[SMM Aluminum Downstream Analysis: July Aluminum Processing PMI at 42.2%, All Segments Enter Contraction Territory; End-Use Demand Weakens, Export Divergence Hinders Near-Term Recovery] In July, the aluminum processing industry exhibited a pattern of broad-based off-season weakness across all segments with structural divergence. Only the new energy sector demonstrated demand resilience, while domestic demand in other sectors contracted broadly and significantly. Export performance was uneven, with aluminum wire and cable exports plummeting and dragging down the industry. Combined with raw material constraints, high-temperature production restrictions, and disturbances from price spread recovery, overall industry activity remains deeply mired in contraction territory, and near-term recovery momentum is insufficient.

On July 22, 2026, a delegation from Shanghai Metals Market Information Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM) held in-depth discussions with representatives of Stavian Industrial Metal JSC. The participants included: SMM Logan Lu, CEO of SMM Cason Lou, Director of Aluminum Processing, Marketing Department Lexi Chen, Key Account Manager for Overseas Information Sales Khai Yuen Chin, Senior Overseas Aluminum Analyst Stavian Industrial Metal JSC James (Nguyen Danh Vinh), Deputy Director of International Business Alex (Bui Trung Kien), International Business Representative The two sides exchanged views on the global aluminum market, the development of Vietnam’s aluminum industry, market information services, and the establishment of a regional pricing system, reaching broad consensus on several areas for future cooperation. Focusing on Southeast Asia and Exploring the Evolving Global Aluminum Industry Landscape SMM noted that in recent years, it has continued to expand its sourcing and sales network across Southeast Asia, establishing stable supply-chain connections in Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other markets. Its business covers multiple metal categories, including aluminum, steel, and copper, while the company continues to explore emerging market opportunities across Southeast Asia. At the SMM AICE 2026 Southeast Asia Aluminum Industry Conference, to be held in Ho Chi Minh City on November 19–20, SMM will officially launch the SMM Vietnam Aluminum Price and provide a detailed explanation of its pricing methodology. Against the backdrop of global supply-chain restructuring, evolving logistics patterns, and deepening regional trade, market demand for high-quality, in-depth, and timely market intelligence and reliable price references continues to rise. To address these needs, SMM has established a global presence across price assessments, market research, databases, consulting services, and international conferences. Its services cover major markets including China, Southeast Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa, providing professional market intelligence and data services to participants across the global industrial value chain. Advancing Vietnam’s Pricing System to Support Regional Industry Development SMM noted that aluminum trading in Southeast Asia still commonly references LME prices and the MJP Premium. However, as Vietnam’s manufacturing sector expands rapidly and domestic consumption continues to grow, demand is increasing for regional price benchmarks that better reflect local supply-and-demand fundamentals. Since July 3, 2026, SMM has officially launched the Vietnam 6063 Non-Homogenized Aluminum Billet Processing Fee and the SMM Vietnam 6063 Non-Homogenized Aluminum Billet Price , with both assessments updated daily on each trading day. （Resources come from the SMM official website） In recent years, SMM has continued to develop its global pricing system while accelerating its presence in Southeast Asia. By engaging directly with participants across the industrial value chain and establishing local price data collection networks, SMM is continuously improving its Vietnam market price assessment framework and providing the regional market with more open, transparent, and impartial price references. Representatives from Stavian Industrial Metal JSC expressed strong recognition of this direction and shared insights into the rapid development of Vietnam’s market in recent years. They noted that Vietnam’s aluminum trading volume continues to expand alongside growing domestic demand. Establishing a regional pricing system that more accurately reflects local market conditions would help improve transparency across the industrial value chain and support the healthy and sustainable development of the market. Stavian Industrial Metal JSC Founded in 2021, Stavian Industrial Metal JSC is a member of Stavian Group, one of Vietnam’s major multinational industrial groups. The company specializes in the trading, supply-chain management, processing and manufacturing, and industrial investment of industrial metals including aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc. Its business network spans more than 100 countries and regions worldwide, with the goal