2026 China Central International Power Transformer Export Expo 2026 China Central International Power Transformer Export Expo Concurrently held: The 8th China (Zhengzhou) International New-type Power and Smart Energy Industry Exhibition August 15-17, 2026, Central China International Convention and Exhibition Center (Airport Area) Annual Central China Power and Electrical Industry Development Conference Estimated exhibition data: 18 countries and regions 600+ exhibiting brands 300+ media coverage 20 forum events 40,000 m² exhibition area 50,000 visitors Co-organizers: Henan Electrical Equipment Industry Association Beijing Aibo International Exhibition Co., Ltd. Executing Unit: Beijing Aibo International Exhibition Co., Ltd. Title Sponsor: Henan Senyuan Electric Co., Ltd. Official Website: http://byq.aiboexpo.com ※ Exhibition Overview: Currently, 'carbon neutrality' has become a global consensus. Achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality is a solemn commitment China has made to the world and a broad and profound economic and social transformation. Realizing clean and zero-carbon energy is a crucial guarantee for carbon neutrality. The development and maturation of the new-type power industry are of great significance for accelerating the construction of a new power system dominated by new energy. In recent years, supported by a series of national policies, global renewable energy industries such as PV, wind power, hydropower, new-type energy storage, charging facilities, and hydrogen energy have achieved rapid development. With new breakthroughs in next-generation technologies and equipment, the future new energy market holds limitless prospects. At the 2024 Bosch Connected World conference, the world's richest man Elon Musk predicted that the rapid development of AI and EVs would lead to a severe shortage of transformers. Today, this prediction has become a reality. Amid this global 'transformer shortage', the latest data from China's General Administration of Customs shows: in 2025, China's transformer export value reached 64.6 billion yuan, a YoY surge of 36%, with the average unit price exceeding 205,000 yuan, a rise of 33%. Even more astonishing—orders for high-end ultra-high voltage and data center-dedicated transformers have been scheduled into 2027, with some stretching into 2028! The global transformer shortage is the inevitable result of multiple contemporary factors overlapping. From an infrastructure perspective, the power systems in Europe and the US are undergoing a 'major overhaul'. A Goldman Sachs report from September 2025 pointed out that most of Europe's grid infrastructure has been in operation for 40-50 years, and in the US, 31% of transmission equipment and 46% of distribution facilities are past their service life. To this end, the EU plans to invest €1.2 trillion over the next decade to upgrade its power grid, and the US also announced $1.1 trillion over five years for the power sector. As core equipment for power grid upgrades, transformers have naturally become a focal point of demand. Amid the global transition toward green and low-carbon development, the construction of green energy power plants such as PV and wind power has further lifted transformer demand. The international energy industry analysis firm “Allied Market” forecast that the global transformer market size will reach $103 billion in 2031, Henan is located in central China and has long been known as the “heartland of Kyushu and the thoroughfare of ten provinces,” serving as an important transportation hub in China that connects east and west and links north and south. Developing a hub economy is a key pillar for integrating into the new development paradigm. “In recent years, our province has leveraged its transportation and location advantages to continuously strengthen the hub economy. Seizing the opportunity presented by the development of a unified national market, we have built a comprehensive ‘rice + well + people’ transportation corridor and initially formed a broad multimodal transport landscape integrating and connecting airports, inland ports, highway ports, high-speed rail ports, and ports of entry. It has become a logistics corridor hub that connects at home and abroad and radiates across the east, central, and west. Trading globally, the hub advantage is gradually being transformed into a competitive edge for development. Leveraging Henan’s status as a major province in China in terms of population, agriculture, industry, and energy consumption, its transportation and geographic advantages are driving global power grid upgrades, with transformers playing a crucial role in building a new-type power system. To rapidly and accurately connect sellers and buyers and