The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported that for the week ending February 14, 2026, US domestic raw steel production reached 1,800,000 net tons, representing a 5.6% increase compared to the same week in 2025. The capability utilization rate rose to 77.8%, up from 76.5% a year ago. Year-to-date production through mid-February is up 4.0% at 11.36 million net tons.

On April 22, at the CCIE 2025 SMM (20th) Copper Industry Conference & Copper Industry Expo – Copper Pipe and Billet Processing Industry Development Forum, hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd., SMM Metal Trading Center, and Shandong Aisi Information Technology Co., Ltd., Zhou Mingliang, Executive Director of the Advanced Basic Materials Application Research Center of the Shenzhen Connector Industry Association, shared insights on the topic of "Development Trends of Copper Alloy Materials for Connectors."

On April 22, at the CCIE 2025 SMM (20th) Copper Industry Conference & Copper Industry Expo - Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Industry Forum, hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd., SMM Metal Trading Center, and Shandong Aisi Information Technology Co., Ltd., Long Huachen, Senior Copper Analyst at SMM, analyzed the copper wire rod market in 2025 and provided an outlook for its future.

On April 24, at the CCIE 2025 SMM (20th) Copper Industry Conference & Copper Industry Expo - Copper-Based New Materials High-Quality Development Forum, hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd., SMM Metal Trading Center, and Shandong Aisi Information Technology Co., Ltd., Yu Shaoxue, Senior Manager of SMM Industry Research, discussed the theme of "Global Copper Foil Industry Landscape and Market Outlook for 2025."

SMM Hot Topic: Aftermath of US Tariff Blast: 27% of Steel Imports Evaporated in February! According to preliminary data from the US Census Bureau, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported today that the total steel imports in the US in February 2025 amounted to 2.235 million mt, with finished steel products accounting for 1.623 million mt (a decrease of 27.2% and 29.6% respectively compared to January 2025). Year-to-date, total steel imports and finished steel product imports increased by 5.7% and 7.4% respectively compared to the same period in 2024. Over the 12 months from March 2024 to February 2025, total steel imports and finished steel product imports increased by 3.1% and 5.4% respectively compared to the previous 12 months. The estimated market share of finished steel product imports in February was 22%, and for the first two months of 2025, it was estimated at 24%.

On April 16, at the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference and Aluminum Industry Expo—Alumina and Aluminum Raw Materials Forum, co-hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd., SMM Metal Trading Center, and Shandong Aisi Information Technology Co., Ltd., and co-organized by Zhongyifeng Jinyi (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Lezhi Qianrun Investment Service Co., Ltd., Mingxin Guo, Senior Analyst of Bauxite at SMM, delivered a presentation on the topic "2024 Price Review and 2025 Trend Outlook for the Global Alumina Market." He pointed out that in 2025, overseas alumina capacity expected for commissioning is projected to reach 4 million mt, while aluminum capacity expected for commissioning is estimated to be less than 1 million mt. In 2026, overseas alumina supply and demand are both expected to increase, with overseas alumina production projected to rise by 2.79 million mt and overseas aluminum production expected to increase by 1.08 million mt. Based on an alumina consumption rate of 1.925, overseas alumina demand is expected to expand by 2.08 million mt, resulting in an estimated increase in alumina surplus by 710,000 mt to approximately 2.51 million mt.

