[SMM Aluminum Express] This week, the operating rate at China's downstream aluminum processing industry leaders fell 0.2 percentage points WoW to 60.1%, extending its downward trend for several consecutive weeks. Off-season characteristics continued to deepen, with operations across all sectors generally weakening or holding steady at low levels. The aluminum processing industry remained weak this week, pressured by both deepening off-season effects and rebounding aluminum prices, as export support faded and domestic demand recovery was slow. The overall operating rate in August is expected to remain on a weak trend.

Overall, this week the aluminum processing industry remained in the doldrums under the dual pressure of deepening off-season effects and the aluminum price rebound. Export support faded, and recovery in domestic demand was slow. It is expected that the overall operating rate of the aluminum processing industry will maintain a weak trend in August.

On July 23, 2026, a delegation from Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) conducted an on-site visit to TRAN HONG QUAN METALLURGY Co., Ltd. (THQ) in Vietnam. The delegation included: • Logan Lu, CEO of SMM • Cason Lou, Director of Aluminum Processing, Marketing Department • Lexi Chen, Key Account Manager for Overseas Information Sales • Khai Yuen Chin, Senior Overseas Aluminum Analyst The two sides held in-depth discussions on the development of Vietnam’s primary aluminum projects, domestic aluminum supply capacity, supporting industrial infrastructure, and future market strategies. The visit also provided a clearer picture of the changes taking place across Vietnam’s aluminum industry. A new industrial landscape is gradually emerging—one built on resource advantages, driven by breakthroughs in primary aluminum production, and extending further into downstream processing and manufacturing. A Landmark Development: Vietnam Begins Producing Its Own Primary Aluminum On July 27, Vietnam’s first batch of aluminum ingots with a purity of 99.71% was successfully produced at THQ’s Dak Nong aluminum smelter project. The facility is a pilot plant using electrolytic smelting technology to produce primary aluminum. This means that Vietnam now possesses not only abundant bauxite resources and alumina production capacity, but also the capability to produce primary aluminum. For the first time, the country has established a complete “bauxite–alumina–primary aluminum” value chain. The significance of this development goes beyond the addition of a new aluminum smelter. More importantly, it indicates that Vietnam is beginning to move away from a resource-export-oriented model and toward higher-value materials production and industrial processing. Three Major Changes Are Reshaping Vietnam’s Aluminum Value Chain 01 From Resource Exports to Domestic Processing Vietnam holds significant bauxite reserves, with particularly strong resource advantages in the Central Highlands. In the past, Vietnam largely relied on alumina exports while continuing to import substantial volumes of primary aluminum. Going forward, a greater proportion of domestically produced alumina is expected to enter the electrolytic smelting process, allowing more industrial added value to remain within Vietnam. This transition is also consistent with Vietnam’s broader efforts to promote the deep processing of mineral resources and upgrade its manufacturing sector. 02 From Individual Projects to an Integrated Industrial Value Chain The supporting infrastructure developing around Vietnam’s alumina and aluminum projects includes: • Reliable power supply systems • Supporting industrial park infrastructure • Raw material supply networks • Downstream aluminum processing capacity • Port and logistics facilities Together, these factors support more than the operation of a single factory—they create the foundation for an entire industrial cluster. Vietnam is gradually establishing an interconnected industrial structure spanning resource development, smelting, processing, and manufacturing. 