help enterprises expand broader markets in and outside China, the “2026 China · Central and Western China International Power Transformer Export Expo,” jointly organized by the Henan Electrical Industry Association and Beijing Aibo International Exhibition Co., Ltd., is scheduled to be held on August 15-17, 2026 at Zhongyuan International Convention and Exhibition Center, Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone, concurrently with the “8th China (Zhengzhou) International New-Type Power and Smart Energy Industry Exhibition.” This exhibition is expected to cover 40,000㎡, attracting more than 600 brand exhibitors from around the world to make a concentrated appearance in central China, with over 50,000 visits expected from professional visitors and buyers. We sincerely invite transformer producers, manufacturers, and related supporting suppliers from in and outside China to gather in central China and share this grand industry event! As one of China’s 12 highest-level international comprehensive transportation hubs and one of the country’s six airport-type national logistics hubs, Zhengzhou is a comprehensive hub city integrating highways, railways, aviation, power, and communications. It enjoys uniquely advantageous geographic conditions. With Zhengzhou as the center, a two-hour aviation circle covers 92% of China’s population, 94% of its total economic output, and 98% of its foreign trade share. Against the backdrop of the current dual-circulation development model and domestic demand boost, Zhengzhou’s market radiation advantage nationwide will become even more prominent. Henan has a solid industrial foundation and a complete industrial supporting system, highly aligned with the development needs of the new energy industry. It can better promote deep integrated development across the upstream and downstream industry chain of new energy enterprises, achieve resource sharing and complementary advantages, and jointly drive coordinated development of the industry. Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone Comprehensive Experimental Zone, known as the “Central China Special Zone,” is currently the only national-level aviation economy development pilot zone approved by the State Council. The Airport Economy Zone closely focuses on five major strategic positioning goals: the “Air Silk Road” pilot zone, the “National Airport Economy Experimental Zone,” the “core growth pole of the Central Plains Economic Zone and the Zhengzhou Metropolitan Area,” a “modernized, internationalized, world-class logistics hub,” and the “Central China Special Zone”; and deepens the development of five major centers: an international advanced manufacturing center, international trade center, international transportation and logistics center, international creative fashion center, and international innovation talent center. The Airport Economy Zone has become a growth pole of great strategic value for Zhengzhou’s development and a high ground for opening up across the province. ※Key Invitations Target Audience: Power, petroleum, chemicals, metallurgy, steel, cement, coal, textiles, transportation, electronics, communications, environmental protection, transport, machinery, turnkey equipment suppliers, traders, etc. Real estate developers, construction contractors, decoration and renovation companies, architects, designers, engineers, importers and exporters, wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, retailers, buildings, property management institutions, and industry end-users (such as hospitals, schools, government agencies, hotels, shopping malls, etc.). Relevant government departments, power companies, power grid companies, power supply departments, planning departments, municipal engineering entities, design and research institutions, competent authorities, associations, societies, media organizations, etc. ※ Media Spotlight and Synchronized Promotion : Helping exhibitors deeply explore clients, find professional buyers, promote brands, and close deals has always been the mission and responsibility of the organizers of the Central China Transformer Expo! We will join forces with Xinhua Net, People’s Daily Online, Economic Net, Sina, ifeng.com, CNR.cn, Guangming Online, CCTV.com, China News Service, Dayu Net, Dahe Net, Yingxiang Net, Zhongyuan Net, Jinbao Net, Sunan Net, Dahe Daily, Sohu, iQIYI, Baidu, Toutiao, Henan TV, Dazhong.com, Haibao News, Douyin, Kuaishou, Xiaohongshu, Zhihu, Huaxia Energy Network, International New Energy Network, Polaris Electric Power Network, Power Supply Network, China Transformer Network, Transformer Market Network, Electronic Transformer Information Network, Sobi PV Energy Storage Network, PV Industry Network, Energy World, Household PV