of becoming a leading integrated industrial metals service platform in Southeast Asia. In recent years, Stavian has continued to increase investment in Vietnam’s domestic industrial sector, gradually expanding beyond traditional metals trading into industrial investment and advanced manufacturing. Its key areas of development include: Industrial Park Development Stavian Group’s industrial park platform is advancing the development of green industrial parks in Vietnam, with major projects including industrial parks in Thai Nguyen Province and Hung Yen Province. These projects aim to attract industries including electronics manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, supporting industries, logistics, and food processing. They also incorporate ESG principles such as green energy, circular economy practices, and wastewater reuse, supporting Vietnam’s manufacturing upgrade and facilitating foreign investment projects. Green Metals Development The company is actively developing supply chains for green aluminum, green steel, and recycled metals while promoting the use of low-carbon metal materials. Carbon management and ESG principles have also been integrated into the company’s corporate strategy, with the goal of becoming a leading green metals distributor and carbon services provider in Southeast Asia. Major Industrial Cooperation Projects In recent years, Stavian has established strategic partnerships with major Vietnamese enterprises including Viet Hai Group and Dai Dung Group. These partnerships cover areas such as shipbuilding, steel structure engineering, machinery manufacturing, new energy infrastructure, and industrial projects, enabling the companies to jointly participate in major industrial and infrastructure developments across Vietnam. As one of Vietnam’s rapidly growing industrial metals companies, Stavian Industrial Metal JSC plays an important role in supporting the country’s manufacturing upgrade and strengthening its domestic industrial metals supply chain. It has also emerged as a representative local enterprise within Vietnam’s aluminum and broader industrial metals industry. Join the Conversation at SMM AICE 2026 Connect with aluminum producers, processors, traders, manufacturers, certification organisations, industry associations and decision-makers from across Southeast Asia and the global market. Explore aluminum pricing, primary aluminum supply, processing technologies, low-carbon development, CBAM compliance and new opportunities for regional cooperation. ? Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ? November 19–20, 2026 Register now: bit.ly/AICE26 and secure your Super Early Bird Pass and save up to USD 200. Register before August 31, 2026.

As the global green transition and the "dual carbon" goals advance further, the nonferrous metals industry is accelerating its shift toward low-carbon, smart, and high-end development. South China, as a core industry hub, boasts a well-established industry chain, outstanding resource endowments, and strong policy support, generating robust development momentum. Hosted by SMM, the is scheduled to be held from September 9 to 11 in Nanning, Guangxi. Centered on five key topics—price trends, market outlook, trade environment, policy direction, and low-carbon technology—the conference serves as a high-end industry platform for exchange and collaboration. Geely Baikuang Group Co., Ltd. sincerely invites colleagues from all sectors to gather in Nanning, join in this grand event, and jointly promote technological innovation and digital-intelligent transformation, helping enterprises seize opportunities and tackle challenges, and driving the high-quality development of the nonferrous metals industry. Click the to sign up and attend now! Booth No.: B6 Unleashing the Value of Resources for Sustainable Social Development Geely Technology Group was founded in 2017 and is affiliated with Geely Holding Group. It consistently adheres to the development philosophy of "innovation-driven, industry-based," advancing the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries and the growth of strategic emerging industries through technological innovation. The Group has four core industries: new materials (resources), motorcycle smart manufacturing, the low-altitude economy, and power and AI semiconductors, with strategic investments in commercial aerospace, new energy, and other businesses. It continues to strengthen its industry ecosystem advantages and consistently delivers valuable products and services to society. Currently, the Group's annual output value exceeds 100 billion yuan, with a workforce of more than 20,000. Geely Baikuang Group is an important member of the Fortune Global 500 company Geely Holding Group and one of the core enterprises in the new materials (resources) sector of Geely Technology Group. Its business spans multiple fields, including coal, electric power, aluminum, carbon, deep aluminum processing, and ecological manganese. Guangxi Baiming New Materials Co., Ltd. 