Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) officially launched the Copper grade A cathode premium, cif Rotterdam, USD/(tonne) on February 24th, 2026.

Dear Industry Peers, Hello! Electrolytic manganese metal (EMM) is a key raw material for manufacturing products such as stainless steel, specialty alloys, and battery materials. Europe, as a major global hub for stainless steel production, high-end manufacturing, and the new energy industry, is also one of the core consumer markets for EMM. Its price dynamics significantly influence the global market structure and pricing. Based on Rotterdam’s status as Europe’s largest port, which aggregates raw materials from major production regions worldwide and facilitates the circulation of spot cargo within the region, it has developed a mature storage, logistics, and trading network. The prices there accurately reflect the arrival costs in the European market, the supply-demand balance, and regional premiums, providing market participants with a critical benchmark for price reference. To proactively address market shifts, meet the ​​pressing need for price discovery​​ of Rotterdam warehouse electrolytic manganese metal, and enhance market transparency, SMM has decided: Commencing December 23, 2025, SMM will officially launch a new price: SMM Electrolytic Manganese Metal, in-whs Rotterdam, USD/mt Details of this price point are as follows: Description:SMM Electrolytic Manganese Metal, in-whs Rotterdam, USD/mt Quality:Mn99.7% Quantity:Minimum 25 tonnes Definition: In-warehouse Rotterdam,duty-unpaid, customs uncleared Brand Listing:Tianyuan Manganese Industry, CITIC Dameng, Wuling Manganese Industry,etc Timing:1Months Unit:USD/mt Payment Terms:Cash, other payment terms normalized Pulication:Daily, by 11am Beijing Time (i.e., before 4:00 AM London Summer Time before 3:00 AM London Winter Time) SMM Nickel Industry Research Departmen December 16, 2025

