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On May 20, the 2026 Olefins Industry Conference hosted by SCI was held as scheduled. The three-day conference aimed to build a supply and demand communication platform across the entire industry chain against the backdrop of intense geopolitical conflicts, the coexistence of overcapacity and structural shortages, and the lack of coordination across the full chain. It sought to help the industry reach consensus, connect resources, explore solutions together, and promote high-quality collaborative development between upstream and downstream industries. Numerous leading petrochemical enterprises and key downstream enterprises were invited to attend.

【SMM Analysis: Enterprises Actively Expanding Outside China Combined with Demand Boost Led to Significant MoM Increase in Copper Wire Rod Exports in April】Total exports of copper wire rod (HS codes 74081100 and 74081900) increased MoM in April, showing growth both YoY and MoM. The specific data are as follows: ...

[SMM Cast Aluminum Alloy Morning Comment: Aluminum Scrap and Alloy Imports Both Dropped Sharply, Alloy Exports Hit Single-Month Record High] Imports of unwrought aluminum alloy were 73,500 mt, down 15.4% YoY and down 12.9% MoM; cumulative imports from January to April were 313,900 mt, down 14.6% YoY. Exports side, April unwrought aluminum alloy exports reached 46,300 mt, hitting a single-month export record high, up 179.7% YoY and up 68.9% MoM; cumulative exports from January to April were 111,200 mt, up 58.1% YoY. Since March, affected by Middle East geopolitical conflicts and ex-China supply disruptions, overseas aluminum alloy ingot prices continued to rise, with the price spread between domestic and overseas markets becoming increasingly inverted.

[SMM Analysis]Unwrought Aluminum Alloy Exports Surged 180% YoY in April, Imports Clearly Under Pressure

Overall outlook: Through the strategic shift of order focus toward Southeast Asia and Europe, China's prebaked anode exports are expected to effectively mitigate the downside risks from the Middle Eastern market, with the market structure's risk resilience continuing to strengthen. Full-year exports in 2026 are expected to maintain robust growth, and regional diversification is expected to deepen further.