03 From Cost Advantages to Regional Supply Chain Advantages For companies evaluating Vietnam today, its importance lies not only in production costs but increasingly in its strategic position within regional supply chains. Vietnam connects with China’s supply chain, the broader ASEAN market, and export routes to Europe and the United States. It is also attracting the relocation and expansion of industries including new energy, electronics, and automotive manufacturing. This is why a growing number of international companies are reassessing the strategic value of Vietnam’s aluminum industry. It also represents an important window of opportunity for Chinese aluminum companies seeking to expand into the Vietnamese market. Tran Hong Quan Metallurgy Co., Ltd. Founded in 2000, Tran Hong Quan is a major privately owned diversified industrial group in Vietnam, with businesses spanning energy, trading, hospitality, metallurgy, and other sectors. Its subsidiary, Tran Hong Quan Metallurgy Co., Ltd. (THQ Metallurgy), is the investor and developer of the Dak Nong aluminum smelter project. The Dak Nong project is regarded as Vietnam’s first primary aluminum production project and represents a critical link between the country’s alumina resources and its downstream aluminum processing and manufacturing industries. Once operational, the project will produce aluminum ingots, aluminum slab ingots, billets, and other products. It is expected to contribute approximately US$700 million annually to the local economy, significantly strengthen Vietnam’s domestic primary aluminum supply capacity, and reduce the country’s dependence on imported aluminum. In 2026, the project completed its first power delivery and entered the integrated commissioning stage, marking a critical step toward the commercial production of primary aluminum in Vietnam. Join the Conversation at SMM AICE 2026 Connect with aluminum producers, processors, traders, manufacturers, certification organizations, industry associations and decision-makers from across Southeast Asia and the global market. Explore aluminum pricing, primary aluminum supply, processing technologies, low-carbon development, CBAM compliance and new opportunities for regional cooperation. Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Date: November 19–20, 2026 Register now: bit.ly/AICE26 and secure your Super Early Bird Pass and save up to USD 200. Register before August 31, 2026. #SMMAICE2026 #AluminumIndustry #VietnamAluminum #AluminumPricing #SoutheastAsia

On July 24, 2026, a delegation from Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) visited the Vietnam Association of Foreign-Invested Enterprises (VAFIE). The delegation included: Logan Lu, CEO of SMM Cason Lou, Director of Aluminum Processing, Marketing Department Lexi Chen, Key Account Manager for Overseas Information Sales Khai Yuen Chin, Senior Overseas Aluminum Analyst The delegation held in-depth discussions with VAFIE representatives on Vietnam’s investment environment, cooperation with local investment promotion authorities, business resource connections, and potential collaboration on industry forums. VAFIE noted that it has actively participated in international forums and exhibitions related to Vietnam’s aluminum industry in recent years. As an important organization connecting the Vietnamese government, local industrial parks, and international investors, VAFIE has extensive government and corporate resources in areas including bauxite development, alumina projects, aluminum processing and manufacturing, and related industrial investment promotion. It is also committed to supporting regional economic development and industrial growth across Vietnam. SMM introduced its continued engagement in Vietnam and the broader Southeast Asian market, including its work on developing local pricing systems, conducting industry research, organizing international forums, and connecting companies with relevant business resources. Since July 3, 2026, SMM has launched a series of new price assessments covering Southeast Asian 6063 aluminum billet processing fees and CIF Southeast Asia premiums and discounts. Among them, the Vietnam 6063 Non-Homogenized Aluminum Billet Processing Fee and related price assessment have officially been launched. Both sides agreed that, as Vietnam’s manufacturing sector and foreign investment continue to expand, Chinese and Vietnamese companies have significant potential for cooperation in industrial development, project investment, market intelligence, and international exchanges. They also expressed their intention to pursue deeper cooperation in the future. Understanding the Logic Behind Chinese Aluminum Companies’ Expansion into Vietnam 01 Companies Need More Than Customers — They Need a Local Gateway In recent years, an increasing number of Chinese aluminum companies have turned their attention to Vietnam. Some are exploring opportunities in industrial parks, some are seeking aluminum processing projects, while others are establishing local supply chains. However, after entering the Vietnamese market, many companies discover that finding customers is not necessarily the greatest challenge. The real difficulty lies in identifying a reliable local platform that can connect them with government authorities, regional resources, and suitable project opportunities. In the past, Chinese aluminum companies considering expansion into Vietnam mainly asked: Are operating costs low enough? Which part of Vietnam is most suitable for our business? Today, their priorities are changing: Does the local government support the project? Who can help us turn the plan into a successful local operation? For Chinese aluminum companies, those that establish strong local connections earlier will be better positioned to capture opportunities arising from Vietnam’s industrial upgrading and the restructuring of regional supply chains. 