Network, EV Network, First EV Network, Charging Piles Network, NEV Industry Network, and more than 100 other media outlets to provide comprehensive coverage of the exhibition, helping enterprises promote new products and technologies, enhance brand image, and strengthen corporate influence. ※ If you are a supplier of the following products, please book a booth: 1 、Transformers: Dry-type transformers, oil-immersed transformers; PV transformers, wind power transformers, box-type substations, electric furnace transformers, mining transformers, marine transformers, movable vehicle-mounted transformers, customized transformers and solutions, etc. 2 、Transformer Design and Manufacturing: Transformer R&D and design software, virtual simulation software; fully automatic winding machines, core laser cutting equipment, robotic insulation coating systems; partial discharge detection instruments, automatic withstand-voltage test benches, AI visual defect recognition systems; overall solutions for digital factories, etc. 3 、Key Transformer Materials: Conductive materials (e.g., copper semis, aluminum semis, copper-aluminum composite materials), magnetic materials (silicon steel and amorphous alloys, ferrite materials), insulating materials (insulating paper, paperboard, insulating varnish, insulating oil, epoxy resin, electrical insulating wood, varnished cloth, varnished cloth tape), etc. 4 、Key Transformer Components: Core, windings, oil tank/oil conservator, bushings, oil level gauges, oil purifiers, conductive rod, sealing gaskets, breathers, insulating materials, tap changers, gas relays, explosion-proof pipes, temperature measuring devices, fire extinguishing devices, clamps, surge arresters, pressure release devices, other transformer accessories/consumables, etc. 5 、Green Electricity Technologies and Applications: Distributed PV/wind power energy systems; energy routers, renewable energy grid connection controllers, cloud-edge collaborative microgrid control systems, virtual power plant (VPP) access terminals; green electricity traceability platforms, full life cycle carbon footprint monitoring instruments, enterprise ESG compliance management software, etc. 6 、Smart Power Supply and Distribution Systems: High-voltage direct current (HVDC) power supply, liquid-cooled power distribution systems, flexible DC converters (medium and high voltage), solid-state transformers (SST)/high-efficiency transformers, high-voltage/medium-voltage switchgear; smart low-voltage distribution cabinets, busway systems, smart header boards, cabinet PDUs; active power filters (APF), dynamic voltage restorers (DVR); DC circuit breakers, DC fuses, smart arc detection systems, lightning surge protectors, etc. 7 、Digital Energy Efficiency Management: AI monitoring platforms for power supply and distribution, digital twin O&M systems, predictive maintenance tools, CFD simulation and energy efficiency optimization software, etc. 8 、Collaborative Innovation in Energy Storage: Lithium battery/flow/sodium-ion energy storage systems, integrated PV+ESS+hydrogen solutions, containerized integrated energy storage units, etc. 9 、Related Services: Planning consulting and design, engineering construction, completion acceptance, rating and certification, infrastructure O&M, IT services and O&M. ※Fee-Based Items: ● Booth Fees: Booth Category Standard Booth (Single Open Side) Standard Booth (Double Open Sides) Deluxe Standard Booth (Single Open Side) Deluxe Standard Booth (Double Open Sides) Special Booth Bare Space China Enterprises ¥8,800 yuan/booth ¥9,800 yuan/booth ¥11,800 yuan/booth ¥12,800 yuan/booth ¥900/㎡ Foreign-Funded Enterprises $1,980/booth $2,980/booth $3,980/booth $4,980/booth $300/㎡ 1、Standard Booth: Minimum rental 3m×3m=9㎡; equipped with: white partition panels (2.5 meters high), one table and two chairs, Chinese-English header board, two fluorescent lights, carpet, and one power socket. 2、Deluxe Standard Booth: Minimum rental 3m×3m=9㎡; equipped with: white partition panels (2.5 meters high), one table and two chairs, Chinese-English header board, two fluorescent lights, carpet, one power socket, and raised booth fascia. 