The 2025 2nd SMM Southeast Asia Automotive Supply Chain Conference was successfully held, featuring the release of 10 new car models, Southeast Asia brand strategies from three automakers, and SMM Thailand local steel prices. The event facilitated efficient matchmaking between 12+ buyers and 60+ suppliers, preliminarily establishing a communication platform for the entire industry chain of Southeast Asian automotive. Currently, the Southeast Asian NEV industry is entering a critical development phase, with Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam each making their own strategic moves and breakthroughs, while the industry also faces challenges such as supply chain restructuring, technology route competition, and localization compliance. Thanks to the support from all parties, SMM's Thailand and Indonesia local pricing systems have been implemented and adopted by core enterprises, establishing a credible cost benchmark for the industry. The 2026 3rd Conference will focus on three core themes: exploring the NEV auto sales potential in Southeast Asia; connecting the last mile of the supply chain and integrating regional industry chain resources; and advancing SMM Southeast Asia metal pricing from a price reference to a transaction benchmark, implementing electrification material procurement applications and establishing an executable pricing system. We firmly believe that true progress comes from turning consensus into action. At this conference, sincerely invites you to gather again in Bangkok, to jointly transform strategic blueprints into market competitive advantages, to witness and participate in this extraordinary and far-reaching industry event, and to co-create a brilliant new chapter! Click the to register now. Powering Homes and Roads Ahead Union Industry (Hong Kong) Holding Co. , Limited is a professional global supplier of components, focused on meeting the supply chain needs of multinational companies' industrial products. The company has developed a business model driven by a dual engine of '1+6' advanced manufacturing and manufacturing value-added services. By integrating global resources, it provides comprehensive services to customers, becoming a reliable partner for many international companies. To be a global leader in components and sub-assemblies, driving value through manufacturing excellence and end-to-end supply chain management. Process Process Integrated Fine Blanking Post-processing Solution Integrated Post-processing Solution Fine Blanking → Deburring → Sizing → Heat Treatment → Surface Coating → Cleaning → Inspection Clients We Work With Customer We Work With Contact Contact Shirley Wang M: +86 18573109058 E: shirley.wang@unindasia.com Contact Us Yan Caowei 15618581967 yancaowei@smm.cn

POSCO Future M recently signed an exclusive development agreement with a Japanese automaker for cathode materials used in all-solid-state batteries, according to industry sources on May 5. Under the deal, POSCO Future M will exclusively develop and supply cathode materials for the automaker’s all-solid-state battery project. The partner is reportedly a mid-sized carmaker. This marks the first case in which a Japanese automaker has designated a Korean materials company as the sole supplier of cathode materials for all-solid-state batteries.

Today, SMM battery-grade spot lithium carbonate price rose significantly compared to the previous working day. Futures side, the lithium carbonate 2609 contract opened high today at 191,500 yuan/mt, briefly pulled back to 191,000 yuan/mt after the opening before quickly rallying, stabilizing above the 193,000 yuan/mt level in the morning session. Around midday, bulls continuously increased open interest, driving prices to accelerate upward. In the afternoon session, prices fluctuated at highs with an upward bias, further surging to 199,600 yuan/mt near the close, ultimately settling at 199,400 yuan/mt, up 7.31%, with open interest increasing by 21,281 lots.

In the short term, cost support driven by energy price increases, combined with a relatively small supply-demand imbalance, suggested that sheets & plates prices would continue to fluctuate at highs with limited room for correction. Risk-wise, after today's daytime session, the U.S. side indicated that the U.S. and Iran were close to reaching a deal, causing Brent crude oil futures to plunge sharply. In addition, steel prices rose too quickly in this round, with actual demand realization remaining weak. Apparent steel demand in May was expected to peak and pull back, and supply-demand imbalances in the steel sector would slowly accumulate in mid-to-late May. Attention should be paid to developments in the Middle East situation and the pace of demand pullback in China.

May 6, 2026 — Iron ore prices strengthened significantly in today's trading, with the benchmark I2609 futures contract closing at 816 RMB/ton, up 2.84% from the previous trading session. Spot port prices rose by 10–18 RMB/ton compared to the prior day. Traders showed increased quoting activity, while steel mills mainly purchased for essential needs with limited inquiries; overall spot market transactions remained subdued.

[Pre-Holiday Surplus Inventory Dragged Down Purchasing, Magnesium Market Trading Sluggish with Short-Term Downward Pressure on Prices] Today, the overall magnesium market trading was sluggish. Smelters maintained firm quotes but offered concessions in some cases. Downstream stocking inventory was sufficient, and the willingness to purchase on demand was weak, leaving short-term magnesium prices under pressure.