02 Competition Is Not Only About Finding Opportunities — It Is About Execution As more Chinese aluminum companies begin expanding into Vietnam, the country’s policy environment, approval procedures, project licensing requirements, and local investment promotion rules are also evolving. Future competition will not simply depend on who identifies an opportunity first. It will increasingly depend on which companies possess stronger local networks, more accurate policy insights, and more efficient project execution capabilities. This is also a key reason why SMM AICE continues to deepen its presence in Vietnam. Through ongoing visits to companies, industry associations, and government institutions across Vietnam and Southeast Asia, SMM AICE aims to establish more transparent market intelligence, industry research, and international exchange platforms. These efforts are designed to help Chinese aluminum companies assess the Vietnamese market more accurately, reduce decision-making risks, and improve their ability to implement projects successfully. To help more Chinese aluminum companies gain an early advantage and capture emerging opportunities in Vietnam, SMM AICE Vietnam is coming with a major industry gathering. At the conference, SMM will officially launch the SMM Vietnam Aluminum Price and provide a detailed explanation of its pricing methodology. Join the Conversation at SMM AICE 2026 Connect with aluminum producers, processors, traders, manufacturers, certification organisations, industry associations and decision-makers from across Southeast Asia and the global market. Explore aluminum pricing, primary aluminum supply, processing technologies, low-carbon development, CBAM compliance and new opportunities for regional cooperation. ? Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ? November 19–20, 2026 Register now: bit.ly/AICE26 and secure your Super Early Bird Pass and save up to USD 200. Register before August 31, 2026.

Lightweight Intelligent Manufacturing, Green Future — Linking the New Aluminum Journey 2027 The 4th Central China (Zhengzhou) International Aluminum Industry Exhibition Date: October 15-17, 2027 Venue: Zhengzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center I. Introduction The Zhengzhou International Aluminum Industry Exhibition has been successfully held for three editions, with each edition receiving guidance and support from organizations including the Henan Provincial Development and Reform Commission, Henan Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology, Henan Provincial Department of Commerce, Zhengzhou Municipal Government, China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA), Zhengzhou Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, and Gongyi Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology. The last edition was successfully held from October 15 to 17, 2025 at the Zhengzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center, attracting more than 200 enterprises from China and overseas, and comprehensively showcasing cutting-edge products and innovative solutions across the aluminum industry chain. During the exhibition, a total of six themed forums and 269 supply-demand procurement matchmaking sessions were held, drawing more than 20,000 professional visitors. The 4th Central China (Zhengzhou) International Aluminum Industry Exhibition 2027 (hereinafter referred to as the “Zhengzhou Aluminum Industry Exhibition”) will continue to adhere to the principle of “serving the industry, promoting exchange, and driving transformation” and will be grandly held from October 15 to 17, 2027 at the Zhengzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center. With the theme “Lightweight Intelligent Manufacturing, Green Future — Linking the New Aluminum Journey,” this edition will comprehensively upgrade its content and operation model, focusing on new materials, new equipment, new intelligent manufacturing, and new applications. It will