SMM has now officially launched the new SMM: Supply-Demand Balance of Nickel Matte: Monthly data point based on extensive market surveys.

SMM officially released SMM: Sulfuric Acid Demand: Total: Annual data, with China as the data region.

Effective March 17, 2026, SMM will officially launch the following two new price points: "SMM Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate (CIF South Korea)" and "SMM Battery-Grade Lithium Hydroxide (CIF South Kor

Discontinuation of Iron Ore Data Points in the SMM Database

Dear Users, Greetings! Against the backdrop of profound changes in the global chromium resource landscape, to better serve participants in the chromium industry chain and facilitate connectivity in the global chromium market, SMM has launched the "Global Ferrochrome Supply-Demand Balance" and "Global Chromium Ore Supply-Demand Balance" datasets after extensive groundwork and market research. The datasets date back to 2020, with annual updates for the previous year and forecasts for the current year released on March 1st each year. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your long-standing trust and support for SMM's data services. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. SMM Nickel Research Team January 9, 2026

Dear Industry Peers, Imported manganese ore is a key raw material for manufacturing products such as silicomanganese alloy and ferromanganese alloy, with high-quality manganese ore being particularly favored by the market. Australian manganese ore is a mainstream and high-frequency oxide ore globally, serving as an important reference standard for global manganese ore pricing, and its price fluctuations directly impact the cost chain of global manganese-based alloys. Tianjin Port and Qinzhou Port are the main unloading ports for imported manganese ore in China. Equipped with complete storage facilities, these two ports feature high single-vessel unloading efficiency and large manganese ore reserve capacity. The formed complementary pattern of "Tianjin in the north and Qinzhou in the south" has enhanced China's bargaining power in global manganese ore trade. Prices at Tianjin Port (north) and Qinzhou Port (south) serve as benchmarks for global manganese ore pricing, which are referenced by both domestic and foreign ore merchants. To actively respond to market changes, meet the urgent demand of users for understanding the prices of Australian Mn42% manganese ore at Tianjin Port and Qinzhou Port, and improve the transparency of market information, SMM has decided: Commencing December 31, 2025, SMM will officially launch two new price: SMM Mn Ore, Australia Block 42%, In-whs-Tianjin Port, Yuan/ton-degree SMM Mn Ore, Australia Block 42%, In-whs-Qinzhou Port, Yuan/ton-degree Details of this price point are as follows: Description: SMM Mn Ore, Australia Block 42%, In-whs-Tianjin Port, Yuan/ton-degree Quality: Mn 42% Quantity: Min 100 tonnes Definition: EX-warehouse-Tianjin Port Brand Listing: South 32,etc Timing: Prompt Unit: Yuan/ton-degree Payment Terms: Cash on same day, 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) Description: SMM Mn Ore, Australia Block 42%, In-whs-Qinzhou Port, Yuan/ton-degree Quality: Mn 42% Quantity: Min 100 tonnes Definition: EX-warehouse-Qinzhou Port Brand Listing: South 32,etc Timing: Prompt Unit: Yuan/ton-degree Payment Terms: Cash on same day, 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 Department December 26, 2025

Dear users, As the core raw material for the steel industry, the price fluctuations of iron ore directly determine the cost and profit stability of the steel industry chain. In recent years, the endowment of global iron ore resources has shown significant changes, with the proportion of high-grade ore production continuously declining. To actively respond to market changes, enhance the guiding significance of the index for the Spot Market, and improve market information transparency, SMM has decided to launch the "MMI 61% Iron Ore Port Stock Index (IOPI)" and the "MMI 61% Iron Ore Seaborne Index (IOSI)" from 5th January 2026. The specific price point details are as follows: Index Price Point: MMI 61% Iron Ore Port Stock Index (IOPI) Quality specifications: Fe content base 61%, aluminum base 2.5%, silica base 4.5%, phosphorus base 0.1%, sulfur base 0.02%, Moisture base 8% Definition: FOT Qingdao Port, VAT included. Normalized for any Chinese Port. Unit: RMB/wet tonnes Quantity: min 5,000 tonnes Timing: within 1 week Payment Terms: Payment at sight Publication: Working Day, 6 PM Beijing Time Index Price Point: MMI 61% Iron Ore Seaborne Index (IOSI) Quality specifications: Fe content base 61%, aluminum base 2.5%, silica base 4.5%, phosphorus base 0.1%, sulfur base 0.02%, Moisture base 8% Definition: CFR Qingdao Port. Normalized for any Chinese Port. Unit: USD/dry tonnes Quantity: min 50,000 tonnes Timing: within 2 months Payment Terms: L/C or payment at sight Publication: Working Day, 6 PM Beijing Time SMM Iron Ore Research January 5, 2026

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:

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

SMM will launch two new price points for Indonesia 316L stainless steel, "Indonesia 316L/NO.1 Coil Mill Edge" and "Indonesia 316L/2B Coil Mill Edge," effective March 13, 2026.