3、Special Booth Bare Space: Minimum rental 36㎡; provided: exhibition space and cleaning services; excluding booth construction and production costs. The bare space does not include any display racks or facilities. To ensure booth construction quality, all exhibitors are requested to use the contractor designated by the organizer to build their booths; no other contractors are allowed to enter the venue. (The organizing committee collects a special booth management fee on behalf of the venue: designated contractor ¥50 yuan/㎡, non-designated contractor ¥70 yuan/㎡). ● Conference Booklet Advertising: It will help you find clients after the exhibition! In addition to being widely distributed during the exhibition, it will also be distributed through various channels to professionals in different regions who were unable to visit the exhibition, enabling them to quickly find contact information and service details via the conference booklet. (The conference booklet is printed in full color on imported copper paper; size: 210mm×135mm). Front Cover ¥20,000 yuan Inside Front Cover/Inside Back Cover ¥7,000 yuan Frontispiece ¥6,000 yuan Black-and-White Page ¥4,000 yuan Back Cover ¥15,000 yuan Double-Page Color Spread ¥8,000 yuan Color Page ¥5,000 yuan 500-Word Company Profile ¥3,000 yuan ● Other Advertising: Advertising fees must be prepaid in full as a one-time payment; exhibitors who are unable to participate on time for any reason may also choose the following advertising promotions. Outdoor Plaza Arch ¥10,000 yuan/set (2 units) Carpet Floor Sticker Ad ¥500 yuan/unit Visitor Tickets ¥10,000 yuan/1,000 tickets Visitor Badge Lanyards ¥10,000 yuan/1,000 pcs Back-of-Visitor-Badge Ad ¥10,000 yuan/1,000 pcs Official Website Ad ¥10,000 yuan/banner/year Outdoor Road Flags ¥1,000 yuan/pair (2 units) Official Account Ad ¥10,000 yuan/unit/year Outdoor Billboard ¥10,000 yuan/unit Exhibitor Badge Lanyards ¥10,000 yuan/1,000 pcs Back-of-Exhibitor-Badge Ad ¥10,000 yuan/1,000 pcs Document Bags ¥20,000 yuan/1,000 pcs ● Product Promotion Session/Technical Seminar: A conference room accommodating 100-600 people, ¥30,000 yuan for 60 minutes per session, used for venue setup and related equipment rental (including venue, audio and projection equipment, lighting, tables and chairs, tea and other supporting facilities and services, and assistance in organizing the audience for the presenting enterprise). ※Exhibition Participation Procedures: 1. Fill out the exhibition application form and fax or scan it to the organizing unit. Booth allocation principle: “first apply, first pay, first arranged.” 2. After the contract is confirmed and stamped by both parties, the exhibiting unit shall remit the exhibition fees by telegraphic transfer to the organizing unit’s collection account within 2 working days. 3. After remitting all fees, exhibitors are requested to fax the bank remittance slip to the organizing unit. 4. After receiving the exhibition fees, the organizing unit will issue the Exhibitor Manual to exhibitors within one month before the exhibition opens to confirm participation notes. ※ Organizing Committee Secretariat: Beijing Aibo International Exhibition Co., Ltd. Contact: Zhang Lei 17729729055 Fax: +86 010-86487300 E-mail: 2662486664@qq.com Website: http://byq.aiboexpo.com Scan to Book a Booth

Spot circulation was limited this week, with MHP and high-grade nickel matte payables fluctuating at highs.

Leveraging the dual-carbon strategy and the development trend of circular economy, China's recycled metal industry has taken a leading position globally, while also facing numerous developmental challenges. To assist enterprises in seizing policy and market opportunities, and addressing industrial challenges, SMM will host the 2026 SMM Recycled Metal Industry Summit Forum and Casting Technology Special Session in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, on July 16-17, 2026 . cordially invites you to jointly witness and participate in building an international platform for exchange, cooperation, resource sharing, and collaborative innovation, contributing to the construction and improvement of a global resource recycling system and supporting the transition to a green economy. Click to register now. Booth Number: E9 Huangshi Hongfu New Materials Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer of environmental protection aluminum extrusion . Established in November 2016, the company has a registered capital of 100 million yuan, covers an area of 172 mu, and has a construction area of 130,000 m². Located in Longquwan Industrial Park along National Highway 106 in Tieshan District, Huangshi City, a region rich in mineral resources, the company enjoys convenient transportation. With an investment of 360 million yuan, the company has built 24 extrusion production lines, 1 flexible intelligent horizontal oxidation electrophoresis line, 1 horizontal polishing oxidation line, 2 vertical powder coating lines, 1 horizontal painting line, 10 transfer printing lines, as well as supporting facilities for melting, casting, molds, and environmental protection. The annual capacity of aluminum extrusion reaches 80,000 mt, with an annual output value of 1.6 billion yuan. The company boasts strong technical capabilities, including a provincial enterprise technology center, three high-tech enterprises, and