This week, the weekly operating rate of leading downstream aluminum processing enterprises in China rebounded 1.1 percentage points MoM to 64%.

According to data from the Azerbaijani Statistical Committee, in the first two months of 2026, Azerbaijan produced 11,771 tons of aluminum products, a year-on-year increase of 30.4%. As of March 1, the country held 3,729 tons of finished aluminum products in stock. In 2025, Azerbaijan produced 50,893 tons of aluminum products, a decrease of 23% compared to 2024. Furthermore, according to data from the Azerbaijani Customs Committee, in the first two months of 2026, Azerbaijan exported a total of 12,900 tons of aluminum and aluminum products, with an export value of US$42 million.

According to the China Construction Machinery Association, in the first two months of this year, China’s export value of construction machinery products reached $10.686 billion, up 33.4% YoY.

[China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry: China’s Ship Product Export Value Reached $55.08 Billion in 2025] On March 11, according to the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry, China’s ship product export value reached $55.08 billion in 2025, up 26.7% YoY. Among this, the combined export value of the three mainstream vessel types—bulk carriers, oil tankers, and container ships—was $30.46 billion, accounting for 55.3% of the total export value.

According to a Bloomberg report cited by Mining.com, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune inaugurated a jointly constructed railway, which is crucial for this OPEC member's large-scale development of iron ore and represents one of its initiatives to diversify the economy. The opening of this railway enables the Gara Djebilet iron ore mine, located near the border between Algeria and Morocco, to ship its first cargo, a project that has been in the making for decades. The Algerian National Mining Company (Sonarem) is the main participant in the project. This new railway line, built by Algerian state-owned enterprises, connects the remote iron ore mine with the cities of Tindouf and Béchar Province. From there, an existing railway line links to the Mediterranean coast and the city of Oran, where Turkish Tosyali Holding operates a steel plant. Algeria is an important natural gas supplier to Europe, with oil and gas accounting for three-quarters of its export value and half of its fiscal revenue, but it is highly susceptible to energy price fluctuations. Therefore, the country is seeking other sources of income and is currently attempting to vigorously develop the mining industry.

[Latest data from the General Administration of Customs] In November 2025, China's exports of copper-zinc alloy (brass) bars and rods amounted to 290.39 mt in physical content, with an export value of $2.7157 million, up 17.32% MoM but down 73.11% YoY. From January to November 2025, the cumulative export value reached $38.4105 million, declining 38.82% YoY. (HS codes: 74072111, 74072119, 74072190).

According to information from the General Administration of Customs, in May 2025, China's total exports of tungsten products amounted to approximately 968 mt, a 32% decrease YoY, with the total export value reaching 308.6 million yuan, a 24.8% decrease YoY. From January to May 2025, China's total exports of tungsten products reached around 4,544 mt, a 29.9% decrease YoY, with the total export value reaching 1.4464 billion yuan, a decrease of approximately 20% YoY.

On June 16 (Monday), Ecuador's Ministry of Mines announced on Monday that the country had initiated the registration of new mining concessions for the first time in seven years, aiming to attract more mining projects and curb illegal mining operations. Due to concerns about irregularities in the concession system, the country closed the registration of mining concessions in 2018 and has not awarded any new concession contracts since then. "Mining needs regulation to ensure investment and promote environmentally and community-responsible development," said Ines Manzano, the country's Minister of Mines, at a press conference. The ministry will open registration in several phases, starting with small-scale non-metallic mining. The next phase, targeting small-scale metal mining, will begin in September. The country will open registration for other types of mining in early 2026. "We have revised the regulations and will issue guidelines to promote the proper development of the mining value chain." Ecuador mainly produces copper, gold, and silver, and the country's mining export value exceeded $3 billion last year. Despite having abundant resources, the country has lagged behind regional countries such as Peru and Chile in developing large-scale mining due to opposition from indigenous communities and unfavorable court rulings. The government has also proposed new mining royalties, which have sparked strong opposition from the country's mining chamber. Carolina Jaramillo, a government spokesperson, said on Monday that the new mining royalties would correspond to the size and type of mining projects and that "open dialogue" was ongoing with industry representatives.

