In March, European APT prices surged 30%, driven by persistent supply shortages, widening the price gap with China to over $400/mtu. Tungsten scrap markets saw panic selling mid-month but stabilized toward month-end. China entered a consolidation phase as mining quota were released, yet strong fundamentals point to renewed upside ahead.
Mar 30, 2026 15:23SMM Morning Meeting Summary: Last Friday night, LME copper opened at $12,157.5/mt and dipped to $12,106/mt at the start of the session, then fluctuated upward to $12,246.5/mt. Later, the center of copper prices gradually moved lower and finally closed at $12,141/mt, up 0.17%, with trading volume at 15,500 lots and open interest at 295,000 lots, down 991 lots from the previous trading day. Last Friday night, the most-traded SHFE copper 2605 contract opened at 95,080 yuan/mt and touched a low of 95,040 yuan/mt at the start of the session, then the center of copper prices gradually moved higher to 95,880 yuan/mt. Later, it fluctuated downward and finally closed at 95,490 yuan/mt, down 0.22%, with trading volume at 42,900 lots and open interest at 185,500 lots, down 1,897 lots from the previous trading day, mainly due to long liquidation.
Mar 30, 2026 09:13This week, ferrous metals retreated after a rapid rise. At the beginning of the week, the market said that Asia had shifted to coal-fired power generation due to a natural gas supply deficit, while Indonesia would increase coal production and impose export taxes. The rise in international coal prices was transmitted to China, and coking coal and coke led the gains in ferrous metals; mid-week, the Middle East situation remained volatile, and the U.S. and Iran held differing attitudes toward war, with ferrous metals consolidating at high levels; the pullback in the second half of the week was also mainly due to the weakening of the cost-side logic, as market rumors said long-term iron ore contract negotiations had been completed, expectations for tightening iron ore supply declined, and raw materials turned into the main driver of the pullback. In the spot market, speculative trading and end-user purchase sentiment improved in the first half of the week, while rigid demand remained dominant in the second half, and the spot-futures price spread widened somewhat......
Mar 27, 2026 18:45As of March 24, the operating rate of 50 electric-furnace steel mills nationwide mainly producing construction materials was 40.42%, up 1.78% WoW from the previous period; the capacity utilization rate was 41.75%, up 1.88% WoW from the previous period; and daily average production of construction materials was 93,000 mt, up 4,200 mt WoW.
Mar 27, 2026 18:26This week, stainless steel spot prices and production costs rose in tandem, though the losses between steel mill costs and prices narrowed slightly. Taking 304 cold-rolled products as an example, based on raw material prices on the day, the full cost profit margin was -0.7% this week; calculated based on raw material inventory costs, it reached 1.15%. Nickel raw material costs, high-grade NPI prices remained in the doldrums this week. Although news disruptions from Indonesia persisted during the week and nickel ore prices held up well, with most NPI producers suffering losses, stainless steel prices currently struggled to rise, while steel mills themselves faced significant cost pressure and showed low acceptance of high-priced raw materials. Although the NPI market had the intention to probe higher, weak overall transactions constrained it, and actual price increases faced resistance. As of this Friday, high-grade NPI with a grade of 10-12% fell by 0.5 yuan/nickel unit to 1,083.5 yuan/nickel unit. Stainless steel scrap market, stainless steel scrap prices rose slightly this week, mainly boosted by macro news, stronger futures, and rising finished steel prices. The US-Iran conflict and news of Indonesia taxing nickel products stimulated stronger SS futures, pushing stainless steel spot prices higher and in turn boosting stainless steel scrap prices. Although stainless steel scrap had a clear economic advantage, tight tax invoices caused by reverse invoicing and high inventory capped its upside room, so it only posted a slight increase. Overall, the stainless steel scrap market saw a mild upward trend this week, with short-term support still in place but insufficient upward momentum. If the tax invoice issue remains unresolved, prices are expected to continue fluctuating. As of this Friday, the price of 304 off-cuts in Shanghai rose by 100 yuan/mt to about 10,150 yuan/mt. Chrome raw material costs, high-carbon ferrochrome prices remained stable this week. Although overseas market chrome ore futures prices still had room to be raised, China port chrome ore inventory remained high. In addition, ferrochrome producers recently showed weak willingness to purchase chrome ore, and China chrome ore prices pulled back, weakening cost support for ferrochrome. Meanwhile, current ferrochrome retail prices were already significantly higher than steel mill tender prices, and further gains in high-carbon ferrochrome prices faced resistance. As of this Friday, high-carbon ferrochrome prices in Inner Mongolia were unchanged from last week at 8,650 yuan/mt (50% metal content).