On April 16, at the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference and Aluminum Industry Expo—Alumina and Aluminum Raw Materials Forum, hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd., SMM Metal Trading Center, and Shandong Aisi Information Technology Co., Ltd., and co-organized by Zhongyifeng Jinyi (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Lezhi County Qianrun Investment Service Co., Ltd., Zhou Chu, Senior Technical Manager of the Green and Low-Carbon Development Center of Zhongbiao Hexin (Beijing) Certification Co., Ltd., shared insights on how to achieve sustainable development and enhance corporate competitiveness through ASI certification. Current Global ASI Certification Development Status: - A total of 220 ASI audits were completed in 2024 (an 8% increase from 2023), covering 61 countries. - ASI issued 73 certification certificates, including 51 Performance Standards (PS) and 22 Chain of Custody Standards (CoC). - 62 re-certification certificates were issued, including 40 PS re-certifications and 22 CoC re-certifications. - As of January 10, 2025, a total of 181 ASI Performance certificates have been issued globally, with 69 in China. Additionally, 73 CoC certificates have been issued, with 37 in China. 01 Industry Status: 1.1 Current Status of Aluminum Reserves and Production: By the end of 2023, global bauxite reserves were estimated to exceed 30 billion mt, most of which remain untapped. 1.2 Current Global Market Demand for Aluminum: ► Factors Influencing Global Aluminum Market Demand Over the Past Decade: 2015: Rising demand from China's infrastructure and automotive lightweighting; 2016: Declining demand in China due to stricter property market regulations; 2017: Aluminum prices rebounded in China due to environmental protection and capacity reduction policies; 2018: US-China trade friction and tariff increases hindered Chinese exports, but demand from infrastructure and NEVs remained stable; 2019: Global economic slowdown and manufacturing downturn led to peak demand in China; 2020: Demand in the new energy sector surged against the trend; 2021: Global monetary easing and EV demand explosion; 2022: European energy crisis suppressed demand, and China's real estate market declined; 2023: Global PV and NEV boom, and China's old community renovations boosted demand; 2024: Increased PV installations and NEV penetration, and upgrades to aging power grids. In summary, the shift from "building houses and cars" to "manufacturing solar panels and EVs" has made environmental protection policies and energy transition the core drivers, with Chinese demand remaining a barometer for the global aluminum market. ► Divergence in Global Aluminum Market Demand: The demand share from China, Europe, the US, Southeast Asia, and India was discussed. ► Changes in Demand Structure: Emerging Sectors Rise, Traditional Sectors Transform: The rise of emerging sectors: In 2023, PV accounted for 11.4% of global aluminum usage, becoming the fastest-growing sector. EVs use 30%-50% more aluminum per vehicle than traditional cars, and global EV penetration reached 18% in 2024, driving growth in transportation aluminum. Traditional sectors are actively transforming: China's building renovation and renewal supported aluminum market growth, with construction aluminum accounting for 25% of usage in 2023. Additionally, the recovery in aluminum can demand in the packaging industry saw global aluminum can usage return to growth in 2024. ► Future Trends and Challenges: Growth drivers: By 2030, PV, EVs, and grid upgrades are expected to add over 7 million mt of aluminum demand (source: Rusal forecast report). China's "North Aluminum Southward Shift" and capacity expansion in Indonesia will reshape the global supply chain. Risk factors: Energy cost volatility (e.g., European natural gas prices), trade friction (e.g., Rusal sanctions affecting global circulation), and the rise in secondary aluminum production (14 million mt globally in 2023), though primary aluminum still dominates. On March 11, 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and the Ministry of Natural Resources jointly issued the "High-Quality Development Implementation Plan for the Aluminum Industry (2025-2027)," which aims to promote high-quality development in the aluminum industry. Many measures align with ASI certification principles, providing strong support for companies pursuing ASI certification. ASI certification focuses on the sustainability of responsible aluminum production, procurement, and management, emphasizing best practices in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. 02 Why ASI Certification Matters: 2.1 What is ASI Certification? The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI): A global, multi-stakeholder, non-profit organization that creates and promotes sustainability standards for responsible aluminum production, procurement, and management. ASI certification is a third-party independent verification process that ensures the entire aluminum value chain—from mining to end products—complies with best practices in environmental, social, and governance (ESG). 2.2 ASI Certification Standards: ► ASI certification offers two voluntary standards for applicants: ASI Performance Standard (PS) and ASI Chain of Custody Standard (CoC). Performance Standard: Aims to ensure sustainability in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects throughout the aluminum production and supply chain, covering bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminum production, semi-finished product manufacturing, and aluminum product recycling. Chain of Custody Standard: Ensures traceability of aluminum materials from production to end products, guaranteeing that consumer products originate from responsible production processes compliant with ASI Performance Standards. It is a voluntary certification for ASI members, with responsible procurement policies, anti-corruption, human rights due diligence, and conflict-affected and high-risk areas aligned with the Performance Standard. 2.3 Why Companies Need ASI Certification: Relevant cases were cited, and it was noted that companies not implementing ASI certification and failing to adopt sustainable development measures may face the following adverse effects: - High probability of affecting international market participation: Major global clients (e.g., automotive, aviation, construction) often require suppliers to have ASI certification, and uncertified companies may be excluded from these markets. - Increased compliance risks: Stricter environmental regulations and trade barriers may lead to high fines, lawsuits, and supply chain disruptions for uncertified companies. - Negative impact on brand reputation: Public and consumer focus on corporate environmental responsibility may lead to a trust crisis and damage brand image for uncertified companies. 03 How to Apply for ASI Certification: 3.1 ASI Membership Types: Becoming an ASI member is the first step to pursuing ASI certification! 3.2 ASI Certification Process: 3.3 Key Factors for Successful Certification: ► Management support: Management's support plays a central role in the certification process, requiring strategic integration of ASI certification into corporate planning. ► System construction: Establishing an ESG system compliant with ASI standards is critical. Only a comprehensive and compliant ESG system can meet certification requirements. ► Data management: Accurate and compliant data management is essential for certification. Comprehensive energy and carbon monitoring, data collection, analysis, and records effectively demonstrate a company's efforts and achievements in sustainability during audits. ► Supply chain collaboration: Sustainable raw material extraction and transportation upstream, and sustainable product use and recycling downstream, jointly setting and executing sustainability goals, sharing experiences and resources, and enhancing corporate competitiveness and overall supply chain sustainability. Additionally, an overview and qualifications of Zhongbiao Hexin (Beijing) Certification Co., Ltd. were introduced, along with how it supports companies. Summary and Call to Action: ASI Certification = Corporate Sustainability + Competitiveness Enhancement Act early to seize market opportunities! Click to view the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference and Aluminum Industry Expo special report.

