Indonesia's new nickel tariffs and Europe's CBAM have sharply raised overseas stainless steel costs, driving Asian mills to hike prices. Downstream demand remains mixed: Japan and South Korea are resilient, while the Taiwan, China region faces pressure. Wary of rapid price spikes, buyers are limiting purchases to rigid demand. The market will remain cautious until tariff details and actual demand are validated.
Mar 30, 2026 15:04◼ At the beginning of 2026, Musk’s SpaceX plan for 100 GW of annual space PV capacity ignited the A-share market, with multiple concept stocks rising by more than 30 in a single month. At the same time, however, earnings previews from leading PV companies generally showed losses for 2025, and industry fundamentals remained in a deep winter. Behind the stark divergence between the speculative frenzy around the Musk-SpaceX concept and the earnings trough, is the market overly expecting a “second growth curve,” or is this a genuine signal of industrial transformation? ◼ As the global PV industry moves from rapid expansion into a new stage of rational development, its value has gone beyond that of clean energy alone: Against the backdrop of explosive growth in AI computing power driving massive electricity demand, compounded by energy security anxiety triggered by geopolitical conflict in the Middle East, developing PV may become a core strategic choice for countries to achieve their “dual-carbon” goals, build autonomous and controllable energy systems, and reduce electricity costs for end-users. ◼ Since the escalation of the U.S.-Iran conflict at the end of February, the world’s four major benchmark crude oil prices have entered a rapid upward trajectory. Before the outbreak of the conflict, oil prices had remained broadly stable; however, starting on March 2, as the fighting expanded and spread to the Persian Gulf, oil prices immediately entered a sharp uptrend. Note: Shanghai crude oil prices are converted based on the settlement-date exchange rate of 1:0.15. Source: Public information, SMM. ◼ Although the impact borne by different regions varies due to differences in energy mix, geopolitical location, and policy response, the surge in imported crude oil costs driving a broad rise in energy prices has become a common challenge facing all countries. Europe is a case in point. Although Europe’s direct dependence on Middle Eastern crude oil was not high, at only about 5 according to data from energy market intelligence firm Kpler, it remained highly dependent on the region for refined products such as diesel and aviation kerosene, as well as liquefied natural gas. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz caused by the conflict directly pushed up Europe’s terminal energy prices—fuel prices at gas stations across the region surged, and natural gas prices broke above EUR 60 per megawatt hour on the 9th, reaching a new high since 2022. The continued rise in energy prices is bound to transmit into broader areas of the economy, increasing overall inflationary pressure and once again underscoring the importance of building secure and controllable energy systems. Accelerating the Clean Transition of the Global Energy Mix, the PV Industry Advances Toward High-Quality Development ◼ The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that, despite economic pressure, global electricity demand momentum remains strong in 2025, with growth rates in 2025 and 2026 expected to be 3.3% and 3.7%, respectively. Data from 2020 to 2025 showed that the global power market followed a trajectory of continued overall growth alongside structural transition toward cleaner energy , with the share of renewable energy sources such as solar rising significantly, although fossil fuels still accounted for the dominant share. ◼ According to the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions Scenario, solar power’s share in the energy mix is expected to rise from less than 2% at present to 12% in 2035 and 28% in 2050. This means PV installations are still far from reaching their ceiling, with substantial room for future growth. ◼ The past five years marked a critical period in which the global PV market shifted from rapid expansion toward rational development. The IEA forecasts that total global new PV installations over the next five years will reach about 3.68 TW, accounting for nearly 80% of new renewable energy additions over the same period, and are expected to become the world’s largest renewable energy source by the end of 2030. This is mainly due to its widening economic advantages—by 2024, the cost of solar PV power generation had already fallen 41% below the cheapest fossil fuel alternative, and these cost advantages are driving rapid growth in both PV installations and power generation share. Source: IEA, public information, SMM. ◼ As a key carrier of PV installations, especially the backbone of utility-scale power plants, solar panel mounting bracket installations are expected to maintain annual average growth of 5%-6% alongside installation growth. Specifically, to achieve annual average new PV installations of 500-600 GW, corresponding module demand is estimated at about 550-700 GW based on the capacity ratio. Assuming a conventional 1:1 module-to-bracket configuration, the annual average installation scale of brackets required for utility-scale PV plants alone would reach at least 250-300 GW. Source: public information, SMM. Escalating Challenges Reshape the