's 50kt annual capacity project for electrical round aluminum rod represents a critical strategic initiative by Geely Baikuang Group, leveraging its existing liquid aluminum capacity to extend the aluminum industry chain and enhance product added value. It is also a concrete practice of the Group's active response to the strategic deployment for the "second entrepreneurial push" of the aluminum industry by the Autonomous Region and Baise City, while deepening supply-side structural reform. As a vital link in the circular development of Baise's eco-aluminum industry, this project will further optimize the regional aluminum industry layout, promote the efficient local conversion of resources, and strengthen the industry's overall competitiveness. The project is situated within the Longlin Aluminum Plant, part of the Gui-Qian (Longlin) Economic and Industrial Cooperation Park in Mugu Village, Pingban Town, Longlin Various Ethnic Groups Autonomous County. There, it fully leverages the raw material advantage of the Longlin Aluminum Plant's existing liquid aluminum capacity, facilitating the direct supply and conversion of nearby liquid aluminum, thereby significantly reducing remelting energy consumption and production costs. Total project investment is approximately 14.2 million yuan. Once completed and in operation, it is expected to form a production capacity of 50,000 mt per year of electrical round aluminum rod, achieve an annual output value of about 1 billion yuan, and generate annual tax revenue of approximately 2 million yuan. Company's Main Products The electrical round aluminum rods cover mainstream alloy designations such as 1A60, 1370, 1350, 8030, 8R76, 6201, and 8A07 high-conductivity rod, and specifications include wire diameters of Ø9.5, Ø12, Ø15, etc. They are widely used in conductor manufacturing for power cables and fiber optic cables, as well as in electromagnetic wire, enamelled wire, and air-conditioning condenser tubes, providing high-performance materials for motors, transformers, electronic components, and NEV parts, thereby strengthening the foundation for power and signal transmission. The project introduces smart integrated equipment, integrates multiple processes, and precisely controls aluminum semis processing, practicing the principles of high quality, low energy consumption, high efficiency, and sustainability, breaking through traditional limitations, and supporting the green and low-carbon development of China’s aluminum industry. Aluminum Processing Industry The aluminum processing industry is a key breakthrough sector for Geely Baikuang Group to achieve transformation and upgrading. It shoulders the major mission of extending Guangxi’s aluminum industry “second startup” toward advanced aluminum processing. Currently, it includes aluminum wheel hubs, refined aluminum, etc. The aluminum wheel hub project relies on Geely’s systematic advantages in the automotive industry and enjoys huge market demand. For the 10-million-unit-per-year aluminum alloy wheel hub project, Phase I with 5.2 million wheel hubs was launched into production in 2021. Refined aluminum has completed construction of 10,000 mt capacity, with aluminum purity reaching 99.99%, mainly applied in high-tech fields such as electronics and aerospace. At the same time, Geely Baikuang Group is establishing an integrated system covering R&D, production, and sales, and advancing the construction of the aluminum plate/sheet, strip and foil project and the production base for NEV all-aluminum vehicle-supporting aluminum products and parts, to meet the huge demand for aluminum-based composite materials from the NEV industry, enrich Baise’s aluminum industry structure, and promote the high-quality development of Guangxi’s aluminum industry second startup. Manganese Industry The manganese industry is an emerging industry of Geely Baikuang Group, currently including manganese carbonate ore, electrolytic manganese metal, etc. The Geely Baikuang Jingxi Ecological Manganese Industry Integrated Park is one of the important manganese ore industrial bases in Guangxi and even China, with existing manganese carbonate ore resources of 20 million mt, Envision reserves of 40 million mt, and an annual output of 330,000 mt of manganese carbonate ore; electrolytic manganese metal capacity of 60,000 mt has been completed and put into operation. Geely is vigorously promoting NEV production, and Geely Baikuang will actively transform and upgrade toward new energy battery manganese-based materials, providing raw materials to new energy battery enterprises. Aluminum Smelting Industry Contact Information Huang Xiaoma 18177800977 SMM Conference Contact Ding Weiquan 18029344837

[SMM Weekly Survey on Aluminum Downstream: This Week, Aluminum Processing Operating Rate Dropped 0.2 Percentage Point to 61.1%, Off-Season Effect Deepens and Continues] Overall, as the off-season effect deepens, downward pressure on the industry's operating rate remains unabated. Export orders for aluminum plate/sheet and strip and aluminum foil provide some temporary support, while other sub-sectors are expected to remain in the doldrums in the short term.

