Since 2017, Vietnam’s solar market has grown rapidly under strong policy support, especially feed-in tariff incentives. This drove fast capacity expansion but also exposed grid constraints as development outpaced transmission infrastructure. As subsidies gradually phased out, market logic shifted from policy-driven growth to energy security and system stability.

SMM, June 1， According to SMM data , the average all-in cost (tax-inclusive) of the domestic electrolytic aluminum industry in May 2026 fell 1.9% month-on-month (MoM) and 2.2% year-on-year (YoY), primarily driven by declines in alumina prices and electricity prices during the period. Under the pressure of high inventory in May, domestic aluminum prices trended weak. The SMM A00 spot monthly average price (April 26 – May 25) edged down 0.8% MoM, while electrolytic aluminum profit margins expanded by RMB 110/mt to RMB 8,413/mt, with average profitability up 126.4% YoY. Based on monthly average price calculations, 100% of domestic electrolytic aluminum operating capacity was profitable in May. Breaking down the cost components: Alumina feedstock: According to SMM data, the SMM Alumina Index averaged RMB 2,674/mt in May (April 26 – May 25), down 2.3% MoM. Although average daily alumina output edged slightly lower within the month, alumina market fundamentals remained relatively loose amid the impact of overseas alumina import supply, compounded by the gradual ramp-up of new projects in Guangxi. Spot alumina prices lacked upside momentum. Entering June, as newly commissioned capacity continues to ramp up and maintenance outages are progressively completed, domestic alumina output is expected to increase, with spot prices likely to consolidate sideways for the most part. Auxiliary materials: In May, pre-baked anodes and fluoride salts saw price increases supported by cost-side factors, pushing up auxiliary material costs. Entering June, the pass-through of earlier cost-side weakness, combined with a relatively loose supply landscape, is expected to lead to a modest decline in pre-baked anode prices. On the fluoride salt front, downstream producers have limited capacity to absorb high prices, although elevated costs still provide a degree of price support; amid this tug-of-war, fluoride salt prices are expected to slip modestly MoM. Overall, electrolytic aluminum auxiliary material costs are projected to decline in June. Electricity prices: Power prices fell MoM in May, primarily because the flood season is approaching, with electricity prices in water-rich southern regions declining notably, significantly reducing electrolytic aluminum power costs. Entering June, coal price dynamics may push electricity prices slightly higher in some provinces; however, with the southern flood season underway, power prices are expected to continue declining overall. On balance, electrolytic aluminum power costs are expected to remain broadly stable. Overall , the SMM weighted-average all-in cost (tax-inclusive) of the domestic electrolytic aluminum industry edged lower in May 2026. Electrolytic aluminum costs in June are expected to remain relatively steady, with the average forecast at around RMB 15,800–16,200/mt .

According to statistics from SMM, China's output of high-carbon ferrochrome in May 2026 rose by 5.09% month-on-month and 23.85% year-on-year.

In the first quarter of 2026, global energy storage system shipments reached 100.0 GWh, a 96.5% increase from 50.9 GWh in the same period of 2025, bringing quarterly shipments to an entirely new scale.

San Marino’s public utility AASS has launched a call for expressions of interest to acquire companies holding ground-mounted PV assets in San Marino or Italy, aiming to improve energy security and reduce reliance on imported electricity. Eligible projects may be operating, under construction or ready to build, but must be commissioned by Dec. 31, 2026, with a maximum value of EUR 15 million per project. Battery storage can be included, but standalone storage projects are not eligible. SMM believes the move reflects growing efforts by smaller European economies to use domestic and cross-border renewable investments to strengthen energy security and long-term power price stability.

【SMM Steel】Demand for finished steel in Sweden is shifting toward steady recovery after years of stagnation, driven by government-backed green transformation, energy/infrastructure investment, and improving macro conditions. Sweden uses a public-private partnership model covering 10-15% of green modernization costs. Industrial power prices in northern Sweden are €30-45/MWh vs EU industrial average ~€95/MWh. Total steel consumption is expected to rise 3% in 2026 to 3.4m tonnes. Flat products are expected to rise 2% supported by auto, defense, and wind power; long products are expected to rise 4.5% driven by construction and infrastructure. Imports account for 75-85% of domestic consumption, with strict low-carbon certification requirements.