Development Logic of the Global PV Market ◼ The PV industry is undergoing resonating internal and external pressures. Internally, the global economic slowdown has become intertwined with social issues, while the industry itself has entered a rational development stage after rapid expansion, making slower installation growth a certain trend. Externally, global trade frictions continue to intensify, with the US, Europe, and other regions erecting nearly insurmountable cost gaps through barriers such as anti-dumping and countervailing duties as well as local content requirements. Challenge 1: Global Trade Frictions and Escalating Trade Barriers ◼ In recent years, countries have introduced a series of policies to build PV trade barriers and reshape the global competitive landscape of the industry. The US imposed “double anti-” duties of as much as 3,403.96% on PV products from four Southeast Asian countries, South Africa raised module tariffs to 10%, and Brazil increased out-of-quota tariffs sharply from 9.6% to 25% through a quota system. Market access requirements for PV in India and Türkiye have also become increasingly stringent. Meanwhile, new supply chain control rules represented by the EU’s Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) have extended trade barriers deeper into the industry chain. By setting red lines on “third-country dependence,” they have established quantitative standards for supply chain restructuring. This series of changes has reshaped the competitive dimensions of the international PV industry and significantly raised the threshold for PV product imports and exports. Source: public information, SMM. Challenge 2: New Dynamics in the PV Market, with Incentive and Restrictive Policies Coexisting Source: public information, SMM. Outside China Enterprises Pursue Multi-Dimensional Breakthroughs Through Internal and External Efforts ◼ The practices of solar panel mounting bracket enterprises in the US, India, and other countries show that the key to coping with policy shifts overseas lies in combining “service-oriented” and “high-value” strategies. First, vertically extending from single-equipment sales to a service ecosystem covering the entire life cycle. Second, deepening horizontally by continuously optimizing business structure and extracting value from higher value-added segments. Solution 1: Launch Dedicated Plans Closely Aligned with Government Policies and Local Demand ◼ The global PV industry has now entered a new stage deeply reshaped by both market forces and policy. The growth logic of enterprises is shifting from the past single dimension of relying on technology iteration and cost declines to multi-dimensional competition closely integrating complex policy environments with localized demand. Against this backdrop, the key to corporate success lies in accurately interpreting policy intentions and launching development plans aligned with both market and policy. Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) precisely aligned with India’s “PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana” and launched the dedicated “solar for every home” plan while continuing to provide customized PV solutions. In Q1 FY2026, it added 220 MW of new rooftop PV installations, surging 416% YoY. TPREL also actively responded to local manufacturing policies by establishing 4.3 GW of solar cell and module capacity, ensuring supply while avoiding import tariffs. Through the synergy of “policy response + local capacity + customized services,” TPREL has effectively translated policy dividends into market competitiveness and steadily consolidated its leading position in India’s PV market. Solution 2: Use Acquisitions as a Link to Integrate Resources and Extend from Single Products to the Entire Industry Chain ◼ Competition in the global PV industry has fully escalated into a contest of entire industry chain system integration capabilities, and enterprises’ growth engines are shifting from past reliance on advantages in a single segment to a new model of providing integrated solutions through resource integration. In 2025, Nextracker used acquisitions as the core to integrate resources across the full chain, successively acquiring foundation engineering firms such as Solar Pile International and Ojjo, module supporting firms such as Origami Solar, and electrical system firms such as Bentek, thereby building a full-chain product matrix spanning structural, electrical, and digital solutions. Its performance continued to surge, with revenue rising from $1.9 billion in FY2023 to $3.4 billion in the trailing twelve months ended September 2025. It ultimately announced its transformation into a comprehensive energy solutions provider by renaming itself Nextpower, targeting revenue of more than $5.6 billion in FY2030. This strategy enabled its successful transformation from a single-product supplier into an entire industry chain service provider, solidifying its leading position in the global market. Solution 3: Optimize Business Structure ◼ Trade protectionism in the current PV market continues to intensify, with various trade barriers being layered on one after another. In response to this challenge, PV enterprises can achieve the dual objectives of “compliant operations” and “market retention” through business structure optimization. To avoid the equity constraints on FEOC under the US OBBB Act, Canadian Solar Inc. initiated a US business restructuring with its