an aluminum processing technology research institute. As a member of the Light Metals Subcommittee of the National Nonferrous Metals Standardization Committee, it has participated in drafting 6 national and industry standards, holds 264 patents (including 5 invention patents and 58 utility model patents), and possesses core technologies in melting, casting, and mold production. The company has a comprehensive quality assurance system and is certified under ISO 9001:2015. Its marketing network covers all regions of China except the three northeastern provinces. The products, known for their comprehensive range and high cost-performance ratio, are popular nationwide. They are widely used in construction doors and windows, home decoration, transportation vehicles, and electrical and electronic fields, with 1,100 series and 23,000 varieties, offering all possible surface treatment methods. The company holds a prominent position in niche markets, enjoying a strong reputation for rolling shutters, artistic doors, and interior doors in the Chinese market. In 2019, it was honored as one of China's Top 10 Construction Aluminum Extrusion Enterprises, Top 100 Private Building Materials Enterprises, and Top 200 Building Materials Enterprises. The company has registered a new brand, "Hongfu Aluminum Semis," which is highly favored by the market. The company's mission is "people-oriented, honest and trustworthy, enterprising, and giving back to society," and the principles it upholds are "technology first, quality supreme, integrity as the foundation, and satisfaction as the standard." The company will take innovation as the driving force, regard quality as life, treat people with sincerity, and develop pragmatically. Contact Information Huang Xialin1507205 6066 Ke Hao 15997102132 Yin Weigang13972777500 Pi Hongbing13971765063 SMM Conference Contact Zhou Shiyang Mobile: 17278238856 Email:

SMM understands that Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has raised its June 2026 official selling price (OSP) for sulphur to $860/t FOB Ruwais for the Indian subcontinent market, up by $100/t from May. This marks the highest OSP on record, surpassing the previous peak seen in Q2 2008. The extreme supply tightness in the Middle East, driven by ongoing geopolitical disruptions, continues to underpin the bullish market sentiment. Other Middle East suppliers‘ June contract prices: QatarEnergy at $805/t FOB; Kuwait KPC at $805/t FOB.

As resource security and decarbonization become increasingly important, major economies are strengthening efforts to retain aluminum scrap. From the EU's review of export controls and the U.S. strategic asset proposal to Japan's circular economy initiatives and policies in the UAE and South Africa, these developments could reshape global scrap flows and affect secondary aluminum markets.

On May 28, JX Advanced Metals, Mitsubishi Materials (MMC), Mitsui Kinzoku, and Marubeni signed a final agreement to integrate MMC’s copper concentrate procurement and sales of cathode copper, sulfuric acid, and other by-products into Pan Pacific Copper (PPC), while establishing a wholly-owned subsidiary, "PPC Material." The integration will be executed via a company split: PPC first absorbs the target business, then transfers it to the newly established PPC Material on the same day. Originally planned for end-March, the process was delayed by about two months due to detailed discussions. Post-integration, PPC’s ownership stands at: JX 32.50%, MMC 32.00%, Mitsui Kinzoku 21.90%, and Marubeni 13.60%. PPC becomes an equity-method affiliate of all four companies, with PPC Material as its wholly-owned subsidiary. Currently, PPC subcontracts smelting/refining to JX Metal Smelting and Hibi Smelting; after the deal, MMC will also become a subcontractor. Japan’s copper concentrate procurement windows will shrink from three to two, held by Sumitomo Metal Mining and PPC Material. The move aims to counter intensifying overseas competition and sharply deteriorated TC/RC through centralized procurement and cost efficiency. The transaction is planned for October 1, 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