At the 2025 SMM (2nd) Southeast Asia Automotive Supply Chain Conference hosted by SMM, Asst. Prof. Uthane Supatti Ph.D., Vice Chairman of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT), shared insights on the topic of "Accelerating the Development of Thailand's EV Ecosystem" . Transformation of Transportation Modes in Thailand Traditional transportation modes include speedboats, traditional buses, and traditional trains. After improvements, electric taxis, electric buses, and electric motorbike taxis emerged. Following electrification, subways, trams, and electric boats have also come into view. Thailand's EV Vision - The "30@30" Policy Thailand has set EV adoption and production targets for 2025 and 2030. By 2030, the following goals will be achieved: zero-emission vehicles will account for 30% of Thailand's total car production; zero-emission vehicles will account for 50% of the country's total car usage. Passenger Car Production: As of 2024, Thailand's total sedan production reached 1,468,997 units, down 20% YoY. Among them, passenger car production was 558,440 units, down 13.5% YoY; BEV passenger car production was 9,688 units, surging 5,807.3% YoY. Expansion of EV Manufacturing Investment in Thailand The planned maximum EV production capacity exceeds 500,000 units per year. EV Market Share in Thailand's Passenger Car Market (2019-2024) The share of EVs in Thailand's passenger car market has been increasing year by year, reaching 13.8% by 2024. Number of BEV Models Available for Sale as of January 2025: Charging Infrastructure - Number of DC Charging Piles After 2023, the deployment of charging piles has reached a significant turning point. Data shows that the number of charging piles increased by an astonishing 306.2% YoY in 2023. By 2023, the number of charging piles had already surpassed the original 2025 target. However, there is still significant room for improvement to achieve the 2030 target, requiring continued construction efforts. Electric Motorbikes According to public data, the cumulative annual registration of electric motorbikes in Thailand (as of December 2024) was 63,158 units. Promoted EV Equipment Projects (Excluding Batteries) Promoted Battery Projects Thailand's EV Battery Ecosystem - Investment Potential in Battery Reuse and Recycling in Future Periods Automotive Parts Situation as of September 2024 As of September 2024, the production of automotive parts has significantly declined, with the Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) decreasing by 8.8% YoY. This data continues the trend of a 17.7% YoY decline in automobile production and a 12.3% YoY decline in motorcycle production, reflecting the industry's shift towards EVs. This includes the adoption of EV 3.0 and EV 3.5 measures to boost EV production and imports. Despite this, the spare parts market is expanding due to an increase in the registration of vehicles aged five years and older. The automobile spare parts market grew 4.3% YoY, while the motorcycle spare parts market also increased 2.3% YoY, primarily because the prolonged sluggishness of past purchasing power has extended the lifespan of older vehicles. On the other hand, the export value of automobile parts declined 0.5% YoY, particularly with internal combustion engine exports falling 16.0% YoY, a trend consistent with global automakers' strategies to increase EV production. 》Click to view the special report on the 2025 SMM (2nd) Southeast Asia Automotive Supply Chain Conference