On July 22, 2026, a delegation from SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM) visited Dong A Aluminum Company Limited and was warmly received by Deputy General Manager Cao Jiawang and Procurement Manager Chen Jiejun. The two sides held in-depth exchanges on topics including the development of Vietnam's aluminum price system, corporate procurement status and pricing models, trends in the aluminum processing industry, and cooperation for the SMM AICE 2026 Southeast Asia (Vietnam) Aluminum Conference. The SMM delegation included: Logan Lu , CEO of SMM Cason Lou , Director of Aluminium Processing, Marketing Department Lexi Chen , Key Account Manager for Overseas Information Sales Chin Khai Yuen , Senior Overseas Aluminium Analyst They were welcomed by key representatives from Dong A Aluminum, including: Cao Jiawang , Deputy General Manager Chen Jiejun , Procurement Manager Focusing on Procurement Practices: Coexistence of Multiple Pricing Models During the meeting, Dong A Aluminum elaborated on its current procurement status and price usage model. As one of the largest aluminum semis exporters in Vietnam, Dong A Aluminum's procurement system has both international and local characteristics, forming a flexible but complex pricing mechanism. Dong A Aluminum stated that the Vietnamese market currently lacks a locally recognized price reference system with international credibility, and enterprises face challenges such as inconsistent pricing benchmarks and scattered price information in actual operations, hoping that SMM can promote the standardization of Vietnam's aluminum price system. SMM introduced that since July 3, 2026, SMM has officially launched the Vietnam 6063 (non-homogenized) aluminum billet processing fee and SMM Vietnam 6063 (non-homogenized) aluminum billet price point, updated on a daily basis on each trading day. Meanwhile, SMM plans to officially release the SMM Vietnam aluminum price and elaborate on the methodology at the SMM AICE 2026 Southeast Asia (Vietnam) Aluminum Conference to be held in Ho Chi Minh City from November 19 to 20. Dong A Aluminum expressed high attention to this, believing that the launch of SMM Vietnam aluminum price is expected to provide enterprises with a more transparent and authoritative pricing reference, reduce transaction costs, and improve market efficiency. Discussing Industry Trends: Opportunities and Challenges in the Aluminum Processing Industry The two sides also exchanged views on the current status of Vietnam's aluminum processing industry. As a member of a Singapore-based holding group system, Dong A Aluminum has a total investment of over $200 million and an annual comprehensive capacity of 150,000 mt. In 2025, the company's Phase III expansion project was officially completed and put into operation, with six new aluminum extrusion lines installed, bringing the total number of extrusion lines to 25. The company has now established a wide sales network across the country, and its products are popular in multiple international markets such as the US, Australia, Canada, Europe, and Japan. Dong A Aluminum noted that with the commissioning of Vietnam's first aluminum project (Phase I with an annual capacity of 150,000 mt), the Vietnamese aluminum industry chain is accelerating to complete the last link. The increase in local primary aluminum supply will bring new procurement options and cost optimization opportunities for aluminum processing enterprises. At the same time, the imminent implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the adjustments to tariff policies in key export markets such as the US have also imposed higher requirements on enterprises' market layout and pricing strategies. The two sides also reached a consensus on cooperation for the SMM AICE 2026 Southeast Asia (Vietnam) Aluminum Industry Conference. Dong A Aluminum indicated that it would actively consider participating in the conference to jointly promote the internationalization of the aluminum market in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. This visit further deepened the communication and mutual trust between SMM and Vietnam's leading aluminum processing enterprises. It provided important first-hand information for market research and data collection on the Vietnamese aluminum pricing system and injected new momentum into the standardization of aluminum pricing in Vietnam. About Dong A Aluminum Dong A Aluminum Co., Ltd. is located in Tan Dan Industrial Park, Le Dai Hanh Ward, Haiphong City, Vietnam. It is an aluminum products producer with high industry reputation and relatively large production scale in Vietnam. The company is a member of a Singapore-based holding group, with a total investment exceeding $200 million and an annual comprehensive capacity of 150,000 mt. It is also one of the largest exporters of aluminum semis in Vietnam. The company owns a modern factory covering an area of nearly 120,000 m², equipped with intelligent and advanced production lines. It has established a fully automated, closed-loop production process covering aluminum ingot storage, melting and casting, extrusion, spraying, anodizing, wood grain treatment, deep processing, and finished product assembly. The company fully applies an intelligent ERP management system to achieve automated management of the entire production and operation process. Currently, the company has 25 extrusion lines with tonnages ranging from 600 mt to 4,500 mt. In 2025, the Phase III expansion project was officially completed and put into operation, successfully entering the list of Vietnam's Top 500 enterprises. With a development direction of becoming a comprehensive aluminum application solution provider, Dong A Aluminum's products are widely used in construction, home furnishings, electronics and power, solar energy, and other fields, and it continues to expand the application of aluminum semis in machinery equipment, precision parts, and the automotive industry. As of now, Dong A Aluminum has established an extensive sales network nationwide, with over 800 dealers, and actively exports to multiple international markets including the US, Australia, Canada, Europe, and Japan. Facing the future, Dong A Aluminum always adheres to the development philosophy of "innovation as the core, quality as the foundation, and service as the commitment," continuously optimizes its production system, upgrades its technological strength, and actively promotes Vietnam's aluminum industry onto the global industrial landscape. Join the Conversation at SMM AICE 2026 Connect with aluminum producers, processors, traders, industry associations, analysts, and decision-makers from across Southeast Asia. Explore the latest market developments, pricing trends, processing technologies, recycling opportunities, and new possibilities for regional cooperation. ? Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ? November 19–20, 2026 Register now: bit.ly/AICE26 and secure your Super Early Bird Pass and save up to USD 200. Register before August 31, 2026.

