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 .

【SMM Steel】Australian steelmaker BlueScope has announced that its new Metal Coating Line 7 at Erskine Park, NSW, has entered the commissioning phase. The 415 million AUD project will add 240,000 tonnes of annual ZINCALUME® steel capacity. The new line will significantly enhance coating capabilities and support premium brands including TRUECORE® and COLORBOND®. Production is expected to ramp up progressively through 2026. The investment forms part of BlueScope's broader strategy to strengthen Australia's domestic steel supply chain and improve long-term supply reliability for high-value steel products.

The 2nd SMM Southeast Asia Automotive Supply Chain Conference 2025 was successfully held, featuring the on-site launch of 10 new car models, Southeast Asia brand strategies from three automakers, and SMM's locally sourced steel prices in Thailand. The event facilitated efficient matchmaking between 12+ buyers and 60+ suppliers, and preliminarily established a communication platform for the entire industry chain of Southeast Asian automotive. Currently, the NEV industry in Southeast Asia 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, competition over technology roadmaps, and localization compliance. Thanks to the support of all parties, SMM's local pricing systems in Thailand and Indonesia have been implemented and adopted by core enterprises, establishing a credible cost benchmark for the industry. The 3rd Conference in 2026 will focus on three core themes: exploring the NEV auto sales potential in Southeast Asia; bridging the last mile of the supply chain and integrating regional industry chain resources; and advancing SMM's Southeast Asian metals pricing from a price reference to a transaction benchmark, implementing procurement applications for electrification materials and establishing an executable pricing system. We firmly believe that true progress comes from turning consensus into action. At this conference, Press Metal International Ltd (PMI) sincerely invites you to reunite 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. Booth No.: B01 Press Metal International Ltd (PMI) is a subsidiary of Press Metal Aluminium Holding Bhd (PMAH), operating as an integrated production chain corporation. The extrusion plants are strategically located in both China and Malaysia, with 230 thousand tons production capacity. With a commitment to providing comprehensive aluminium profile solutions worldwide, PMI has established sales office in key regions including the United Kingdom, North America, Australia, Vietnam and Malaysia, ensuring a global presence. Across the integrated production chain, PMI covers Alloying R&D, Tooling Design and fabrication, remelting and billet casting, extrusion and value-added services such as surface finishing and high-precision fabrication, specializing in Alloy series 1000,5000, 6000 and 7000, the company has expertise to extrude variety of large shape aluminium profile. The company capabilities serve various industries, including automotive, marine and offshore, 3C electronic and more. To better meet the needs of the SEA automotive industry, our presence in Malaysia spans two facilities in Klang and Nilai. These facilities provide a complete vertical supply chain for automotive and precision aluminum products — equipped with advanced extrusion, anodizing, sandblasting, and automotive assembly lines to support high-volume manufacturing — and serve global Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs with components including bumper systems, sill beam assemblies, and battery trays. Contact Information Contact Contact Us Lou Kexin 19068019380

