Korea’s battery industry is expanding beyond EVs into ESS and other applications. As a result, competition is shifting from product performance toward broader supply chain capabilities. InterBattery 2026 highlighted this transition.

While maintaining a growth structure centered on EVs, South Korea’s battery industry is accelerating its expansion into energy storage systems (ESS) and non-automotive application fields, entering a new phase of transformation. As a result, the basis of competition is shifting from product performance to broader supply chain capabilities. At InterBattery 2026 held in March, major South Korean battery producers showcased a diverse range of products for ESS, AI infrastructure, and industrial applications, underscoring this shift. The industry’s focus is now moving from the single EV market to a broader landscape of energy and industrial applications.

On March 31, SHFE issued a notice on the relevant work arrangements during the 2026 Qingming Festival holiday. The original text was as follows: Notice on the Relevant Work Arrangements During the 2026 Qingming Festival Holiday To all relevant parties: According to the Announcement of the Shanghai Futures Exchange on the 2026 Holiday Schedule (SHFE Announcement [2025] No. 157), the relevant work arrangements during the Qingming Festival holiday are hereby notified as follows: There will be no night session trading on the evening of April 3, 2026 (Friday). The market will be closed from April 4, 2026 (Saturday) to April 6 (Monday). From 08:55 to 09:00 on April 7, 2026 (Tuesday), all futures and options contracts will conduct call auction trading, and the night session will resume that evening. Please make proper risk prevention arrangements to ensure market stability and smooth delivery. Hereby notified. Shanghai Futures Exchange Mar 2026

For almost four weeks, the war against Iran has kept the world on edge – a conflict that leaves deep marks not only geopolitically but also economically. Volatility and uncertainty in global markets are increasing daily.

[SMM Lead Morning Meeting Summary: Macro Factors and Fundamentals Present Both Bullish and Bearish Signals, and Lead Prices May Continue to Consolidate in the Short Term] Fed Chairman Powell released dovish signals, and the market once again bet on the possibility of an interest rate cut within the year. Recently, production at primary lead and secondary lead smelters has resumed, supply has been relatively ample, and imported lead has continued to flow into China...

Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas plans to cut approximately 440 production jobs at its Lindo nacelle factory in Denmark, citing increased production efficiency and reduced takt time. The company is exploring redeployment options for affected employees within its 7,000-strong Danish workforce. This move follows a previous announcement to reduce its global office headcount by 900 positions by the end of 2025. Conversely, driven by strong offshore wind demand in the UK, Vestas has simultaneously announced plans to invest in a new nacelle and hub factory in Scotland.