build a three-in-one exhibition system of “premium brand for high-end aluminum applications + full-chain ecological closed loop + distinctive application scenarios,” supplemented by multiple targeted supply-demand networking sessions and high-end seminars to effectively ensure exhibition effectiveness and business conversion. We sincerely invite aluminum processing enterprises, equipment manufacturers, downstream application enterprises, scientific research institutions, and related service providers from China and overseas to gather in Zhengzhou and share new opportunities in the aluminum industry development. II. Organizational Structure Proposed Guidance: China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA) Organizer: Henan Nonferrous Metals Industry Association Co-organizer: Henan Xiangyu Exhibition Service Co., Ltd. Henan Dianji Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd. III. Exhibition Content and Innovation Aspects Will Be Comprehensively Upgraded Feature 1: Focusing on New Materials and Lightweighting to Build a “Premium Brand for High-End Aluminum Applications” An “Aluminum Deep Processing Boutique Pavilion” will be set up to deeply interpret the high value-added characteristics of aluminum semis. The exhibition area will systematically present high-end deep-processed products such as NEV aluminum, battery foil, and aluminum for 3C electronics, comprehensively driving the aluminum processing industry to leap from traditional building materials and packaging sectors toward high-tech, high-value-added directions, and highlighting the brand value of aluminum semis in high-end application fields. Feature 2: Building a “Full-Chain Ecological Closed-Loop Zone” to Panoramically Display the Life Cycle of the Aluminum Industry from Mine to Recycling A “Full-Chain Ecological Closed-Loop Zone” will be set up, taking the three dimensions of upstream resource security, secondary aluminum recycling and utilization, and comprehensive recovery of renewable resources as the main line, systematically showcasing the completeness and synergy of the aluminum industry ecosystem and highlighting the green, low-carbon, and recyclable development concept. Upstream aluminum ore enterprises from China and overseas will be invited to hold an aluminum ingot raw material supply-demand networking session. Feature 3: Curating an “Aluminum + NEVs and Robots” Distinctive Application Scenario Exhibition Area Focusing on the two innovative application hotspots of NEVs and robots, it will centrally showcase innovative solutions and typical application results of high-end aluminum plate/sheet, strip and foil in these fields, helping exhibitors accurately meet the demands of emerging industries and expand high-growth market space. IV. Exhibition Content This edition will adopt a “5+1” theme matrix, breaking away from the traditional single raw material zoning model, and set up the following six exhibition zones: (I) Premium Brand Showcase Zone for High-End Aluminum Applications 1. Automotive lightweight aluminum: doors, engine hoods, battery trays, wheel hubs, etc. 2. High-end aluminum foil series: battery foil, double zero foil, PV/semiconductor high-purity aluminum foil, electronic aluminum foil, pharmaceutical packaging foil. 3. Aluminum for aerospace and high-end equipment: ceramic aluminum new materials, mirror aluminum, aviation-grade aluminum plate. 4. Aluminum for 3C electronics and rail transit (mobile phone middle frames, high-speed rail carriage profiles, etc.) (II) Green, Low-Carbon and Secondary Aluminum Zone (Policy Hotspot Zone) 1. Aluminum scrap closed-loop recycling pre-treatment line: high-precision eddy current separators, X-ray sorting systems, integrated crushing and impurity removal equipment 2. High-efficiency regeneration melting and casting equipment: new-type double chamber furnaces, side-well reverberatory furnaces, regenerative combustion systems 3. Environmental protection dust removal systems: baghouse filters, SCR denitrification devices, and dioxin suppression technology 4. “Urban Mine” themed demonstration area: centralized display of secondary aluminum industrial parks (III) Smart Factory and Digital Transformation Zone (Future Trend Zone) 1. Industrial robots (palletizing, welding), intelligent stereoscopic warehouses 2. MES systems, AI quality inspection equipment, digital twin factory solutions (IV) High-End Manufacturing Equipment Zone Melting and casting equipment, extrusion/rolling equipment, surface treatment equipment (anodized, spraying), heat treatment equipment, testing instruments, auxiliary materials, etc. (V) Service and Support Zone Industrial park displays, logistics solutions, nonferrous metals futures / supply chain finance, university scientific research achievements transformation (VI) Aluminum + Distinctive Application Scenario Exhibition Zone (Immersive Experience) 1. NEV, battery parts, robots, and other innovative application displays 2. On-site touch and experience the actual application of aluminum semis in high-end fields V. Concurrent Events During the exhibition, multiple high-standard forums and networking events will be held to help enterprises broaden their horizons and connect with resources: 1. 