On April 17, at the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminium Conference & Aluminium Industry Expo - Aluminium Industry Chain Sustainable Development Forum , hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), SMM Metal Exchange Center, and Shandong AIS Information Technology Co., Ltd., and co-organized by Zhongyifeng Jinyi (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Lezhi County Qianrun Investment Promotion Service Co., Ltd., Guo Qi, ASI Assurance Manager of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), shared insights on the implementation of global sustainable standards for the aluminium industry chain and the progress in building a sustainable aluminium value chain. The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) is a global non-profit standard-setting and certification organization. Vision, Mission, and Values Vision: Maximize the contribution of aluminium to a sustainable society. Mission: Recognize and collaboratively promote responsible production, sourcing, and stewardship of aluminium. Values: Ensure inclusivity in work and decision-making processes by promoting the participation of all relevant stakeholders. Encourage broad participation across the entire aluminium value chain, from bauxite and alumina to aluminium (from mining to downstream users). Promote shared responsibility for material management throughout the aluminium life cycle, from extraction, production, and use to recycling. The presentation also covered the brief history of ASI, reasons for its establishment, governance structure, global consistency documentation system, membership growth, ASI today, and its core work. Core Work: ASI collaborates with producers, users, and other stakeholders to promote responsible aluminium production, sourcing, and stewardship, driving transformation in the global aluminium value chain through the following means: • Standard Setting and Certification • Auditor Certification • Training and Capacity Building • Multi-Stakeholder Governance • Indigenous Peoples Advisory Forum (IPAF) • Promoting Collaboration through Partnerships and Mutual Recognition • Impact Assessment and Monitoring ♦ Strategic Evolution… ♦ Joining ASI Be part of a global effort to drive positive change. Enhance performance through focused actions and expand progress on key environmental, social, and governance issues. The presentation also elaborated on ASI certification. ♦ ASI and Climate Climate responsibility of the aluminium industry: Accounts for 2% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂ equivalent) and 4% of global CO₂ emissions. ASI requires certified entities to: Develop greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction plans and use ASI-approved methodologies to ensure that the GHG emission reduction pathway aligns with a 1.5-degree Celsius warming scenario. ♦ ASI's GHG Pathway Methodology… Proven Methodology • It is a method for measuring the long-term GHG emission intensity performance of specific entities, in line with the industry's 1.5-degree scenario. • Respect the 1.5-degree scenario carbon budget for the industry • Warn that the slope may/will change if action is delayed • Forward-looking methodology • Not a measurement standard for "low-carbon," "green," or "net-zero" aluminum ♦ Parallel recognition ♦ Value brought Value to members: • Demonstrate leadership and commitment in responsible production, sourcing, and management of aluminum within the industry • Enhance performance in key Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues through collective action, accelerating the sustainable development process • Access specialized learning resources on ASI aluminum sustainability • Advance the ASI certification process for both the enterprise and its suppliers • Participate in ASI's ongoing work projects from a strategic corporate perspective • Join ASI's governance system, including the operation of various specialized working groups • Utilize ready-made sustainability management tools to efficiently address challenges in the aluminum value chain • Gain the right to use the ASI membership logo and a dedicated display page on the official website Value to ASI: • Promote widespread collaboration and the widespread application of ASI standards within the aluminum value chain • Infuse your professional voice and industry influence into our mission • Create a demand boost for ASI-certified products in downstream markets • Enhance industry awareness of sustainable aluminum • Share your valuable experiences in other responsible sourcing projects 》Click to view the special report on the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Conference & Aluminum Industry Expo

The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) has officially declared that Chongqing Millison Technologies Inc.

On Tuesday, September 12, the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced that Vimetco Extrusion has been accredited with the ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification for its plant in Slatina, Romania, which manufactures extruded aluminium profiles and forms.