Environmental protection efforts kick off in autumn; dual-focus stocks continue to rise

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According to the China Phosphorus Coal Industry Network, as of September 1, intensified inspections to address air pollution this autumn and winter have officially begun. The Ministry of Environmental Protection has dispatched 102 working groups to the \"2+26\" cities and their affiliated counties and districts to conduct inspections over a period of four months. On September 5, Tangshan City set clear goals for its air quality, aiming to ensure that from October 2017 to March 2018, the concentration of fine particulate matter during the autumn and winter periods would be reduced by more than 22% compared to the same period in 2016, while the number of days with severe pollution would decrease by more than 20% on an annual basis. Clear regulations have also been established regarding the restriction of steel production capacity during the heating season, as well as the staggered production and transportation schedules in industries such as coking, foundry manufacturing, building materials, and transportation. From October 1 this year to March 31 next year, the time required for coking enterprises in the city to produce coke will be extended to over 36 hours ； Foundry enterprises, as well as industries in the building materials sector such as cement, brick and tile factories, and ceramics, all suspend operations during the heating season. Under the increasingly strict environmental regulations and production restrictions, a shortage will occur on the supply side, which will also serve as a driving factor behind further increases in raw material prices.