This week, overseas aluminum scrap and secondary aluminum markets continued to fluctuate at relatively high levels. Affected by Middle East tensions, tight shipping logistics and fluctuations in LME aluminum prices, overall market sentiment remained cautious. The industry generally continued to show a market pattern characterized by “strong cost support and downstream demand mainly driven by rigid procurement needs.” Aluminum scrap market In the aluminum scrap market, Malaysia’s mixed aluminum casting scrap Tense prices remained stable at USD 2,600/mt this week after rising last week, with overall market quotations relatively steady. Malaysia’s aluminum cable scrap Talon prices edged up slightly from MYR 14,250/mt (~USD 3,593/mt) to MYR 14,300/mt (~USD 3,605/mt). Meanwhile, baled used beverage can (UBC) prices saw a noticeable correction, falling by MYR 850 from MYR 10,500/mt (~USD 2,647/mt) to MYR 9,650/mt (~USD 2,433/mt). SMM indicates this price adjustment was mainly due to some companies restructuring their quotation systems and pricing mechanisms, rather than a significant weakening in end-user demand. In Thailand, Talon prices increased from THB 117,500/mt (~USD 3,601/mt) last week to THB 122,500/mt (~USD 3,755/mt), while baled UBC prices remained relatively stable around THB 85,500/mt (~USD 2,621/mt), indicating relatively limited overall market fluctuations. SMM analysis indicates that the overseas aluminum scrap market continues to be supported by tight supply conditions. Ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz continue to affect global aluminum scrap circulation, with shipping delays and rerouting still occurring in some regions, keeping freight and import costs elevated. Some market participants reported that European-origin scrap has been more heavily affected by shipping disruptions, leading buyers to gradually shift procurement preference toward U.S.-origin scrap with relatively more stable logistics, further supporting imported aluminum scrap prices. At the same time, local supply of high-quality aluminum scrap in Southeast Asia remains tight. Some downstream factories in Malaysia continue to increase their reliance on imported aluminum scrap, further reflecting that regional supply-side pressure has not eased significantly. SMM estimates that the domestic and overseas aluminum scrap price spread in China remains around RMB 2,500–3,000/mt, leaving arbitrage opportunities for certain products and providing continued support for aluminum scrap trading activity in Southeast Asia. On the demand side, overseas ADC12 producers and secondary aluminum enterprises are still mainly purchasing based on rigid demand. Although aluminum scrap prices remain at relatively high levels, downstream buyers have become more cautious compared with earlier periods, and transaction speeds for high-priced materials have slowed somewhat. Overall, the market continues to be dominated by procurement on a need-only basis. Secondary aluminum ADC12 market In the ADC12 market, Malaysia’s domestic ADC12 secondary aluminum alloy prices remained stable this week at MYR 13.30/kg (~USD 3,353/mt), while FOB prices held steady at USD 3,395/mt, with overall market trends remaining relatively stable. In Thailand, domestic ADC12 prices rose alongside higher LME aluminum prices, increasing from THB 110/kg (~USD 3,372/mt) last week to THB 112/kg (~USD 3,433/mt), while FOB prices remained largely stable around USD 3,370/mt throughout the week. SMM analysis shows that some ADC12 producers already have orders scheduled through July and August. While order-taking remains cautious, operations are generally stable. As a result, producers currently prefer maintaining stable quotations rather than continuing to aggressively raise prices. Some manufacturers are also retaining a certain level of spot inventory to cope with potential raw material supply fluctuations and unexpected order demand. In addition, some customers have recently begun delaying shipment schedules and slowing cargo pickups, mainly due to limited acceptance of high prices among end-users and continued market uncertainty regarding future price trends. In the Indian market, although Indian buyers are offering relatively higher prices, some companies still remain cautious toward concluding transactions. Overall, SMM expects overseas aluminum scrap and ADC12 markets to continue fluctuating at relatively high but stable levels in the short term. Future market direction will still depend on developments in the Middle East situation, shipping recovery conditions, LME aluminum price movements, and actual downstream order-taking and cargo pickup activity. Exchange Rate Reference: 1 USD = 3.96 MYR 1 USD = 32.62 THB

[[CATL and Shanxi Province to Co-build New Energy Entire Industry Chain Cluster] Recently, CATL signed a deep strategic cooperation agreement with the People's Government of Shanxi Province in Taiyuan, Shanxi, and signed a zero-carbon city cooperation agreement with the People's Government of Datong City. The two sides will seize the strategic opportunities of "building a new-type energy system" and "becoming an energy powerhouse," jointly creating a new energy entire industry chain cluster driven by the dual engines of "aluminum-lithium," and building an application hub centered on battery swapping heavy-duty trucks.