The 2025 2nd SMM Southeast Asia Automotive Supply Chain Conference was successfully held, featuring the launch of 10 new car models, Southeast Asia brand strategies from three automakers, and SMM's local steel prices in Thailand. The event facilitated efficient matchmaking between 12+ buyers and 60+ suppliers, and preliminarily established a communication platform for the entire automotive industry chain in Southeast Asia. Currently, the NEV industry in Southeast Asia is entering a critical development phase. Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam each have their own strategic layouts and breakthroughs, while the industry also faces challenges such as supply chain restructuring, competition over technology roadmaps, and localization compliance. Thanks to the support from all parties, SMM's local pricing systems in Thailand and Indonesia 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 resources; and advancing SMM's Southeast Asia metal pricing from a price reference to a transaction benchmark, implementing procurement applications for electrification materials, and establishing an executable pricing system. We firmly believe that true progress comes from turning consensus into action. At this conference, Shanghai Launch Automotive Design Co., Ltd. cordially invites you to gather again in Bangkok, to jointly transform strategic blueprints into competitive market 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. Booth No.: A16 Stock Code: 832954 An Innovative Force Leading R&D Across the Entire Automotive Industry Chain Launch was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Shanghai. It is a "turnkey engineering" service provider specializing in R&D across the entire automotive industry chain. The company has established 33 branches worldwide and a professional team of over 4,000 employees. Its business covers the entire process, including styling design, vehicle engineering development, supply chain management, prototype trial production and testing, providing clients with one-stop vehicle R&D solutions. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Shanghai, Launch is a "turnkey engineering" service provider specializing in R&D across the entire automotive industry chain. The company has established 33 branches worldwide and a professional team of over 4,000 employees. Its business covers the entire process, including styling design, vehicle engineering development, supply chain management, prototype trial production and testing, providing customers with one-stop vehicle R&D solutions. The company drives its development with the dual engines of " automotive R&D + product innovation" The company drives its development with the dual engines of "automotive R&D + product innovation": Automotive R&D and Design : As its core business, Launch has long served international brands such as Toyota, Tesla, Ford, and Renault, as well as leading Chinese automakers including BYD, Great Wall, Geely, FAW, Dongfeng, GAC, and XPeng, continuously driving the upgrade of the global automotive industry. Automotive R&D and Design: As its core business, this segment has long served international brands such as Toyota, Tesla, Ford, and Renault, as well as major domestic automakers including BYD, Great Wall Motors, Geely, FAW Group, Dongfeng Motor, GAC Group, and XPeng. It continuously promotes the upgrading of the global automotive industry. Product Innovation Business : Leveraging its ability to integrate the entire industry chain, Launch independently develops diversified electrification platforms, covering categories such as EVs, electric motorcycles, e-bikes, and electric wheelchairs. In the future, it will accelerate the expansion of markets outside China to support the global layout of technology, industry chains, and automotive ecosystems. Product Innovation Business: Leveraging its ability to integrate the entire industry chain, Launch independently develops diversified electrification platforms, covering categories such as electric vehicles, electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, and electric wheelchairs. In the future, it will accelerate the expansion of overseas markets to support the global layout of technology, industrial chains, and automotive ecosystems. Launch has won multiple honors, including "National High-Tech Enterprise," "National Industrial Design Center," and "National-level 'Little Giant' Enterprise Specialized in Refined, Precise, and Advanced Technologies." Up to now, it has completed the R&D of more than 400 car models, covering traditional passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and new energy vehicles. The total sales of launched models have exceeded 30 million units, making Launch not only a top-tier vehicle R&D institution in China but also a global industry benchmark, continuously driving the independent innovation and global development of China's automotive industry. Launch has won multiple honors, including "National High-Tech Enterprise", "National Industrial Design Center", and "National-level 'Little Giant' Enterprise Specialized in Refined, Precise, and Advanced Technologies". Up to now, it has completed the R&D of more than 400 vehicle models, covering traditional passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and new energy vehicles. The total sales volume of the launched models has exceeded 30 million units. Launch has not only become a top-tier domestic vehicle R&D institution but also emerged as a global industry benchmark, continuously promoting the independent innovation and global development of China's automotive industry. Contact Information Contact Ma Xiao: 13612111955 Contact Us Wu Chaojun