2027 Central China International Aluminum Processing Innovation and Development Conference 2. 2027 Central China NEV and Robot Innovation Application Development Forum 3. 2027 Central China Aluminum Extrusion Industry Upstream-Downstream Cooperation Summit Forum 4. Aluminum Industry Intelligent Transformation and Digitalization Supply-Demand Networking Session 5. 2027 Secondary Aluminum Industry Chain Development Forum 6. The 2nd Futures-Physical Integration Forum to Boost High-Quality Development of the Aluminum Industry 7. The 1st “Central China Aluminum Valley” Cup – Aluminum Extrusion / Melting and Casting Technical Competition / Simulation Contest (Innovative Event) VI. Comprehensive Promotion to Precisely Invite Visitors (I) Industry media will periodically publish exhibition information: World Aluminum Network, Aluminum Plus Network, Aluminum Road Network, Henan Nonferrous Metals Network, China Nonferrous Metals, Nonferrous Metals Processing, China Nonferrous Metals Industry Technical Service Platform. (II) Online media continuous promotion: publicity and promotion on People’s Daily Online, Baidu, Sina, Toutiao, Douyin, WeChat, etc. (III) Precise database activation: integrating 300,000+ industry data, classified into A/B/C three levels, with one-on-one phone invitations for Category A covering core decision-makers to improve conversion rates. (IV) Embedding into downstream industry conferences: Automotive Engineering Annual Conference, New Energy Battery Lightweighting Seminar, Home Appliance Technology Conference, etc., with on-site delegation for invitations to reach end-use industry procurement and engineers. (V) Targeted invitations to industrial parks: in-depth visits to industry demonstration bases and aluminum material application industry clusters for “one-on-one” visits and distribution of invitation letters. (VI) Key invitations to VIP buyers: sending formal invitation letters to complete vehicles, parts, robot enterprise factories, aerospace enterprises, beer & beverage, packaging, construction, and large dealers, focusing on buyers’ core requirements, providing VIP channels and other value-added services to ensure effective matchmaking at on-site procurement meetings. (VII) Exhibitor customer invitation incentives: exclusive electronic invitation letters, VIP treatment for attending clients, recognition and next-edition discounts for exhibitors, encouraging exhibitors to actively invite customers and expand visitor scale. (VIII) Organization of group professional buyers: cooperating with industry associations and industrial park management committees in Henan and surrounding provinces to organize delegations of aluminum processing enterprises and downstream user enterprises to visit. Free bus transportation will be arranged for industrial parks or units organizing visiting delegations of over 30 people. (IX) Overseas investment attraction based on the Belt and Road Initiative, focusing on inviting aluminum semis purchasers from Central Asia and Southeast Asia as well as internationally renowned equipment manufacturers. Welcome to inquire at 13903820977 (same as WeChat)

India, though the world’s second-largest primary aluminum producer with an annual capacity exceeding 4.16 million mt, sees its roughly 3,500 downstream micro, small, and medium aluminum processing enterprises (MSMEs) trapped in a structural cost disadvantage caused by the import parity pricing mechanism for primary aluminum. This mechanism anchors domestic primary aluminum prices to an international benchmark plus tariffs, forcing downstream enterprises to pay import-equivalent prices even when purchasing locally produced metal. Yet these MSMEs support about 90% of employment in the aluminum value chain and supply critical materials to strategic sectors such as power transmission and transformation, renewable energy, railways, and EVs, while operating at margins of only about 5% and an operating rate of about 65%—a stark contrast to the nearly 98% operating rate and about 10% margins in the primary aluminum sector.