At the hosted by SMM, Ouyang Yichang, SMM secondary copper industry research analyst, shared insights on the topic of "Analysis of Japan's Secondary Copper Market." He noted that, according to SMM, Japan's copper scrap market is gradually transitioning toward a fiercely competitive "seller ecosystem." Trade models that rely solely on spot cargo procurement are increasingly exposed to the risk of supply disruptions. To secure long-term resource supply, ex-China purchasing enterprises need to move beyond the traditional spot trading mindset and establish structural partnerships through deep-binding approaches such as signing long-term contracts and equity cooperation, in order to adapt to the persistently tight market landscape. Global Positioning of Japan's Copper Scrap Market Global Positioning of Japan's Copper Scrap Market Key Drivers Behind Japan's Leading Position in Asia 1 Precision Sorting: Exceptional classification accuracy ensures high-quality scrap output. 2 Well-Established Infrastructure: A mature "urban mine" system and advanced logistics provide a highly reliable supply foundation. 3 Strategic Geographical Advantage: Proximity to China (accelerating capital turnover), while serving as a key trans-Pacific logistics hub connecting the Americas and Asia. 4 Favorable Trade and Tax Policies: Zero export tariffs and transparent regulations ensure seamless global operations. 5 Commercial Reliability: High standards of packaging and business ethics minimize quality claims. Japan's Average Unit Price of Copper Scrap Significantly Leads the Top Five Global Exporters In 2025, Japan and Thailand each accounted for approximately 7% of global copper scrap exports. However, Japan commanded the highest average export price among major peers ($8,112/mt), thanks to a substantial quality premium. This price spread revealed fundamental differences in product mix. Thailand primarily served as a processing hub, with limited high-grade copper scrap output domestically. In contrast, Japan was organically driven by its mature "urban mine" ecosystem, consistently producing high-purity, high-grade materials. Flow of Japan's Copper Scrap Flow of Japan's Copper Scrap Rising Trade Volume and Shrinking Net Exports: A Shift Toward Domestic Retention Smelters Drove Copper Scrap Consumption Growth While Downstream Processing Enterprises Saw Declining Usage According to SMM, compared with 2021, processing enterprises' copper scrap usage declined by 8% in 2025. Processing enterprises: Weak downstream demand (automotive, construction) and fierce global competition for high-quality copper scrap severely squeezed domestic processing enterprises, resulting in a sustained 8% decline in their absolute usage. Smelters: Tightened environmental protection and export policies implemented since 2023 restricted the outflow of copper scrap, significantly accelerating this structural "reflux" toward smelters. Combined with the plunge in TC/RC, Japanese smelters were forced to rely on these raw materials to maintain production. Consequently, the share of copper scrap consumed by the smelting segment has maintained an overall upward trend in recent years. Japan's overall scrap supply is contracting; despite robust growth in domestic consumption, the structural decline in net exports is the primary driver. Since the 2021 peak, Japan's total apparent supply of copper scrap has been on an overall downward trend. This indicates structural tightening in domestic scrap generation and social recovery rates, with increasingly scarce available resources. Despite the overall supply contraction, domestic apparent consumption demonstrated strong resilience, as Japanese smelters actively secured local raw materials to maintain production amid plunging TC. This robust local demand is significantly squeezing exports. Net exports have consequently declined structurally to low levels. Japan is shifting from a "resource overflow" model to an "internal absorption" model, which will severely exacerbate raw material shortages for Southeast Asian and Chinese buyers. Bare bright copper payable indicator stays high: supply tightness and China's tax-driven demand outweigh the impact of recent copper price rebound Since early 2026, market copper prices have risen steadily overall; in March, copper prices experienced a periodic pullback, and copper scrap sellers held prices firm with strong willingness to defend price floors, directly driving the bare bright copper payable indicator passively higher. Entering April, futures copper prices rebounded and stabilized at highs, but the copper scrap payment ratio deviated from conventional pricing logic