controlling shareholder CSIQ: it established two new joint ventures to separately manage PV and energy storage businesses, with its own stake set at 24.9% to precisely meet compliance requirements. At the same time, it transferred out 75.1% equity in three overseas plants supplying the US market, receiving a one-off consideration of 352 million yuan. This move enabled Canadian Solar Inc. to retain earnings from the US market through dividends and rental income. In the first three quarters of 2025, it achieved net profit of 990 million yuan, while large-scale energy storage shipments rose 32% YoY. After the adjustment, it focused on strengthening its advantages in non-US markets and successfully stabilized its global business layout with a compliant structure, providing a typical model for the industry in addressing trade barriers. ◼ For Chinese enterprises, in the face of trade frictions and overseas capacity gaps, they need to break through via three paths—“building plants near core markets, reducing costs and improving efficiency through technological innovation, and coordinating both within and outside the industry chain”— by pursuing localized deployment in Southeast Asia, Mexico, and other regions to avoid frequent trade frictions; promoting standardized production and high-end product R&D to enhance competitiveness; and building a “China + overseas” dual-circulation supply chain to stabilize costs. However, overseas expansion still faces challenges such as land and environmental protection costs, talent shortages, and supply chain fluctuations, requiring enterprises to conduct sound risk assessments, leverage policy support, and improve overseas investment service systems. Only by deeply integrating scientific capacity deployment, technological innovation, and industry chain coordination can the mounting bracket industry upgrade from “Made in China” to “Globally Intelligent Manufacturing” and achieve long-term development under the “dual carbon” goals. New Requirements Under the 15th Five-Year Plan, New Topics for PV Enterprises ◼ In a global market full of uncertainties, the consistency and strength of domestic policy have provided fertile ground for the growth of China’s solar panel mounting bracket enterprises. The newly released 15th Five-Year Plan further clarified China’s path for energy and industrial development. On the one hand, the construction of a new-type power system centered on consumption capacity has been listed as a priority task, and green manufacturing and full life cycle management have been formally incorporated into the assessment system. On the other hand, technological self-reliance and self-strengthening together with new quality productive forces have replaced scale competition as the main line of the new development stage. This series of changes signals that the country is driving a profound shift from “competing on capacity” to “competing on system value,” with the core goal of achieving autonomous and controllable energy structure. It is estimated that after the Two Sessions, various departments will successively roll out detailed plans to promote the full implementation of the blueprint. ◼ Key implementation measures include: 1) establishing a “dual controls” system for total carbon emissions and carbon intensity, while improving incentive and restraint mechanisms; 2) vigorously developing non-fossil energy and promoting the efficient use of fossil energy, while strengthening the construction of a new-type power system to ensure stable supply of green electricity; 3) applying both “addition and subtraction” by fostering green and low-carbon industries and promoting energy conservation and carbon reduction in key industry; 4) in addition, accelerating the green transformation of production and lifestyles to consolidate the foundation for green development. ◼ From the perspective of regional development layout, during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China’s PV industry will show characteristics of regional coordination: north-west China will become the strategic focus by virtue of its natural endowments, exporting electricity through cross-provincial green electricity trading and other means to achieve two-way matching between energy resources and power load; eastern regions, by contrast, will focus on local consumption by high-energy-consuming industries and zero-carbon industrial parks. Source: public information, SMM. ◼ SMM forecasts that China’s new PV installations are expected to reach 208 GW in 2025 and continue growing at an annual average rate of 9% over the next five years, exceeding 292 GW by the end of the 15th Five-Year Plan period. Utility-scale PV will remain dominant, with its installation share staying above 50%. Based on the same logic, we estimate that China’s PV installation market will maintain annual incremental growth of at least 100-120 GW. Source: public information, SMM. ◼ Focusing on China’s steel consumption market for solar panel mounting brackets, SMM estimates that annual steel consumption in China’s PV mounting bracket sector will average about 4-4.5 million mt from 2026 to 2030, accounting for about 30% of total steel consumption in the PV industry over the same period (based on 2026 data). Note: only installation demand for utility-scale PV mounting brackets is included, excluding distributed steel structures, replacement from existing asset depreciation, and exports. Source: public information, SMM. SMM Ferrous Consulting Based on its understanding of the global steel industry chain and regional markets, as well as its strong industry database and network resources, SMM is committed to providing clients with consulting services across the upstream, midstream, and downstream industry chain. Services include market supply and demand research and forecasts, market entry strategies, competitor cost research, and more, covering end-use industry from iron ore, coal, coke, and steel. SMM Ferrous has successfully served more than 300 Fortune Global 500 companies, China Top 500 companies, central state-owned enterprises, state-owned enterprises, publicly listed firms, and start-ups. 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Mar 12, 2026 14:16