Relying on the dual carbon strategy and the development trend of the circular economy, China's recycled metal industry leads the world in scale while facing numerous development challenges. To help enterprises seize policy and market opportunities and solve industry development problems, SMM will grandly host the 2026 SMM Recycled Metal Industry Summit and Melting & Casting Technology Special Session on August 17–18, 2026 in Ningbo, Zhejiang . Chongqing Da'ao Metallurgical Technology Co., Ltd. – Luoyang Da'ao Metallurgical Materials Co., Ltd. sincerely invites you to witness and participate in building an international platform for exchange, cooperation, resource sharing, and collaborative innovation, contributing to the construction and improvement of the global resource recycling system and supporting the transition to a global green economy. Click to register immediately. All for high-quality casting Company's Main Business Scope Processing and sales of casting machines, graphite slab crystallisers, fully oil-sealed aluminum slab crystallisers, round bar crystallisers, aluminum (cast steel) dummy bar heads, aluminum liquid distribution bags, and other casting tooling and auxiliary materials; sales of aluminum (copper) plate/sheet, strip, and foil products; and providing non-ferrous metal processing enterprises with production technology solutions, solving technical problems, technical skill training, new product development and upgrading, and other services. Aluminum fully oil-sealed crystalliser Large-size hard alloy crystalliser Graphite adjustable crystalliser Aluminum liquid distribution bag The company has a practical research team deeply engaged in aluminum and aluminum alloy melting and casting production technology research and operation, consistently leading the forefront of related technology exploration. It has in-depth understanding of imported casting equipment and systems such as Wagstaff, Novelis, Alme, and Hydro, and has established long-term cooperative relationships with multiple domestic professional research institutions and large-scale aluminum processing enterprises. Combined with the characteristics of traditional Chinese casting methods, it has developed a variety of proprietary branded slab crystallisers and round billet crystallisers for semi-continuous casting of aluminum and aluminum alloys. Contact Information 023-47676366 0379-65116688 Huang He: Phone 13637961666 Email: Company Website: Company Address: Building 12, Shuangfu Intelligent Manufacturing Park, No. 895, Attachment 27, North Section of Nanbei Avenue, Jiangjin District, Chongqing (Zhongtianyuan) No. 1, Gaoxin Fenghua Road, Luoyang Area, China (Henan) Pilot Free Trade Zone SMM Meeting Contact Guan Changkui 18715173598 Email:

On July 23, 2026, a delegation from Shanghai Metals Market Information Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM) visited VPG (Viet Phuong Group). The delegation included: Logan Lu, CEO of SMM Cason Lou, Director of Aluminum Processing, Marketing Department Lexi Chen, Key Account Manager for Overseas Information Sales Khai Yuen Chin, Senior Overseas Aluminum Analyst The two sides held in-depth discussions on bauxite resource development in Southeast Asia, alumina project development, regional logistics networks, and the development of a Vietnam-based aluminum pricing system. SMM noted that as the global aluminum value chain continues to restructure, China’s alumina market is expected to see sustained demand for overseas resources. Given resource availability and cost considerations, high-quality overseas alumina resources—particularly those from Vietnam and other Southeast Asian markets—are expected to gain greater market potential and competitive advantages. VPG shared updates on the progress of its current projects and said it is actively advancing mineral processing and alumina projects, with Southeast Asia and other international markets set to become key areas of future development. Since 2008, VPG has been engaged in bauxite exploration and development in Sekong Province, Laos, and is currently advancing an integrated industrial project covering bauxite mining, mineral processing, and alumina production. Both sides agreed that establishing an open, transparent, and regionally representative local aluminum pricing system would help improve information transparency and strengthen the international influence of Southeast Asia’s aluminum value chain. They also expressed expectations for deeper cooperation in market research, pricing services, and industry exchanges. What Signals Does SMM’s Visit to VPG Send to Chinese Companies? 01 Vietnam Is Becoming an Important Hub Connecting the Global Aluminum Value Chain In recent years, an increasing number of international companies have viewed Vietnam as an important gateway connecting Southeast Asian resources with global markets. Supported by its established port infrastructure, rapidly expanding manufacturing sector, and growing international trade network, Vietnam is not only benefiting from the relocation of global manufacturing capacity but is also emerging as an important regional hub for the aluminum value chain. For Chinese companies seeking opportunities in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is gradually evolving from an “investment destination” into a “supply chain partner.” 