[Xiaomi Auto Unveils Patent Related to Solid-State Batteries] According to Tianyancha APP, Xiaomi Auto Technology Co., Ltd. recently had its patent titled "Solid-State Battery Composite Electrode, Preparation Method, and Solid-State Battery Including the Composite Electrode" published. The patent abstract on Tianyancha indicates that the disclosed solid-state battery composite electrode effectively shortens the transmission path of metal ions within thick electrodes, accelerates the transmission rate of metal ions between electrodes, and exhibits high electrode loading and C-rate performance. (Kechuangban Daily) [CICC: Domestic New Energy Vehicle Sales to Maintain Strong Growth in H2 2025] CICC pointed out that the Chinese new energy vehicle market has shown robust performance since 2025, with wholesale sales of new energy vehicles increasing by 46% YoY from January to April 2025. Looking ahead, CICC is optimistic that domestic new energy vehicle sales will maintain strong growth in H2 2025, driven by the resonance of domestic demand and exports. [Mercedes-Benz and Beijing Benz Recall Certain Imported and Domestically Produced Vehicles] Recently, Mercedes-Benz (China) Automobile Sales Co., Ltd. and Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. have filed recall plans with the State Administration for Market Regulation in accordance with the requirements of the "Regulations on the Recall of Defective Automobile Products" and the "Implementation Measures for the Regulations on the Recall of Defective Automobile Products." Recall No. S2025M0090V: Starting from June 13, 2025, certain domestically produced C-Class and GLC SUV vehicles manufactured between April 25, 2023, and August 17, 2023, will be recalled, totaling 252 units. Recall No. S2025M0094V: Starting from June 13, 2025, certain imported S-Class and EQE vehicles manufactured between February 8, 2023, and October 10, 2023, will be recalled, totaling 257 units. Some vehicles within the scope of this recall used incorrect fuse boxes during previous recall repairs, which may lead to malfunctions in associated systems, resulting in potential loss of power, affecting restraint systems, instrument displays, etc. Additionally, the risk of fire cannot be ruled out, posing safety hazards. Mercedes-Benz (China) Automobile Sales Co., Ltd. and Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. will, through authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, conduct free inspections of the affected fuse boxes for vehicles within the recall scope and replace them if the part numbers are incorrect to eliminate safety hazards. (Finance News) [Eight Departments Seek Public Comments on the "Guidelines for the Outbound Transfer of Automobile Data Security (2025 Edition)"] Eight departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, are seeking public comments on the "Guidelines for the Outbound Transfer of Automobile Data Security (2025 Edition)." Automobile data processors providing automobile data overseas shall declare a data outbound security assessment if any of the following circumstances apply: (1) providing important data overseas; (2) cumulatively providing personal information (excluding sensitive personal information) of over 1 million individuals overseas since January 1 of the current year; (3) cumulatively providing sensitive personal information of over 10,000 individuals overseas since January 1 of the current year; (4) operators of critical information infrastructure providing personal information overseas; (5) other circumstances specified by relevant state regulations that require a declaration of data outbound security assessment. (Cailian Press) [GAC Group Promises: Rebate Payments to Dealers Will Be Completed Within Two Months Starting Today] GAC Group issued a commitment announcement: As a crucial part of the automotive industry chain, the stable development of dealers is a key factor in ensuring user service and experience. GAC Group actively responded to the initiative of the China Automobile Dealers Association to promote the healthy development of the automotive industry. Alongside its five major vehicle brands—Hyptec, Trumpchi, Aion, Honda, and Toyota—GAC Group promises that starting today, it will ensure the completion of rebate payments to dealers within two months to drive the high-quality development of the automotive industry. (Cailian Press) [MIIT: National Lithium Battery Production Exceeded 473GWh in January-April, Up 68% YoY] The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released data indicating that from January to April 2025, China's lithium-ion battery industry continued its growth momentum. According to information from enterprises under the lithium battery industry's standard announcement and calculations by industry associations, the total national lithium battery production from January to April exceeded 473GWh, up 68% YoY. In the battery segment, the production of energy storage lithium batteries exceeded 110GWh, and the battery installations for new energy vehicles were approximately 184GWh. The total export value of lithium batteries nationwide from January to April reached 155.4 billion yuan, up 25% YoY. In the first-stage materials segment, the production of cathode materials, anode materials, separators, and electrolytes from January to April was approximately 1.15 million mt, 760,000 mt, 8 billion m², and 470,000 mt, respectively, all showing YoY increases of over 40%. In the second-stage materials segment, the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate was 270,000 mt, up 60% YoY, while the production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide was 90,000 mt, down 14% YoY. The average prices of battery-grade lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide (micro powder grade) from January to April were 74,000 yuan/mt and 76,000 yuan/mt, respectively. 》Click for details Related Reading: [SMM Analysis] Breakthrough Achieved in Portugal's Lithium Mine Project; Development of Europe's Largest Spodumene Deposit Accelerates Weekly Summary of the LFP Market in June [SMM Lithium Battery Market Analysis] [SMM Analysis] Behind the 60-Day Payment Commitment: Suppliers' Wry Smiles and Anticipations Cobalt Product Quotes "Plummeting"; Co3O4 Falls by 7,650 Yuan in a Single Week; Will It Stop Next Week? [Weekly Observation] [SMM Analysis] Rio Tinto Partners with Codelco to Enter the Lithium Triangle; $900 Million to Develop World-Class Salt Lake Project [SMM Analysis] Separator Prices Remain Stable [SMM Analysis] Raw Material Drag Causes Price Decline; Policy Window Period May Lead to Bottoming Out and Rebound Battery and Solid-State Battery Sectors Strengthen Again; Multiple Automakers Announce Latest Progress; Lopal Shares Surge with Nearly 6 Limit-Up Moves [Hot Stock] [SMM Analysis] Cathode Material Production Increased MoM in May; Weak Growth in Downstream End-Use Demand [SMM Analysis] Anode Material Production Increased in May Due to Rising Demand [SMM Analysis] Co3O4 Production Increased MoM in May; Industry Players Remain Cautious Cobalt Product Quotes Collectively "Fall"; Cobalt Chloride Smelters' Quotes Remain Firm; Will They Stay High in the Future? [Weekly Observations] [SMM Analysis] Impact of US Tariffs on China on the Export Methods and Prices of Chinese ESS Battery Cells to the US - An Exploration of Three Methods: "Direct Export from China, Re-export via Malaysia, and US Domestic Production" (Part I) [SMM Analysis] Impact of US Tariffs on China on the Export Methods and Prices of Chinese ESS Battery Cells to the US - An Exploration of Three Methods: "Direct Export from China, Re-export via Malaysia, and US Domestic Production" (Part II) [SMM Analysis] Impact of US Tariffs on China on the Export Methods and Prices of Chinese ESS Battery Cells to the US - An Exploration of Three Methods: "Direct Export from China, Re-export via Malaysia, and US Domestic Production" (Part III) [SMM Analysis] New Breakthrough in Lithium Battery Technology: Can a Single Injection Extend Battery Life?