Mar 27, 2026 17:36This week, 304 stainless steel scrap off-cuts prices in east China strengthened to 10,100-10,200 yuan/mt; stainless steel scrap off-cuts of the same specification in Foshan also rose, with prices at 9,800-10,100 yuan/mt. Raw material cost side, the current cost of producing stainless steel entirely from stainless steel scrap was about 14,218.64 yuan/mt, while the cost of production using only high-grade NPI was 14,686.86 yuan/mt. This week, stainless steel scrap prices rose slightly, mainly driven by macro news, firm futures, and gains in finished product prices. The US-Iran geopolitical conflict was unlikely to end in the short term, while news related to Indonesia's export tax and windfall tax on nickel products continued to ferment. These two bullish factors jointly kept SS futures holding up well. At the same time, supported by higher guidance prices from stainless steel mills, spot stainless steel finished product prices also strengthened and moved higher, directly transmitting to the stainless steel scrap market and pushing its prices up slightly. Performance on the substitute raw material side diverged. Affected by stainless steel mills' continued efforts to push for lower prices, high-grade NPI generally remained stable this week, with no obvious change; high-carbon ferrochrome, however, was dragged down by a sharp buildup in chrome ore inventory, making its price rally difficult to sustain, and its overall support for stainless steel scrap was limited. Although stainless steel scrap still maintained a clear economic advantage over high-grade NPI, providing some support for its prices, the constraining factors were also prominent. Under the impact of the reverse invoicing policy, the shortage of tax invoices had not been alleviated, and current stainless steel scrap inventory remained high. These two factors jointly capped the upside room for stainless steel scrap prices, resulting in only a slight increase rather than a sustained upward trend. Overall, the stainless steel scrap market showed a mild upward pattern this week, characterized by "futures support, finished product-driven gains, and evident constraints." Although short-term supportive factors remained in place, upward momentum was insufficient due to the drag from tax invoice and inventory issues. If the tax invoice problem remains difficult to resolve effectively in the short term, stainless steel scrap prices are expected to continue fluctuating within a range.
Mar 27, 2026 17:21To Valued Customers Dear Customers, To fully cover the price information across all links of the tungsten industry chain, accurately reflect the spot market trends of products such as low-grade tungsten concentrate, tungsten products, photovoltaic tungsten wire busbars and tungsten scrap, and help enterprises upstream and downstream of the industrial chain keep abreast of market changes and reduce trading risks, we have decided to add 11 new tungsten industry chain - related price points after conducting sufficient market research and in-depth communication with the industry. The new price points are detailed as follows: Scheelite Concentrate (25%-30% WO₃) : Compliant with the industrial standards applicable in Henan, Guangxi and Hunan regions. It refers to scheelite concentrate with a WO₃ content ranging from 25% to 30%. Unit: RMB per ton-unit of WO₃. Scheelite Concentrate (23%-25% WO₃) : Compliant with the industrial standard YS/T 231 - 2015. It refers to scheelite concentrate with a WO₃ content ranging from 23% to 25%. Unit: RMB per ton-unit of WO₃. Ammonium Metatungstate (AMT) : Compliant with the national standard GB/T 26033 - 2010. Its technical indicators are as follows: WO₃ content ≥ 81.5%, Fe content ≤ 0.0020%, Pb content ≤ 0.0001%, and Si content ≤ 0.0015%. Unit: RMB per ton. Wire-Drawing Tungsten Bar : Compliant with the requirements of the national standard GB/T 3459 - 2022, with a tungsten (W) content ≥ 99.95%. Unit: RMB per kilogram. Steelmaking Tungsten Bar : Compliant with the requirements of the national standard GB/T 3459 - 2022, with a tungsten (W) content ≥ 99.95%. Unit: RMB per kilogram. Cut-Resistant Tungsten Wire for Photovoltaic Applications (24μm - 30μm) : With a tungsten (W) content ≥ 99.95%, a diameter ranging from 24μm to 30μm, and a tensile strength of ≥ 3500MPa. Unit: RMB per kilometer. The above - listed prices are all ex - factory pick - up prices including 13% value - added tax (VAT). Details of the 5 New Tungsten Scrap Price Points Scrap Button Bits : Compliant with the quality requirements for cemented carbide scrap specified in the national standard GB/T 21182 - 2022. Unit: RMB per kilogram. Scrap Anvils : Compliant with the quality requirements for cemented carbide scrap specified in the national standard GB/T 21182 - 2022. Unit: RMB per kilogram. Scrap Roller Rings : Compliant with the quality requirements for cemented carbide scrap specified in the national standard GB/T 21182 - 2022. Unit: RMB per kilogram. Scrap Tungsten Chips/Wires : Compliant with the requirements of the national standard GB/T 26496 - 2011 Tungsten and Tungsten Alloy Scrap . It has a tungsten content ≥ 90% and no other inclusions. Unit: RMB per kilogram. Scrap Tungsten Blocks/Sheets : Compliant with the requirements of the national standard GB/T 26496 - 2011 Tungsten and Tungsten Alloy Scrap . It has a tungsten content ≥ 90% and no other inclusions. Unit: RMB per kilogram. The five tungsten scrap prices mentioned above are all excluding VAT. Effective Date The above - mentioned new price points will be officially released starting from November 21, 2025 and updated on each working day. The launch of these new price points aims to achieve more refined classification by region and grade. All the new price points are formulated based on mainstream industrial trading specifications and terms, which have been verified through a standardized price - data collection process. They are for market reference only and do not constitute trading decision - making advice. For details on the pricing methodology and specific product specifications, please visit our official platform. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Li Jiahui from SMM Tungsten and Molybdenum Analysis at 021 - 51666882.