02 Vietnam’s Rapid Market Growth Is Creating New Export Opportunities With free trade agreements such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) taking effect, Vietnam has become a strategic sourcing hub for aluminum products used in the solar industry, including aluminum profiles and PV module frames, with export growth exceeding 20%. EVFTA tariff benefits for EU buyers, together with US Section 301 tariffs, have also encouraged some international buyers to shift sourcing toward Vietnam. Meanwhile, Vietnam aims for electric vehicles to account for 50% of urban vehicles by 2030. As electric vehicles use nearly 30% more aluminum than conventional vehicles, growing EV adoption could generate significant additional aluminum demand. This widening demand gap is expected to create substantial opportunities for aluminum suppliers and exporters. Against this backdrop, SMM AICE is expanding internationally by bringing its conference to Vietnam. The event aims to establish an authoritative platform connecting Chinese aluminum companies with Vietnam and the broader Southeast Asian market, promoting the transition of China-Vietnam aluminum cooperation from “resource complementarity” toward “full-value-chain cooperation and mutual growth.” 03 Future Competition Will Be About Information, Not Just Opportunities Vietnam’s market continues to develop rapidly. At the same time, market rules, policies, cost structures, and pricing mechanisms are constantly evolving. For Chinese companies, identifying projects alone is no longer enough. Timely access to local policies, industry development trends, supply chain changes, and market pricing information is becoming increasingly important. This is also why SMM continues to deepen its presence in the Vietnamese market. Recently, SMM AICE has been conducting intensive visits across Vietnam and the broader Southeast Asian industrial value chain, maintaining close communication with government authorities, industry associations, mining companies, alumina producers, aluminum processors, and other market participants. Through more transparent market intelligence and pricing systems, SMM aims to help global companies better understand market dynamics and reduce decision-making risks. To help more aluminum companies seize emerging opportunities and establish an early presence in the Vietnamese market, SMM AICE Vietnam is coming to Vietnam with a major industry gathering. VPG — Viet Phuong Group Founded in 1996, VPG (Viet Phuong Group) is a well-established diversified investment group in Vietnam, with businesses spanning mining, energy, infrastructure, finance, real estate, and other sectors. Mining is one of the group’s key strategic businesses, with projects involving mineral resources including bauxite, rare earths, and quartz sand. In the aluminum sector, VPG has been engaged in bauxite exploration and development in Sekong Province, Laos, since 2008. The group is currently advancing an integrated project covering bauxite mining, mineral processing, and alumina production. Leveraging Vietnam’s established port infrastructure and regional logistics network, VPG plans to export alumina products to China and other global markets through the Laos–Vietnam cross-border logistics corridor, further integrating into Southeast Asia’s aluminum supply chain. In recent years, the company has continued to advance project development, international cooperation, and market expansion, with the ambition of building a regional aluminum industry platform spanning resource development, alumina production, and international trade. Join the Conversation at SMM AICE 2026 Connect with aluminum producers, processors, traders, manufacturers, certification organisations, industry associations and decision-makers from across Southeast Asia and the global market. Explore aluminum pricing, primary aluminum supply, processing technologies, low-carbon development, CBAM compliance and new opportunities for regional cooperation. ? Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ? November 19–20, 2026 Register now: bit.ly/AICE26 and secure your Super Early Bird Pass and save up to USD 200. Register before August 31, 2026.

UK-based aluminum extrusion supplier LA Metals has completed a management buyout, marking the start of a new growth phase. Under the new ownership, the company plans to invest in laser cutting systems and additional manufacturing equipment to expand its aluminium processing capabilities, increase production capacity, relocate to larger premises and hire more employees. Founded in 1987, LA Metals supplies aluminum extrusion products to customers including Next, Burger King and the UK Ministry of Defence, with the investment expected to strengthen its position in the UK's aluminium extrusion and fabrication market.

[SMM Aluminum Downstream Analysis: July Aluminum Processing PMI at 42.2%, All Segments Enter Contraction Territory; End-Use Demand Weakens, Export Divergence Hinders Near-Term Recovery] In July, the aluminum processing industry exhibited a pattern of broad-based off-season weakness across all segments with structural divergence. Only the new energy sector demonstrated demand resilience, while domestic demand in other sectors contracted broadly and significantly. Export performance was uneven, with aluminum wire and cable exports plummeting and dragging down the industry. Combined with raw material constraints, high-temperature production restrictions, and disturbances from price spread recovery, overall industry activity remains deeply mired in contraction territory, and near-term recovery momentum is insufficient.