[Zinc Fundamental Trading Logic Amid the Middle East Conflict: Risk Identification and Opportunity Capture] Global geopolitical conflicts have continued unabated, and news of the recent Middle East conflict has emerged frequently. What impact will this have on the zinc industry? This article provides an analysis from both fundamental and market perspectives:
Mar 10, 2026 21:43Feb. 26: The SM2605 contract opened at 5,748 yuan/mt and closed at 5,918 yuan/mt, up 2.85%, with the highest price at 5,968 yuan/mt and the lowest at 5,740 yuan/mt. Trading volume was 722,600 lots, and open interest stood at 451,708 lots. Futures showed an upward trend. Cost side, frequent news from manganese mines continues to stimulate the manganese ore market to hold up well. Regional divergence in electricity costs is significant, becoming a key factor affecting the competitiveness of alloy plants in different production areas. Electricity prices in northern production areas are expected to remain low, offering notable cost advantages, while the main production areas in south China see no downside room for electricity prices. The coking coal and coke markets overall remain in the doldrums, exerting a mild impact on SiMn costs. Supply side, SiMn supply diverges between the north and south markets. On one hand, some alloy plants in Inner Mongolia still have expectations to start production or resume production, which will lead to an increase in SiMn capacity release and gradually highlight supply-side pressure, likely restraining price increases. On the other hand, most SiMn producers in the south face difficulties resuming production due to rising costs from raised electricity pricing policies. Demand side, the mainstream steel tender prices for February have not been announced, and the market is watching for the impact of tender pricing on the market.
Feb 26, 2026 17:35Greece's energy regulator (RAAEY) has initiated the first auctions under the ’Apollo Program‘, tendering 200 MW of solar-plus-storage and 400 MW of wind capacity to lower electricity costs for low-income households. The single-step static auction requires developers to submit bids by March 16, with maximum strike prices set at €80/MWh for solar-storage projects and €75/MWh for wind. Winning projects will secure 20-year Contracts for Difference (CfDs) and must be grid-ready by December 31, 2027. To ensure competition, the regulator mandates a 40% oversubscription rate and limits any single bidder to 25% of the total capacity. A second phase targeting municipalities is expected later this year.
Feb 10, 2026 09:12SMM According to SMM data, the average tax-inclusive full cost of China's aluminum industry in January 2026 dropped 0.6% MoM and fell 19.5% YoY. During the period, raw material costs for alumina and auxiliary material costs for prebaked anode declined, while electricity and aluminum fluoride costs increased, resulting in a slight pullback in total cost. The average SMM A00 spot price in January was approximately 23,641 yuan/mt (December 26, 2025–January 25, 2026), with the monthly average aluminum price rising 1,840 yuan/mt MoM. Aluminum profit margins expanded to over 7,500 yuan/mt. If calculated using the monthly average price, 100% of domestic operating aluminum capacity was profitable in January. Cost breakdown: Alumina raw material side, SMM data showed the average SMM alumina index in January was 2,667 yuan/mt (December 26, 2025–January 25, 2026), down 4.6% MoM. Domestic alumina inventory continued to build up during the month, and prices declined gradually. Entering February 2026, operating alumina capacity is expected to decrease due to maintenance and production cuts, but spot alumina supply remains relatively ample. Spot alumina prices are likely to remain under pressure in the short term, with the monthly average price projected to fall MoM. Alumina raw material costs are expected to decline. Auxiliary material market side, prebaked anode prices dropped in January, while fluoride salt prices rose MoM. In February 2026, both prebaked anode and aluminum fluoride prices are expected to decline, and auxiliary material costs are projected to decrease. Electricity prices side, entering the dry season, electricity prices in provinces with high hydropower shares such as Yunnan and Sichuan increased significantly in January, raising the average national aluminum electricity cost. In February 2026, electricity prices are expected to stabilize, and aluminum electricity costs are projected to remain steady. Overall, SMM expects the weighted average tax-inclusive full cost of the domestic aluminum industry in February 2026 to decline MoM, with the average ranging around 15,700–16,100 yuan/mt.