Dear User, Hello! To better assist upstream and downstream enterprises in the industry chain in monitoring market fluctuations and promptly reflecting the spot market prices, thereby reducing transaction risks and costs in the metal market, and continuously improving and deepening the research on the metal industry chain, SMM, after a period of preparation and market research, plans to introduce new price points starting from November 1. These include Selenium Powder 99.5% min Europe Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min India Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min USA Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min Russia FOB, Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min USA Delivery, Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min Europe Delivery, and Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min India Delivery, among others, for market reference. I. General Principles of SMM Price Methodology Shanghai Metals Market (hereinafter referred to as SMM) is a fully independent third-party service provider and does not participate in any substantive transactions. Instead, it acts as a market observer or organizer, maintaining close communication with buyers and sellers in transactions and providing relevant services to the market. SMM continuously develops, reviews, and revises its methodology through communication with industry professionals, adopting the most common product specifications, trade terms, and conditions in the industry, while giving equal importance to normal transactions that meet standard specifications. SMM reserves the right to exclude any price information deemed unreliable or unrepresentative from its pricing assessments. SMM publishes daily metal spot prices (or price indices, including the Chinese market, markets outside China, and global markets), commonly referred to as SMM prices. SMM has established corresponding methodologies for all published SMM prices (all of which are available for reference on SMM’s official website, www.smm.cn ). These methodologies specify the methods and procedures for generating and publishing SMM prices, which are strictly adhered to. To align with the actual conditions of the spot market, SMM may make necessary revisions to the SMM price methodology, which will be announced on the SMM official website before formal implementation. For any questions or suggestions regarding SMM prices or their methodologies, please contact SMM customer service (contact information can be found on the SMM official website, www.smm.cn ). This document outlines the standards for establishing price points such as Selenium Powder 99.5% min Europe Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min India Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min USA Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min Russia FOB, Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min USA Delivery, Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min Europe Delivery, and Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min India Delivery. The purpose of this standard is to establish a transparent and verifiable mechanism for SMM price determination. II. Formation of SMM Price Points for Selenium Powder 99.5% min Europe Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min India Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min USA Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min Russia FOB, Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min USA Delivery, Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min Europe Delivery, Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min India Delivery, etc. 2.1 Definition SMM price points for Selenium Powder 99.5% min Europe Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min India Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min USA Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min Russia FOB, Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min USA Delivery, Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min Europe Delivery, Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min India Delivery, etc., are formed and published by SMM in accordance with this methodology. They can be used by trading parties as reference for spot trade settlement of these price points. 2.2 New Metal-Related Price Points Added by SMM Selenium Powder 99.5% min Europe Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min India Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min USA Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min Russia FOB, Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min USA Delivery, Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min Europe Delivery, Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min India Delivery, etc. 2.3 Quotation Generation Method SMM collects data for evaluating price points such as Selenium Powder 99.5% min Europe Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min India Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min USA Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min Russia FOB, Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min USA Delivery, Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min Europe Delivery, and Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min India Delivery through data collection (i.e., gathering raw data information that meets SMM standards). This includes bid and ask quotes provided by data providers for transactions not concluded on the same day, as well as actual transaction prices for spot trades provided by data providers. 2.4 Data Collection Method SMM price analysts collect data for price points such as Selenium Powder 99.5% min Europe Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min India Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min USA Delivery, Selenium Powder 99.9% min Russia FOB, Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min USA Delivery, Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min Europe Delivery, and Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min India Delivery regularly (between 9:30 AM and 11:15 AM on each trading day) via phone, QQ, WeChat, fax, and email. This data may include prices of concluded transactions on the same day, companies’ expected most likely prices for pending transactions, and offers. 2.5 Product Standards Price Point Name Reference Standard Selenium Powder 99.5% min Europe Delivery Powder below 200 mesh or 1-5 mm particles. Selenium content not less than 99.5%, other elements unspecified. Selenium Powder 99.9% min India Delivery Powder below 200 mesh or 1-5 mm particles. Selenium content not less than 99.9%, other elements unspecified. Selenium Powder 99.9% min USA Delivery Powder below 200 mesh or 1-5 mm particles. Selenium content not less than 99.9%, other elements unspecified. Selenium Powder 99.9% min Russia FOB Powder below 200 mesh or 1-5 mm particles. Selenium content not less than 99.9%, other elements unspecified. Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min USA Delivery Rod or ingot form. Cadmium content 99.99%, other elements unspecified. Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min Europe Delivery Rod or ingot form. Cadmium content 99.99%, other elements unspecified. Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min India Delivery Rod or ingot form. Cadmium content 99.99%, other elements unspecified. 2.6 Pricing Unit and Presentation Price Point Name Unit Selenium Powder 99.5% min Europe Delivery USD/lb Selenium Powder 99.9% min India Delivery INR/kg Selenium Powder 99.9% min USA Delivery USD/lb Selenium Powder 99.9% min Russia FOB USD/lb Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min USA Delivery USD/lb Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min Europe Delivery USD/lb Cadmium Ingot 99.99% min India Delivery INR/kg 2.7 Delivery Method Pick-up from relevant warehouses. 2.8 Payment Method Cash payment or wire transfer. Other terms handled as per常规. 2.9 Update Time Before 11:30 AM on each trading day. III. Methodology Changes All markets evolve, and SMM has a responsibility to ensure that the methodologies for market reporting keep pace with these changes. Therefore, SMM regularly conducts internal reviews of the appropriateness of its methodologies based on industry feedback. For all substantive but non-urgent potential revisions, SMM will follow a formal external consultation process. Major changes will be announced with a notice period of at least 28 days, inviting industry comments, unless special circumstances, particularly force majeure (natural disasters, war, exchange bankruptcy, etc.), necessitate a shorter notice period. SMM is committed to carefully reviewing all comments on proposed methodology changes. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to make changes to the methodology against the wishes of some market participants. Additionally, SMM has a formal methodology consultation process. Shanghai Metals Market Information Technology Co., Ltd. Precious Metals Team November 1, 2025

Dear User, Hello! In order to promote international trade in the tungsten market, assist global upstream and downstream enterprises in better grasping market dynamics, obtaining timely spot market information, and reducing risks and costs associated with cross-border transactions, while also deepening research on the European tungsten industry chain, we will be adding two new price points starting December 1st for market reference: APT CIF (Rotterdam port) and Ferrotungsten (in-whs Rotterdam) . Price Point: APT CIF (Rotterdam port) Product Description: Ammonium Paratungstate (APT), WO₃ ≥ 88.5%, CIF Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands Product Standard: White, fine, free-flowing crystals. WO₃ 88.5% min, Al 0.001% max, As 0.0005% max, Bi 0.0005% max, Ca 0.001% max, Cd 0.0005% max, Co 0.0005% max, Cr 0.0005% max, Cu 0.0005% max, Fe 0.001% max, K 0.001% max, Mn 0.001% max, Mg 0.001% max, Mo 0.002% max, Na 0.001% max, Ni 0.0005% max, P 0.001% max, Pb 0.0005% max. Pricing Method: USD per metric ton unit (USD/mtu) Minimum Quantity Requirement: ≥ 20 metric tons Release Schedule: Weekly, by 12:00 PM London time on working Thursdays Price Point: Ferrotungsten (in-whs Rotterdam) Product Description: Ferrotungsten FeW ≥ 75%, in-warehouse Rotterdam, Netherlands Product Standard: Lumpy. W 75.00% min, C 0.40% max, S 0.08% max, Mn 0.50% max, As 0.10% max, Sn 0.08% max, P 0.05% max, Si 0.70% max, Cu 0.15% max, Sb 0.05% max. Pricing Method: USD per kilogram of tungsten (USD/kg W) Minimum Quantity Requirement: ≥ 3 metric tons Release Schedule: Weekly, by 12:00 PM London time on working Thursdays SMM Tungsten & Molybdenum Industry Research Team November 25, 2025