Representatives from SMM and the Vietnam Association of Aluminum Profile (VAA) during their meeting in Ho Chi Minh City on July 21, 2026 On July 21, 2026, a delegation from Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) visited the Vietnam Association of Aluminum Profile (VAA) to discuss the development of Vietnam’s aluminum industry, the establishment of a credible local aluminum pricing system, and opportunities for international cooperation. The SMM delegation included: Logan Lu , CEO of SMM Cason Lou , Aluminum Processing Director of the Marketing Department Lexi Chen , Key Account Manager for Overseas Information Sales Khai Yuen Chin , Senior Overseas Aluminum Analyst. They were welcomed by key representatives from VAA, including: Nguyen Minh Ke, President of Vietnam Aluminum Profile Association (VAA) Vu Van Phu, Vice President & Secretary General, VAA, Viet Phap Aluminum Company Le Anh Tuyet, Vice President, VAA; CEO Do Thanh Aluminum Group Nguyen Dung, Chief of Office, VAA Strengthening Transparency in Vietnam’s Aluminum Market During the meeting, SMM and VAA introduced their respective organizations, business activities, and roles within the aluminum industry. The discussion then focused on the development of Vietnam’s aluminum sector, market research and price publication, and potential cooperation surrounding SMM AICE 2026 Southeast Asia Aluminum Conference A key topic was the need for a transparent and internationally recognized aluminum price benchmark in Vietnam. Photo credit: SMM AICE As Vietnam’s aluminum industry continues to expand, the absence of a credible local price reference remains a major challenge for market participants. A reliable benchmark could improve pricing transparency, support more informed commercial decisions, and facilitate cross-border trade. To support this development, SMM officially launched its Vietnam 6063 aluminum billet processing fee and SMM Vietnam 6063 aluminum billet price assessment on July 3, 2026. During the meeting, the SMM team explained the progress of its pricing services in Southeast Asia and addressed VAA’s questions regarding the assessment process. SMM also emphasized the importance of developing a Vietnam aluminum pricing system that reflects local market conditions while gaining recognition from international participants. Official Price Launch at SMM AICE 2026 SMM plans to officially introduce its Vietnam aluminum price and explain the underlying methodology during SMM AICE 2026 Southeast Asia Aluminum Conference , taking place on November 19–20, 2026, in Ho Chi Minh City. The conference will provide a platform for aluminum producers, processors, traders, industry associations, analysts, and other market participants to discuss pricing mechanisms and the broader development of Vietnam and Southeast Asia’s aluminum markets. VAA Chairman Nguyen Minh Ke welcomed SMM’s continued engagement in Vietnam. He highlighted the rapid development of the country’s aluminum industry, particularly following the commissioning of the first phase of a 150,000-ton electrolytic aluminum project, which further strengthens Vietnam’s aluminum value chain. Photo credit: SMM AICE He also noted that the lack of a locally based pricing reference with international credibility has remained a persistent industry challenge. VAA looks forward to deepening its cooperation with SMM and jointly supporting the standardization and international recognition of Vietnam’s aluminum pricing system. Expanding Cooperation Through SMM AICE 2026 SMM and VAA also reached several points of consensus regarding potential cooperation for SMM AICE 2026. VAA expressed its intention to actively consider supporting and participating in the conference. This collaboration could create new opportunities for industry dialogue, information exchange, and stronger connections between Vietnam’s aluminum sector and the wider international market. The visit marks the formal establishment of a cooperative relationship between SMM and VAA. It lays a foundation for future collaboration in aluminum price development, industry information exchange, and international engagement. About the Vietnam Association of Aluminum Profile Established in 2019, the Vietnam Association of Aluminum Profile is one of the country’s most influential aluminum industry organizations. VAA represents nearly 130 member companies involved in aluminum profile manufacturing and trading. Its work focuses on supporting member companies, protecting their legitimate interests, promoting cooperation across the industry, and strengthening the international competitiveness of Vietnam’s aluminum sector. According to VAA, Vietnam’s aluminum profile production reached nearly 1.5 million tonnes in 2024, with an estimated value of USD 4.2 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 14.5%. As the industry continues to grow, cooperation among associations, market information providers, and businesses will become increasingly important in developing stronger market standards and supporting Vietnam’s integration into the global aluminum value chain. Join the Conversation at SMM AICE 2026 Connect with aluminum producers, processors, traders, industry associations, analysts, and decision-makers from across Southeast Asia. Explore the latest market developments, pricing trends, processing technologies, recycling opportunities, and new possibilities for regional cooperation. ? Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ? November 19–20, 2026 Register now: bit.ly/AICE26 and secure your Super Early Bird Pass and save up to USD 200. Register before August 31, 2026.