Feb 6, 2026 16:21South Africa's Eskom applied to the energy regulator for approval of an interim electricity tariff, offering an 87 cents/kWh preferential rate for Samancor Chrome and the Glencore-Merafe Chrome joint venture. This is a temporary measure aimed at maintaining smelter operations, while parties continue to negotiate a longer-term solution with the goal of further reducing the tariff to 62 cents/kWh. The utility also requested the National Energy Regulator of South Africa to extend the "take-or-pay" obligation exemption for the two enterprises by another 12 months. The exemption pertains to obligations under pricing agreements negotiated with Eskom that took effect in 2024. These agreements stipulate that ferrochrome producers must meet at least 70% of their contracted electricity consumption; however, due to the industry's loss of competitiveness and multiple smelter shutdowns, this condition can no longer be fulfilled. In August last year, Samancor Chrome and the Glencore-Merafe Chrome JV cited operational difficulties arising from these clauses, prompting the regulator to approve a six-month exemption, which is set to expire at the end of January. Eskom's distribution unit head, Gugulethu Dumakude, acknowledged that the interim tariff of 87 cents/kWh is still not enough to restore ferrochrome producers to the production levels envisaged in the pricing agreements, but it would help them slightly increase electricity consumption from current levels. She added that this interim tariff, combined with the "take-or-pay" exemption, would also provide Eskom and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy with buffer space to finalise a more sustainable electricity pricing solution with the ferrochrome industry. Neels Best, President of the South African Ferroalloy Producers Association, confirmed that the industry needs a tariff of 62 cents/kWh to resume production and avoid the Section 189 retrenchment processes already initiated by several ferroalloy enterprises, including those outside the ferrochrome sector. Therefore, he also argued that the final negotiated solution should not be limited to the ferrochrome industry but should extend to manganese, silicon, and vanadium smelters—all of which are facing operational difficulties due to "escalating electricity prices." Best pointed out that only 4 of South Africa's 48 electric furnace ferrochrome smelters are currently operating; likewise, only 4 of the 19 smelters in other ferroalloy sectors remain in production. He stated, "Today, electricity costs account for 40% to 60% of total production costs in the ferroalloy industry. To sustain the sector, it is crucial to establish an internationally competitive electricity tariff." He also warned that without an electricity pricing policy that supports local mineral beneficiation, South Africa faces widespread deindustrialization and job losses. Theo Morkel, Managing Director of South Africa's Transalloys, further corroborated this view, sharing cost comparison data showing that even under the company's pricing agreement with Eskom, the electricity cost for producing SiMn is as high as $634/mt, far exceeding the international benchmark—where power costs for SiMn production range from as low as $147/mt to a maximum of $338/mt. Thus, Morkel said that while he supports immediately implementing the interim tariff relief for Samancor Chrome and the Glencore-Merafe Chrome JV, the rest of South Africa's ferroalloy industry equally urgently requires similar relief measures, as these sectors also face plant closures and job losses. Tengo Tengela, Trade and Industry Coordinator of the South African Federation of Trade Unions, also expressed support for the electricity tariff relief application, warning that if smelters are forced to shut down, around 300,000 direct and indirect jobs would be at risk. However, he called on the National Energy Regulator of South Africa to approve the application on the condition that the relevant enterprises suspend further retrenchment actions. The South African National Energy Regulator has not yet announced a decision timetable for this application, but Eskom has stated that the relevant approval must be issued by the end of February at the latest.
Jan 29, 2026 09:45According to SMM data, the average tax-inclusive full cost for China's aluminum industry in November 2025 was 16,057 yuan/mt, up 1.1% MoM but down 21% YoY.
Dec 1, 2025 16:59[SMM SiMn Daily Review: Mainstream Steel Mill Bidding Not Yet Priced, Market Holds Wait-and-See Sentiment] In the northern market, SiMn alloy 65/17 (cash) is priced at 5,400-5,550 yuan/mt, down 25 yuan/mt WoW from Wednesday; in the southern market, SiMn alloy 65/17 (cash) is priced at 5,450-5,600 yuan/mt, down 25 yuan/mt WoW from Wednesday. According to SMM, on the raw material side, various types of manganese ore are in a state of overall loss, with limited room for miners to lower prices, and manganese ore prices showing relatively small fluctuations. On the supply side, due to the electricity cost advantages during the rainy season in southern regions such as Yunnan, SiMn plants that had previously suspended production are gradually resuming operations, leading to an increase in the SiMn operating rate. On the demand side, mainstream steel mill bidding has not yet been priced, and downstream steel mills are maintaining a cautious wait-and-see sentiment.
