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

Discontinuation of Iron Ore Data Points in the SMM Database

Dear Users: To ensure the consistency of data with the source and respond to customer feedback, we have expanded the unit of copper-related import and export data in the non-ferrous metals database to the smallest level. Core change: Units such as "10,000 mt" and "mt" have been changed to "kg". The specific matters are hereby announced as follows: I. Reasons for Adjustment Due to the need for country-specific breakdown of imports and exports, the unit has been adjusted to the smallest value To better serve customers, SMM has expanded the important copper-related import and export data to include all countries, which has made it impossible for the previously set units of "mt" and "10,000 mt" to match the data from all countries. Therefore, SMM has changed the unit to the smallest value. II. Adjustment Content III. Effective Date of Adjustment This adjustment will take effect on August 5, 2025 SMM August 1, 2025

Discontinuation and Addition of Iron Ore Data Points in the SMM Database

Dear Users: To ensure the consistency of data with the source and respond to customer feedback, we have expanded the unit of Lead-related import and export data in the non-ferrous metals database to the smallest level. Core change: Units such as "mt" has been changed to "kg". The specific matters are hereby announced as follows: I. Reasons for Adjustment Due to the need for country-specific breakdown of imports and exports, the unit has been adjusted to the smallest value To better serve customers, SMM has expanded the important Lead-related import and export data to include all countries, which has made it impossible for the previously set units of "mt" to match the data from all countries. Therefore, SMM has changed the unit to the smallest value. II. Adjustment Content III. Effective Date of Adjustment This adjustment will take effect on August 5, 2025 SMM August 3, 2025

Dear Users: Hello: To ensure data consistency with the source and respond to customer feedback, we have expanded the unit of zinc-related import and export data in the non-ferrous metals database to the smallest level. Core changes: Units such as "10,000 mt" and "mt" have been changed to "kg". The specific details are announced as follows: I. Reasons for Adjustment Due to the need for country-specific breakdown of imports and exports, the unit has been adjusted to the smallest value To better serve customers, SMM has expanded the import and export data related to the zinc industry chain to include all countries. This will result in the previously set units such as "mt" and "10,000 mt" being unable to match data from all countries. Therefore, SMM has changed the unit to the smallest value. II. Adjustment Details III. Effective Date of Adjustment This adjustment will take effect on August 8, 2025 SMM (Shanghai Metals Market) August 4, 2025

COMEX Inventory Data Date Adjustment

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

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