and did not pull back accordingly, remaining firmly in the 98.5%-99.0% range. The core supporting logic lies in: continued tightening of domestic tax regulation, with China's downstream processing enterprises increasingly relying on imported copper scrap to obtain compliant input tax deductions, forming rigid procurement demand; coupled with tight spot copper scrap supply, the dual support of supply and demand underpins the copper scrap payment ratio to stay high. Japan's Scrap Policies Japan's Scrap Policies Regulatory Shift: Building an "Invisible Wall" Although Japan has not explicitly imposed export bans, it strengthens its domestic closed-loop system through a strategic policy combination. For global buyers, this signals a structural shift in the Japanese market going forward: intensified competition, soaring procurement costs, and increasing difficulty in accessing high-quality scrap. Regulatory maturity and standardized transparency are the primary drivers of the "Japan premium." Policy Lag vs. Market Reality: Although the EU Waste Shipment Regulation and potential US export restrictions have not yet been formally enacted, the market has already priced in expectations of future supply contraction, compelling downstream buyers to proactively pivot toward trade hubs with higher compliance and transparency. "Reliability Premium" Logic Emerges: As a pioneer in industry compliance and market transparency, Japan can effectively hedge against risks prevalent in other regions, such as insufficient information transparency and origin rerouting, providing the market with an important safe-haven and pricing anchor function. Outlook and Forecast Strategic Outlook and Forecast Driven by aggressive development targets at both enterprise and national levels, scrap consumption by domestic smelters in Japan is set to experience significant structural growth. According to SMM, the climb in scrap consumption by Japanese smelters is not a short-term cyclical response triggered by declining mine TCs, but rather a fundamental structural transformation underpinned by strong capital strength and long-term commitment. As 2030 ESG-related targets continue to materialize, the trend of retaining domestic scrap for internal use in Japan will deepen further, structurally tightening global circulating scrap supply over the long term and continuously compressing the available sourcing volume for ex-China buyers. Response Logic for the "New Normal" in Japan's Copper Scrap Market Volume and Flow Direction: Steady Decline Net exports of copper scrap will not plunge to zero abruptly, but rather exhibit a sustained structural decline trend. As domestically subsidized capacity comes fully online, exports of high-grade secondary copper such as bare bright copper and No.1 copper will enter a steady contraction trajectory. Pricing Logic: The traditional medium and long-term linkage of "rising copper prices, declining scrap payment ratios" has been structurally reshaped. Under the dual effects of persistently tight copper concentrates supply and China's rigid tax-driven procurement demand providing a floor, the payment ratio for Japan's high-quality copper scrap is expected to establish a long-term upward baseline. Strategic Pivot: Constrained by the upper limit of domestic secondary copper output and tight labor supply, Japanese recycling industry alliances will accelerate their expansion into markets outside China. Japanese enterprises will invest in overseas joint venture projects to solidify downstream processing capacity deployment while maintaining Japanese-led control over raw material supply chains. According to SMM analysis, the current Japanese copper scrap market is gradually transitioning toward a fiercely competitive "seller ecosystem." Trade models that rely solely on spot purchases are increasingly exposed to the risk of supply disruptions. To secure long-term resource supply, ex-China purchasing enterprises need to move beyond the traditional spot trading mindset and establish structural partnerships through deep-binding approaches such as signing long-term contracts and equity cooperation, thereby adapting to the persistently tight market landscape.

On May 13, the installation project of the 180MW PV project in Wangmo County, Guizhou opened bids today. The labor subcontracting for the installation project of Gezhouba Mechanical and Electrical Company's Wangmo County Zhexiang PV power station project in Guizhou opened bids at 10:00 today. The project has a planned capacity of 150MW and an installation capacity of 180.18MWp, using 715Wp monocrystalline silicon bifacial double-glass modules throughout.