SMM June 1 News: Metals market: As of the midday close, domestic market base metals mostly fell, with SHFE copper edging up, while SHFE aluminum and SHFE lead dipped slightly. SHFE zinc fell 0.84%. SHFE tin rose 0.85%. SHFE nickel fell 0.79%. In addition, the most-traded casting aluminum alloy futures fell 0.17%, the most-traded alumina contract fell 0.35%. The most-traded lithium carbonate contract fell 0.26%. The most-traded silicon metal contract rose 1.75%. The most-traded polysilicon futures rose 1.19%. Ferrous metals mostly rose, with iron ore down 0.38%, rebar up 0.67%, hot-rolled coil up 0.59%, and stainless steel down 0.81%. Coking coal and coke: the most-traded coking coal contract rose 7.2%, and the most-traded coke contract rose 5.1%. Overseas market base metals, as of 11:44, LME metals rose across the board. LME copper rose 0.56%. LME aluminum rose 0.2%. LME lead rose 0.22%. LME zinc rose 0.08%. LME tin rose 0.51%. LME nickel rose 0.34%. Precious metals, as of 11:44, COMEX gold fell 0.88%, and COMEX silver rose 0.16%. Domestic precious metals: the most-traded SHFE gold contract rose 0.78%, and the most-traded SHFE silver contract rose 0.13%. In addition, as of the midday close, the most-traded platinum futures rose 0.97%, and the most-traded palladium futures fell 0.72%. As of the midday close, the most-traded Europe containerized freight index contract rose 11.26%, closing at 3,884 points. As of 11:44 on June 1, midday futures quotes for selected contracts: Spot and Fundamentals Copper: Today in Guangdong, #1 copper cathode spot prices against the front-month contract: high-quality copper was quoted at a premium of 70 yuan/mt, down 40 yuan/mt from the previous trading day; standard-quality copper was quoted at a premium of 0 yuan/mt, down 40 yuan/mt from the previous trading day; SX-EW copper was quoted at a discount of 70 yuan/mt, down 40 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. The average price of Guangdong #1 copper cathode was 104,845 yuan/mt, down 170 yuan/mt from the previous trading day; the average price of SX-EW copper was 104,740 yuan/mt, down 170 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Spot market: Returning from the weekend, Guangdong inventory saw a significant increase... Macro Front China: [The "Regulations of the State Council on Outbound Investment" was published and will take effect on July 1, 2026] It mentioned that investors conducting outbound investment activities shall not export or use goods, technologies, services, and related data prohibited from export by the state, or export or use goods, technologies, services, and related data restricted from export by the state without authorization; shall not transfer goods, technologies, services, and related data prohibited from export by the state to other countries (regions) through means such as cross-border dispatch of technical personnel, organizing personnel to work in other countries (regions), providing cross-border technical guidance, or arranging cross-border training, or transfer goods, technologies, services, and related data restricted from export by the state to other countries (regions) without authorization. [Shanghai Municipal Government General Office Released the Shanghai Service Industry Development 15th Five-Year Plan] The plan mentioned that by 2030, the service industry is expected to achieve notable progress in optimizing its structure, fostering momentum, and improving quality and efficiency, with continuous improvement in digitalization, standardization, integration, and internationalization. The added value of the service industry is expected to reach approximately 6 trillion yuan, basically forming a new high-quality and efficient service industry system led by high-level urban core service functions, anchored by high-end producer services, and supported by high-grade consumer services, building Shanghai's service industry into a "resilient foundation" for economic growth with higher capacity and a "dynamic hub" for global service resource allocation with stronger influence. (Source: Wallstreetcn) [PBOC Net Drained 247 Billion Yuan via Open Market Operations Today] The PBOC conducted 11 billion yuan of 7-day reverse repo operations in the open market at an interest rate of 1.40%, unchanged from the previous day. A total of 258 billion yuan in reverse repos matured today. US Dollar: As of 11:44, the US dollar index rose 0.13% to 99.08. According to an article by Nick Timiraos, known as the "Fed whisperer," in a speech on Sunday evening local time, former US Fed Chair Powell stated that if any administration found an excuse to remove Fed officials simply over policy disagreements, the Fed would not be able to survive. Powell currently serves as a Fed governor. While speaking broadly about institutions, the rule of law, and related topics, he did not name any president, nor did he express any specific personal grievances. However, when addressing the institutional framework designed to keep monetary policy decisions out of presidential control, his language was extremely precise. Powell emphasized the legal protections designed to prevent the arbitrary removal of Fed officials and specifically noted that the executive branch "plays no role in selecting or supervising the 12 regional Reserve Bank presidents," who vote on interest rate decisions alongside Fed governors. "If any administration found an excuse to remove Fed officials simply over policy disagreements, future administrations would inevitably follow suit," Powell said. He noted that the credibility the Fed had built over decades was a "priceless asset," and he and his colleagues "have a responsibility to defend it." (Source: Jin10 Data APP) A CITIC Securities research report noted that the current US Fed transition pace was relatively smooth, and within the next two years, among the seven members of the Federal Reserve Board, only JeromeGovernor Powell may see changes due to his term ending in 2028, while regional Fed presidents face no formal departure pressure before 2028. New Chair Warsh was sworn in on May 22 and his remarks did not release dovish signals. Overall, dovish forces within the US Fed have notably weakened, with neutral and neutral-to-hawkish stances in the majority on policy, though attention is still needed on US economic conditions, geopolitical conflict risks, and other factors. Data: Today's releases include the UK May Nationwide House Price Index MoM, Switzerland April real retail sales YoY, France May manufacturing PMI final, Germany May manufacturing PMI final, Eurozone May manufacturing PMI final, UK May manufacturing PMI final, Eurozone April unemployment rate, US May S&P Global manufacturing PMI final, US May ISM manufacturing PMI, and US April construction spending MoM. In addition, attention is needed on: the opening of NVIDIA GTC Taipei 2026, with Jensen Huang delivering a keynote speech. Crude oil: As of 11:44, oil prices in both markets rose, with WTI up 2.26% and Brent up 2%. Oil prices rebounded from six-week lows as the outlook for an Iran war and peace agreement remained unclear. The US and Iran exchanged messages over the weekend seeking to revise a draft agreement aimed at extending the ceasefire and opening the Strait of Hormuz, but whether substantive progress was made remains unclear. Previously, optimism that the two sides would reach some form of peace agreement and that energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz would resume had led to crude oil's first monthly decline this year. "Neither Iran nor the US will concede or compromise on their bottom lines for reaching a deal, some of which have not changed since before the war," said economist Gaoud. These bottom lines include the nuclear program, control of the Strait of Hormuz, the ballistic missile program, and sanctions. He also noted that oil prices may remain sensitive to local developments and statements from political leaders. (Jin10 Data) Spot market overview: ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ►

[China Inventory Continued to Decline This Week, Aluminum Prices Show LME Outperforms SHFE in the Short Term] China inventory continued to decline this week but at a modest pace, limiting the upside elasticity of SHFE aluminum, with the divergence between domestic and overseas markets expected to persist in the short term. Key areas to watch going forward include whether China inventory destocking accelerates, whether the US-Iran deal can be formally signed, further clarity on the US Fed's rate path, and whether China is further tightening regulations on aluminum capacity operations. Overall, aluminum prices are expected to continue moving sideways in the short term, with LME outperforming SHFE.