In recent years, Guinea has played a pivotal role in the global bauxite market, standing as the world's largest bauxite producer. In 2024, the country exported 1.23 billion tons of bauxite, with approximately 90% destined for China, making it the most critical source of bauxite imports for China. The remainder was exported to regions such as India (3%) and Europe (1%). Against the backdrop of tight shipping capacity and the significant impact of freight and bunker adjustment costs on landed costs, SMM is responding to the strong focus from industry chain participants on FOB prices for Guinean bauxite. To more accurately reflect the intrinsic value of bauxite and refocus market attention from CIF prices (which include freight) to FOB prices themselves, SMM has decided to： Commencing November 7, 2025, SMM will officially launch one new price: Guinea Bauxite FOB (Al2O3: 45%, SiO2: 3%, FOB Guinea, $/dmt) Details of this price point are as follows: Shanghai Metals Market Aluminum Research Departmen 6th November, 2025

In recent years, Indonesia has solidified its position as a global supply and export hub for the stainless steel industry. With the continuous upgrade of local production capabilities, the export volume of 304L series stainless steel has seen significant growth. Due to its superior intergranular corrosion resistance and weldability, 304L is increasingly demanded in the chemical, energy, and high-end manufacturing sectors across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. To better reflect the supply-demand fundamentals of the low-carbon stainless steel market and to provide global traders and downstream users with more precise settlement references and risk management tools, SMM has decided to expand its overseas price assessment portfolio. Effective December 26, 2025 , SMM will officially launch the following two new price points: "304L/NO.1 Coil-ME, FOB Indonesia, USD/mt" and "304L/2B Coil-ME, FOB Indonesia, USD/mt" . The details of the new price points are as follows: 1. Product Name: 304L/NO.1 Coil-ME, FOB Indonesia, USD/mt Quality: Standard thickness 4mm, thickness range 4.0-8.0mm, width 1520mm, Mill Edge, conforming to ASTM A480/A480M. Brand Listing: ITSS, GCNS, OSS Definition: FOB Indonesia main ports Unit: USD/tonne Quantity: Min 20 tonnes Timing: 1-3 Months Publication Time: Daily, by 11:00 am Jakarta Time (Working Days) Payment Terms: L/C / TT at sight in USD, or other payments normalized. 2. Product Name: 304L/2B Coil-ME, FOB Indonesia, USD/mt Quality: Standard thickness 2mm, thickness range 1.5-2.0mm, width 1240mm, Mill Edge, conforming to ASTM A480/A480M. Brand Listing: Yongwang, Ruipu, IMR ARC Steel Definition: FOB Indonesia main ports Unit: USD/tonne Quantity: Min 20 tonnes Timing: 1-3 Months Publication Time: Daily, by 11:00 am Jakarta Time (Working Days) Payment Terms: L/C / TT at sight in USD, or other payments normalized. For any inquiries, please contact the SMM Nickel & Stainless Steel Industry Research Department. SMM Nickel & Stainless Steel Industry Research Department December 18, 2025