Jun 18, 2025 17:39Rare earth permanent magnet concept stocks have been repeatedly active. As of Friday's close, BGRIMM Technology, which focuses on the R&D, production, sales, and services of mining and metallurgical equipment as well as magnetic materials, achieved five consecutive daily limit-ups. Huayang New Materials, whose subsidiary's business scope includes the recycling and utilization of high-magnetic rare earth materials, recorded three consecutive daily limit-ups. On the news front, the Ministry of Commerce stated that it reviews export license applications for rare earth-related items in accordance with laws and regulations, has approved a certain number of compliant applications, and will continue to strengthen the approval process for compliant applications. Ma Yan, an analyst at Caida Securities, pointed out in a research report on April 1 that assuming shipments of humanoid robots reach 890,000 units by 2030, the demand for rare earth permanent magnet materials in the humanoid robot sector is projected to reach 3,115 mt. The explosive growth in the market size of humanoid robots is expected to bring broad incremental space to the rare earth permanent magnet industry . Li Chao and Wang Qinyang, analysts at Guojin Securities, pointed out in a research report on February 20 that rare earth permanent magnets, as excellent magnets that currently balance performance and cost, are the top choice for magnetic components in humanoid robots and magnetic materials for low-altitude aircraft , and the dividends from industry chain integration are expected to gradually materialize. Emphasis should be placed on the layout opportunities brought about by "supply-side reform," integration, and the catalyzing effect of humanoid robots. Choice data shows that rare earth permanent magnet concept stocks that received institutional surveys in the past two months (April 14 - June 14) include Sinomine Resource Group, Shenghe Resources, JL MAG Rare-Earth, Xiamen Tungsten, Yahua Group, Zhenghai Magnetic Material, DMEGC, Lizhong Group, Zhongju Hi-Tech, Zhong Ke San Huan, Longi Magnet, China Northern Rare Earth, Xinlaifu, China Nonferrous Metal Industry's Foreign Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd., Goldwind Science&Technology, Instyle, GEM, Wuchan Zhongda Group, NCS Testing Technology Co., Ltd., Jintian Copper, Yian Technology, Advanced Powder Materials, and Sinosteel NMC . The specific situations are as follows: Among the above-mentioned rare earth permanent magnet concept stocks that received institutional surveys, publicly listed firms that have clearly responded regarding their "rare earth permanent magnet" related business situations mainly include Shenghe Resources, JL MAG Rare-Earth, Xiamen Tungsten, Zhenghai Magnetic Material, Zhong Ke San Huan, Longi Magnet, China Northern Rare Earth, Instyle, GEM, and Jintian Copper . Shenghe Resources disclosed an investor relations activity record on June 10, stating that the company maintains a close and good market cooperation relationship with major domestic rare earth concentrate suppliers . In addition, the company has signed long-term supply agreements for rare earth concentrates with Sichuan Hedi Mining, US MP Materials, Peak Rare Earths, and others, establishing a diversified supply channel for rare earth concentrates and providing sufficient raw material guarantees for the company's downstream businesses such as rare earth smelting and separation. Additionally, the imports of ore from Myanmar have been significantly influenced by the local situation, exhibiting fluctuating characteristics. The company will continue to closely monitor the situation of ore from Myanmar. During a survey conducted by institutions on June 13, JL MAG Rare-Earth stated that after the implementation of export control measures on medium-heavy rare earth-related items, the company had initiated export declaration work in accordance with relevant national regulations. It had also successively obtained export licenses issued by national authorities. The export regions include the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia, among others. The company exports magnetic materials, components, and motor rotors in compliance with laws and regulations. The company has established production facilities in Ganzhou, Jiangxi, a major production area for heavy rare earths, and in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, a major production area for light rare earths. The company has established long-term strategic cooperative relationships with major suppliers of rare earth raw materials, including China Northern Rare Earth Group and China Rare Earth Group. In 2024, the procurement amount from these two groups accounted for 63% of the company's total annual procurement. On May 21, Xiamen Tungsten disclosed the record of investor relations activities, indicating that since the second half of 2024, rare earth prices have generally shown a steady upward trend. If this trend continues, the price center of rare earths will gradually rise, and the fluctuation range will narrow compared to the past. In terms of magnetic material capacity layout, Jinlong Rare Earth has achieved an annual production capacity of 12,000 mt at its Changting base and is currently planning new capacity projects at its Changting and Baotou bases. Upon full commissioning of these two projects, Jinlong Rare Earth's magnetic material capacity will reach 22,000 mt. At the performance briefing on May 15, Zhenghai Magnetic Material, when answering the question "What rare earth permanent magnet projects are currently under construction?", stated that the construction of the third phase of 6,000 mt capacity at the company's Nantong base will adjust the investment pace and method in a timely manner based on changes in the external economic environment. The company's sales of high-performance NdFeB permanent magnet materials have achieved seven consecutive years of growth. During a survey conducted by institutions on May 23, Zhong Ke San Huan stated that the current export control measures on medium-heavy rare earth-related items mainly involve the company's NdFeB permanent magnet material products containing dysprosium and terbium. Exporting these products requires declaration and approval before they can be exported. The company has proactively taken measures to initiate export declarations in accordance with relevant regulations at the earliest opportunity, and has already obtained export licenses for a small number of orders. The company's main products are NdFeB permanent magnet materials, which are currently widely used in automobiles (including NEVs), consumer electronics, industrial robots, computers, energy-efficient home appliances, wind power, industrial motors, and other fields. Longi Magnet disclosed the record of investor relations activities on May 27, stating that building a capacity of 60,000 mt for permanent ferrite magnetic tiles has always been a medium and long-term goal . The company will make more optimizations in capacity layout integration, existing capacity utilization, and efficiency improvement, striving to increase capacity through low-cost expansion methods and controlling the pace of capacity release based on downstream demand. The technological transformation and upgrading work at the production sites in Lujiang, Jinzhai, and Vietnam have all shown initial results, and the expected capacity this year will reach 50,000 mt. China Northern Rare Earth stated during an institutional survey on May 21 that the company holds an optimistic view on the future price trend of rare earths . Currently, the upstream supply of rare earths is showing a steady growth trend, thanks to the country's scientific planning and rational development of rare earth resources, as well as the continuous progress in rare earth mining technology. Although the release speed of downstream consumer demand has not met expectations to a certain extent, the fluctuation range of mainstream product prices has significantly narrowed, indicating that the supply-demand relationship is gradually moving towards balance. This balance not only helps stabilize market expectations but also provides a solid foundation for the healthy development of the rare earth industry. On the demand side, the continuous growth in demand for rare earth products in fields such as new energy and high-tech has become a strong driving force for the development of the rare earth industry. During an institutional survey on June 12, Instyle stated that the company's products are mainly delivered through domestic bonded zones and domestic sales channels, and do not involve direct exports to the United States. Export control measures affect businesses involving products containing medium-heavy rare earths dysprosium and terbium, and the company has been handling relevant procedures in compliance with national laws, regulations, and customer order requirements . The company's core competitive advantages mainly lie in its advantages in magnetic circuit design and production manufacturing processes, its advantages in high-quality customer resources, and its advantages in having the origin of rare earths and lower electricity costs in Baotou. GEM stated at the earnings presentation on May 6 that the company has currently conducted technological reserves in the recycling of permanent magnetic materials in the dismantling and recycling field and has reserved the wet process for recycling and synthesizing rare earth oxides. The company has been continuously monitoring the market for rare earth permanent magnets and actively developing the recycling and utilization of rare and scattered metals such as germanium, gallium, indium, and rare earths, as well as expanding the recycling of energy metals like nickel, cobalt, and lithium. Jintian Stock disclosed the record of investor relations activities on May 23, stating that the company has been engaged in the magnetic materials business since 2001. Currently, the company has two magnetic material production sites in Ningbo and Baotou . The first phase of the Baotou site has been put into operation, and the company's annual capacity for rare earth permanent magnets has increased by 4,000 mt on the original basis. The company's rare earth permanent magnet products are widely used in multiple high-end fields, including NEVs, wind power generation, high-efficiency energy-saving motors, robots, consumer electronics, and medical devices.
Jun 14, 2025 19:54