 - The prices of mainstream third-generation refrigerants have shown an upward trend, with annual increases of 43.75% for R134a, 19.74% for R125, 56.25% for R32, and 42.11% for R410 [2] - The domestic production of air conditioners from January to October 2025 reached 23,034 million units, a year-on-year increase of 3.00%, while automotive production during the same period totaled 27.325 million units, reflecting an 11.00% year-on-year increase [3] - The supply of third-generation refrigerants is expected to remain rigid due to quota constraints, while the demand from downstream sectors is anticipated to grow, indicating a positive outlook for the refrigerant market cycle [3] Group 3 - Key companies in the refrigerant sector include Juhua Co., Ltd. (600160.SH), Sanmei Co., Ltd. (603379.SH), Haohua Technology (600378.SH), and Yonghe Co., Ltd. (605020.SH) [4]

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Positive (Maintain)" [5] Core Viewpoints - The production quota for third-generation refrigerants in 2026 is expected to remain relatively stable compared to 2025, with a total production quota of 797,844 tons, an increase of 5,962 tons from 2025. The internal use quota will increase by 4,502 tons [8] - The prices of third-generation refrigerants continue to rise, with significant annual increases observed, such as R134a increasing by 43.75% year-on-year [8] - The supply of refrigerants is expected to remain rigid due to quota constraints, while demand continues to grow, driven by increasing production of air conditioning units and automobiles [8] Summary by Sections Production Quota - The total production quota for third-generation refrigerants in 2026 is 797,844 tons, with internal use quota at 394,082 tons. The main increases are in R134a (3,242 tons) and R245fa (2,918 tons), while R143a, R227ea, and R152a see reductions [8] Price Trends - As of December 12, 2025, the prices for major third-generation refrigerants are as follows: R134a at 57,500 CNY/ton, R125 at 45,500 CNY/ton, R32 at 62,500 CNY/ton, and R410 at 54,000 CNY/ton, with notable monthly and annual growth rates [8] Demand and Supply Dynamics - Domestic air conditioning production from January to October 2025 reached 23,034 million units, a year-on-year increase of 3.00%. The automotive sector also saw a production increase of 11.00% during the same period, indicating a robust demand for refrigerants [8]

Core Viewpoint - The report from Guosen Securities indicates that the implementation of the 2026 refrigerant quota reduction for second-generation refrigerants and the continuation of the third-generation refrigerant quota system will maintain a tight supply-demand balance for mainstream refrigerants like R32 and R134a, with significant long-term price upside potential [1][2]. Regulatory Framework - The Ministry of Ecology and Environment has issued the quota setting and distribution plan for 2026, emphasizing strict compliance with the annual phase-out tasks for second-generation refrigerants and making slight adjustments to the third-generation refrigerant quotas, increasing the inter-species adjustment limit from 10% to 30% [1][3]. Production Quotas - For HCFCs, the production quota for 2026 is set at 151,400 tons, with a reduction of 71.5% and 76.1% from baseline values for production and usage, respectively. The R22 production quota will see a year-on-year reduction of 3,000 tons, which is a decrease of 2.01% [3][4]. Market Dynamics - R22 prices have stabilized after a decline, while R32 and R134a continue to show strong market conditions. The average price of R22 fell to 34,100 CNY/ton in Q3 2025, while R32's average price rose to 59,000 CNY/ton, reflecting a strong demand [5]. Investment Opportunities - Companies with complete industrial chains, robust infrastructure, leading refrigerant quotas, and advanced technology in fluorochemical production are recommended for investment. Notable companies include Juhua Co., Ltd. (600610.SH), Dongyue Group (00189), and Sanmei Co., Ltd. (603379.SH) [6].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the industry is "Outperform the Market" (maintained) [1][6][23] Core Viewpoints - The release of the 2026 refrigerant quota allocation plan indicates long-term constraints on the supply side for both second and third-generation refrigerants, suggesting a continuation of favorable market conditions for refrigerant products [3][4] - The reduction in second-generation refrigerant quotas, particularly for R22, is expected to improve the supply-demand balance [3][5] - The flexibility in adjusting third-generation refrigerant quotas has increased, allowing companies to adapt production based on actual supply and demand, which benefits firms with a comprehensive product range and higher quota allocations [3][8] - The tightening of refrigerant quotas is seen as a long-term trend, with expectations that mainstream refrigerants like R32 and R134a will maintain a favorable market outlook and significant price upside potential [3][19] Summary by Sections Quota Allocation Changes - In 2026, the production quota for R22 is reduced by 3,000 tons, and the quota for R141b is eliminated entirely. The total production quota for HCFCs is set at 151,400 tons, with a reduction of 71.5% from the baseline [2][5] - The total production and usage quotas for HCFCs in 2026 will be 79,700 tons, reflecting a reduction of 76.1% from the baseline [5] Market Dynamics - The average price of R22 has decreased to approximately 15,000-18,000 yuan/ton, with expectations of price stabilization [9] - R32 has shown strong performance with an average price reaching 59,000 yuan/ton, indicating a robust market demand [10] - R134a prices have also increased due to ongoing quota consumption, with current prices around 53,000 yuan/ton [10] Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on leading fluorochemical companies with complete industrial chains, advanced technology, and strong quota positions, such as Juhua Co., Dongyue Group, and Sanmei Co. [3][19]

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Ecology and Environment released a draft plan for the total allocation of ozone-depleting substances for 2026, indicating a reduction in production and internal use quotas for HCFCs and HFCs, which may sustain high industry prosperity due to supply constraints and strong demand in air conditioning markets [1] Group 1: Quota Adjustments - For HCFCs, the production and internal use quotas for 2026 are set at 151,400 tons and 79,700 tons, respectively, representing a decrease of 12,200 tons and 6,300 tons compared to 2025 [1] - Specifically, the R22 production and internal use quotas for 2026 are 146,100 tons and 78,000 tons, reflecting a reduction of 3,000 tons and 2,900 tons from 2025 [1] Group 2: HFCs Quota Changes - In the case of HFCs, the production quota for R245fa is increased by 3,000 tons for 2026 compared to 2025, while the R41 production quota is raised by 50 tons, with other varieties remaining unchanged [1] Group 3: Industry Outlook - The quota system for refrigerants HCFCs and HFCs maintains supply constraints, combined with high product concentration, a favorable competitive landscape, and robust demand from household and automotive air conditioning, suggesting that the industry's high prosperity may continue [1]