PriceNov 20, 2025 14:47With the development of the scrap metal industry, companies are paying more attention to scrap aluminum varieties and price points across different geographical regions. To meet market demands and provide more comprehensive spot price information, SMM, after extensive market research and preliminary communication, have launched the following price points for local scrap metal prices in Malaysia and Thailand on November 3, 2025: Malaysian Aluminium Scrap – Talon (Aluminium Wire and Cable) Malaysian Aluminium Scrap – UBC (Used Beverage Cans) Thai Aluminium Scrap – Talon (Aluminium Wire and Cable) Thai Aluminium Scrap – UBC (Used Beverage Cans) Introduction to the new SMM Malaysian scrap aluminum price points: SMM, taking into account the local and international demand for overseas aluminium scrap prices primarily in Southeast Asia, and based on overseas policies and market changes, has decided to launch several price points in reflection of the Southeast Asian aluminium scrap markets and trade. The specific details are as follows: Price Point 1: Addition of Malaysian Aluminium Scrap – Talon (Aluminium Wire and Cable) Name and Definition : Malaysian Aluminium Scrap – Talon (Aluminium Wire and Cable), ExWorks Malaysia, including VAT, MYR/tonne Launch Date : November 3, 2025 (Launched) Updated Frequency : The new price point will be updated before 12:00 PM on the first working day of each week (Kuala Lumpur time) Price Point 2: Addition of Malaysian Aluminium Scrap – UBC (Used Beverage Cans) Name and Definition : Malaysian Aluminium Scrap – UBC (Used Beverage Cans), ExWorks Malaysia, including VAT, MYR/tonne Launch Date : November 3, 2025 (Launched) Updated Frequency : The new price point will be updated before 12:00 PM on the first working day of each week (Kuala Lumpur time) Price Point 3: Addition of Thai Aluminium Scrap – Talon (Aluminium Wire and Cable) Name and Definition : Thai Aluminium Scrap – Talon (Aluminium Wire and Cable), ExWorks Thailand, including VAT, THB/tonne Launch Date : November 3, 2025 (Launced) Updated Frequency : The new price point will be updated before 12:00 PM on the first working day of each week (Kuala Lumpur time) Price Point 4: Addition of Thai Aluminium Scrap – UBC (Used Beverage Cans) Name and Definition : Thai Aluminium Scrap – UBC (Used Beverage Cans), ExWorks Thailand, including VAT, THB/tonne Launch Date : November 3, 2025 (Launched) Updated Frequency : The new price point will be updated before 12:00 PM on the first working day of each week (Kuala Lumpur time) We welcome more companies from both upstream and downstream industries to participate and support SMM in better serving the new energy industry chain. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Liu Xiaolei at (+86)15021973263 or Chin Khai Yuen at (+60)124247012, or email adrian.chin@metal.com.
PriceNov 3, 2025 17:51In recent years, with the steady development of Malaysia's manufacturing and stainless steel processing industries, the local stainless steel scrap recycling system has become increasingly mature. The number of recyclers, sorting facilities, and reprocessing enterprises has grown significantly, and the proportion of locally recycled scrap in the circular economy continues to rise, providing strong support for regional stainless steel raw material supply. Meanwhile, Malaysia has become one of the main sources of stainless steel scrap imported by India. According to trade statistics, Malaysia exported approximately 107,000 tons of stainless steel scrap to India in 2024, reflecting strong linkage between the two countries in raw material recycling. Large domestic recycling and processing enterprises possess advanced sorting and reprocessing capabilities, enabling them to classify and process regional scrap and steadily supply high-quality materials to major Asian stainless steel producers in Japan, South Korea, and elsewhere. Against the backdrop of a diversified regional raw material structure and growing value of recycled resources, Malaysia's domestic ex-works stainless steel scrap prices have become an important reference indicator for the Southeast Asian stainless steel industry. To meet market demand, enhance price transparency, and help industry participants stay informed of regional price trends, SMM announces that effective October 30, 2025 , it will officially launch: Malaysia 304 SS Scrap,Ex-works Malaysia,USD/tonne Price specifications: Description: Malaysia 304 SS Scrap,Ex-works Malaysia,USD/tonne Quality: Commercial practice standard. Approx. Ni 8%, Cr 18%, non-magnetic, clean scrap, free from oil, coating, and visible impurities. No radioactive or hazardous waste. Definition: Ex-works Malaysia Unit: USD/tonne Quantity: Minimum 10 tonnes Timing: Prompt Publication: 11:30 a.m. Kuala Lumpur time Payment Terms: Cash on same day,other payment terms normalized SMM Nickel & Stainless Steel Industry Research Department October 29, 2025
PriceOct 29, 2025 13:30