SMM Clarification Statement SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "SMM" or "the Company"), as a professional spot market price reporting agency and information provider, has recently noticed the circulation of false information regarding the fairness of SMM's price assessment. To avoid market misunderstandings, maintain a healthy and transparent market environment, and protect the Company's legitimate rights and interests, SMM hereby makes the following solemn clarification and statement: I. The Difference Between Spot Prices and Futures Prices is a Normal Reflection of Market Mechanisms According to basic economic principles, spot prices reflect the immediate supply-demand relationship and deliverable transaction conditions of the underlying asset, while futures prices reflect market expectations for future supply and demand, including factors such as capital cost and carrying costs. Both follow the principle of "convergence at maturity," meaning that futures prices gradually converge towards spot prices as the contract expiration date approaches. Therefore, during the life of the contract, the difference between spot prices and futures prices, especially with far-month contracts, is a normal phenomenon under the market pricing mechanism. II. Historical Data Proves the Rationality of the Price Spread Structure To objectively present the facts, SMM has made a price spread analysis chart based on publicly available market data: The chart clearly shows that from September 2023 to 2025, the monthly price spread between the SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate average price and the GFEX lithium carbonate futures contract prices fluctuated between positive and negative territory, always remaining within a reasonable range, and exhibited a significant convergence trend as the contract expiration date approached. This fully aligns with the market rule of futures and spot price convergence. Comparing a certain periods' futures prices (especially those of far-month most-traded contracts) with spot assessment prices and concluding that there is a "consistent significant deviation" is fundamentally flawed in methodology and can easily mislead market judgment. Any behavior that selectively highlights short-term trends in the price spread without considering the broader context is partial and irresponsible, failing to reflect the overall market situation. III. Recent Market Risk Control Measures Recently, to maintain the stable operation of the lithium carbonate futures market and prevent potential risks, the Guangzhou Futures Exchange, in accordance with its risk management rules, issued multiple notifications consecutively between November and December 2025, implementing a series of risk control measures for relevant contracts, including adjustments to transaction fee standards and trading limits. These measures represent the exchange's commitment to fulfill its self-regulatory duties in accordance with the law during specific market periods, aiming to promote the steady development of the market. IV. The Emergence, Nature, and Harm of False Information It is noteworthy that during this sensitive period, when the aforementioned risk control measures were being intensively implemented, a significant amount of false information began circulating on the Internet. While such information varies in content, it shares an identical core narrative: False claims have been made that SMM’s prices "consistently and significantly deviate from fair value and futures prices" and that "there are illegal benefit-related connections with certain institutions". These claims are entirely groundless. The timing and manner of their dissemination indicate that their purpose is not professional discussion but rather an attempt to exert improper pressure on SMM by confusing the price logic of spot and futures markets, interfere with the neutrality of spot price assessments, and consequently potentially mislead market expectations and disrupt the normal relationship between futures and spot prices. SMM hereby solemnly declares that SMM is always committed to price discovery in the spot market, does not participate in any futures market trading operations, and resolutely maintains market order. V. The Compliance, Neutrality, and Supervision Mechanisms of SMM's Price Assessment As a professional market price assessment agency, SMM always adheres to the principles of neutrality, objectivity, and fairness. SMM's price assessment methodology strictly follows the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) "Principles for Financial Benchmarks" and is subject to audits by independent third-party audit firms. In terms of internal governance, SMM has established a comprehensive firewall system to ensure that personnel and management involved in the price assessment process do not hold any related futures or spot positions, thereby eliminating conflicts of interest at an institutional level. SMM also has no history of any penalties from securities regulatory authorities for violations. We consistently maintain an open attitude towards market supervision based on facts. VI. Appeal to the Public SMM strongly condemns the recent malicious fabrication and dissemination of false information in the market, which damages SMM's commercial reputation and attempts to disrupt the order of the futures and spot markets, and has initiated legal proceedings to protect its rights. Currently, SMM is comprehensively and continuously collecting and preserving evidence related to the infringements. For suspected infringing acts, the Company will take all legal measures, including but not limited to reporting to relevant regulatory authorities and filing complaints with relevant online platforms, to resolutely pursue the legal liability of the infringing parties. SMM reserves the right to pursue all legal consequences against the relevant responsible parties. We once again call on all market participants to enhance their legal awareness and professional discernment capabilities, obtain information from authoritative channels, analyze the market rationally, resolutely resist and refuse to spread any unverified and unfounded rumors, and jointly maintain a fair, orderly, and healthy development environment for the industry chain. SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. Dec 26, 2025

Driven by intensifying global competition for energy and mineral resources, the reshaping of refined copper trade flows, and the resurgence of U.S. manufacturing policies, the U.S. market has once again emerged as a key pricing anchor in international refined copper distribution. According to SMM research, U.S. annual refined copper consumption is estimated at 1.6–1.8 million metric tons, with the Midwest — home to a high concentration of copper-intensive manufacturing — serving as the country’s largest region for copper processing, delivery, and end-use. Over time, this region has developed a mature spot trading market under the DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) delivery model. Since 2025, global copper trade dynamics have shifted significantly. The U.S. has become increasingly reliant on imports from Latin America, Europe, and Africa. With frequent tariff policy changes, a surge in COMEX stock levels, more active trade tenders, and renewed long-term contract negotiations, the Midwest DDP premium has become an essential reference point for industrial trade and arbitrage models across the supply chain. Against this backdrop, Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) will officially launch the Copper grade 1 cathode premium, ddp Midwest US on February 1, 2026. Quoted in US cents per pound (¢/lb), this premium will be based on representative spot DDP trades in the U.S. Midwest. The price reflects a weighted average considering warehouse transfer costs, regional logistics fees, trading activity levels, and brand preferences — offering an objective and actionable settlement benchmark for market participants. The price will be updated daily and published on both the SMM official website. Historical curves and price analytics will also be made available. This price release aims to enhance pricing transparency across the refined copper supply chain and provide more granular tools for trade execution, long-term contract negotiations, and production planning — supporting more efficient and accurate price discovery in the global market. Key specifications of the SMM U.S. Midwest DDP Refined Copper Premium are as follows: