The global stainless steel market navigated a series of sharp sentiment. The opening weeks saw Indonesia's mill closures and price hikes push the cost narrative to its highest point of the year, before a combination of easing geopolitical tensions triggered the first price reduction since December 2025. The month's defining characteristic was similar to April's. What differentiated May was the sharply higher amplitude of both the policy signals and the emotional swings that accompanied them.

[SMM Chrome Daily Review: Chrome Ore Edges Lower, Ferrochrome Remains Steady for Now] June 15, 2026: The ferrochrome and chrome ore markets fluctuated slightly...

The global secondary copper industry is at a critical juncture defined by tightening resources, green transformation, and intensifying global competition. As environmental protection policies continue to tighten and the energy crisis deepens, secondary copper—with its notable environmental advantages and economic value—is playing an increasingly prominent role in alleviating tight supply of primary copper and driving low-carbon development. Currently, the global copper industry chain is under multiple pressures, including supply fragility, demand transformation, and low-carbon upgrading. Major economies have listed copper among critical minerals, and international competition for secondary copper resources is becoming ever more intense. Optimizing the industry chain structure, improving recycling and recovery efficiency, and aligning global standards have become urgent priorities for the sector. To help the industry gain a comprehensive understanding of global policy trends and market dynamics. SMM and Qingyuan Xiangzhan Metal Trading Co., Ltd. have joined forces to create the , focusing on industry development directions, amplifying market voices, and aiming to provide practitioners with an authoritative and professional industry distribution guide. (Click the link to receive a free copy: ) Qingyuan Xiangzhan Metal Trading Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive enterprise specializing in non-ferrous metal material supply, processing and manufacturing, and international trade services. Its main business covers a wide range of products, including various high-quality materials, tin-plated materials, brass block materials in various specifications (natural or plated), copper block materials, copper pipe & tube materials, copper powder, copper bricks, copper ingots, copper alloy materials, 3-series and 4-series stainless steel, secondary aluminum, and aluminum ingots. The company’s operations span production and processing, procurement integration, import and export trade, and supply chain services. Leveraging its production site in Thailand and supply chain advantages in Southeast Asia, the company has established robust systems for raw material procurement, production management, quality control, and logistics distribution, and is committed to providing stable and reliable metal material products to global clients. Its products are widely used in electronic appliances, machinery equipment, hardware manufacturing, casting processing, automotive parts, new energy, and industrial manufacturing. Over the years, Xiangzhan Metal has upheld the philosophy of “Quality First, Integrity in Business, and Win-Win Cooperation,” continuously enhancing product quality and service standards. It has maintained long-term, close cooperative relationships with the Taiwan region and actively promoted industrial exchanges and resource integration across the Strait and within Southeast Asian markets. With professional market experience, stable supply capabilities, and comprehensive international trade services, the company has become a trusted partner to numerous clients. Looking ahead, Xiangzhan Metal will continue to deepen its industrial footprint in the metal materials sector, strengthen its global procurement and sales network, and enhance its processing technology and supply chain management capabilities, striving to become a competitive metal material supplier and international trade service provider in Asia. Qingyuan Xiangzhan Metal Trading Co., Ltd. Contact Information Ling Jingzhao 134 1727 8888 Cao Bangjiang 177 2882 2736 SMM Co-production Contact Person Liu Mingkang 156 5309 0867 liumingkang@smm.cn

SMM June 15 News: Metal market: As of the midday close, domestic base metals moved higher across the board. SHFE copper rose 1.35%, SHFE tin rose 4.35%. SHFE nickel rose 1.27%, SHFE aluminum rose 0.31%, SHFE zinc rose 2.37%, SHFE lead rose 1.21%. Additionally, the most-traded cast aluminum futures contract rose 0.67%, while the most-traded alumina contract edged lower. The most-traded lithium carbonate contract fell 1.8%, the most-traded silicon metal contract rose 0.29%, and the most-traded polysilicon futures contract rose 0.67%. Ferrous metals rose broadly, with iron ore up 0.39%, rebar up 0.41%, hot-rolled coil up 0.5%, and stainless steel up 1.54%. Coking coal and coke: The most-traded coking coal contract fell 1.97%, and the most-traded coke contract rose 1.06%. Overseas base metals: As of 11:38, LME metals nearly all rose. LME copper rose 0.89%, LME aluminum fell 0.17%, LME lead rose 0.56%, LME zinc rose 0.85%, LME tin rose 2.35%, LME nickel rose 1.12%. Precious metals: As of 11:38, COMEX gold rose 2.47%, COMEX silver rose 3.52%. Domestic precious metals: The most-traded SHFE gold contract rose 4.58%, and the most-traded SHFE silver contract rose 7.93%. Furthermore, as of the midday close, the most-traded platinum futures contract rose 2.67%, and the most-traded palladium futures contract rose 2.36%. As of the midday close, the most-traded Europe route container shipping futures contract fell 3.44% to 3,773.5 points. As of 11:38 on June 15, some futures midday market quotes: Spot and Fundamentals Zinc: Today, mainstream transaction prices for #0 zinc were concentrated at 24,650-24,885 yuan/mt, Shuangyan mainstream transactions were at 24,740-24,945 yuan/mt, and #1 zinc mainstream transactions were at 24,580-24,815 yuan/mt. In early trading, market quotes against SMM’s average price were at premiums of 10-30 yuan/mt, with no quotes against the futures price yet... Macro Front Domestic: [NDRC and Other Departments: Launching a Three-Year Campaign for Key Industries’ Energy-Saving and Carbon-Reducing Transformation] The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and other departments have decided to organize a three-year campaign for energy-saving and carbon-reducing transformation in key industries, including steel, aluminum, cement, flat glass, oil refining, ethylene, synthetic ammonia, methanol, and coal-fired power. It was mentioned that key industries have large-scale and high-intensity energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, making them the top priority for improving energy efficiency, reducing coal consumption, and lowering carbon emissions. Starting from 2026, nine key industries—steel, aluminum, cement, flat glass, oil refining, ethylene, synthetic ammonia, methanol, and coal-fired power—will be the focus of a three-year initiative to fully implement energy-saving and carbon-reduction retrofits. This aims to drive enterprises to elevate their energy and carbon efficiency levels as much as possible, leading to a marked improvement in the green and low-carbon development of these industries. Beginning in 2028, the scope of implementation will be further expanded based on practical circumstances, with additional industries advanced in a phased manner. All regions may proceed in an orderly fashion as needed, based on local conditions. [PBOC Reverse Repo Injects Net 206.5 Billion Yuan Today] The PBOC conducted a 425 billion yuan 7-day reverse repo operation in the open market at an interest rate of 1.40%, unchanged from the previous day. Today, 218.5 billion yuan in reverse repos matured. US Dollar: As of 11:38, the US dollar index fell 0.27% to 99.53. Easing tensions in the Middle East led the market to scale back bets on US Fed interest rate hikes. Interest rate swaps showed traders now see a roughly 60% probability of the Fed raising rates by 25 basis points before December, down from about 80% last Friday. (Jinshi Data APP) Additionally, according to the CME "FedWatch" tool: The probability of the Fed holding interest rates steady in June is 98.5%, with a 1.5% chance of a cumulative 25-basis-point cut. The probability of holding rates steady through July is 91.3%, with a 7.4% chance of a cumulative 25-basis-point hike and a 1.4% chance of a cumulative 25-basis-point cut. (Jinshi Data APP) On the data front: US consumer confidence rebounded for the first time in four months in early June, as lower gasoline prices offered some relief to Americans grappling with surging inflation. A survey released Friday showed the University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index for June rose to 48.9 from May's record low of 44.8. Economists had expected a modest recovery to 46. Consumers anticipated prices would rise 4.6% YoY over the next year, down from 4.8% in May. They also projected costs would climb at an average annual rate of 3.4% over the next five to ten years, also below the prior month's expected increase. Although gasoline prices remain higher than pre-Ukraine war levels, the decline in recent weeks has lessened pessimism about personal finances among Americans. The report showed a notable improvement in sentiment among lower-income consumers, who typically allocate a larger share of their budgets to fuel costs. Nevertheless, against the backdrop of the Iran war and the resulting wave of inflation, overall economic sentiment remains at historically depressed levels. Survey Director Joanne Hsu stated, "While there has been some relief, gasoline prices still have a significant impact on consumers. As a result, current price levels remain broadly unacceptable to consumers and have dampened their view of the economy." (Jin10 Data APP) Data: Today will see the release of Switzerland’s May Consumer Confidence Index, the Eurozone’s April seasonally adjusted trade balance, Eurozone April industrial production MoM, Canada April wholesale sales MoM, the US June Empire State manufacturing index, US May industrial production MoM, the US June NAHB Housing Market Index, and China’s May total electricity consumption YoY (to be determined), among other data. Attention should also be paid to: ECB President Lagarde’s speech; the National Energy Administration’s release of total electricity consumption data around the 15th of each month; and the opening of the G7 summit, which runs through June 17. Crude Oil: As of 11:38, oil prices on both sides of the Atlantic fell sharply, with WTI down 5.58% and Brent down 4.76%. A US-Iran peace agreement is expected to be signed soon, easing market concerns over crude supply and putting oil prices under pressure. According to Xinhua News Agency, US President Trump stated on social media on the 14th that with the signing of the US-Iran agreement on the 19th, the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened for mine-clearing operations. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister also indicated that an immediate and permanent halt to military operations on multiple fronts, including in Lebanon, will be announced starting tonight. Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said the US nationwide average gasoline price fell below $4 per gallon on Sunday for the first time since April 20. He expects that in an optimistic scenario, the nationwide average price could fall below $3.75 per gallon before July 4, but the hurricane season could be a major variable in the latter half of the summer. " The coming weeks are critical—any major misstep could significantly impact the subsequent oil price trajectory." (Wall Street CN) Spot Market at a Glance: ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ►

[SMM Stainless Steel Daily Review] Stainless Steel Futures Stabilize, Spot Trades Pick Up SMM reported on June 12 that SS futures stopped falling and stabilized. News of easing US-Iran conflict emerged again, nonferrous metal futures generally staged a recovery, and SS strengthened in tandem. As of midday close, the most-traded SS contract was quoted at 14,715 yuan/mt. In the spot market, driven by the strengthening of SS futures, market activity improved. In the morning session, both inquiries and transactions recovered, and traders raised their offers. The most-traded SS futures contract pulled back. At 10:15 a.m., SS2607 was reported at 14,705 yuan/mt, up 300 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Spot premiums for 304/2B in Wuxi ranged from 365-915 yuan/mt. In the spot market, the average price of cold-rolled 201/2B coil in Wuxi remained flat; for cold-rolled 304/2B trimmed edge coil, the average price in Wuxi rose 50 yuan/mt, and in Foshan rose 50 yuan/mt; cold-rolled 316L/2B coil in Wuxi fell 200 yuan/mt; hot-rolled 316L/NO.1 coil in Wuxi was flat; cold-rolled 430/2B coil in both Wuxi and Foshan held steady. This week, stainless steel futures and spot prices both declined under pressure, as macro headwinds outside China dominated the market and off-season pessimism spread quickly. The industry’s outlook expectations weakened, end-users remained on the sidelines, and rigid demand stayed sluggish. Traders concentrated on selling to destock and offered discounts. On the futures front, overseas macro developments were the core driver this week. The US non-farm payrolls data significantly exceeded expectations, the unemployment rate stayed low, and the market delayed or even canceled expectations for a US Fed interest rate cut within the year…

As of now, the Indonesia MHP nickel FOB price is $16,398/mt Ni, and the Indonesia MHP cobalt FOB price is $51,302/mt Co. The MHP payables (against SMM battery-grade nickel sulphate index) is 85-86, and the MHP cobalt element payable indicator (against SMM refined cobalt (Rotterdam warehouse)) is 95. The Indonesia high-grade nickel matte FOB price is $16,485/mt Ni.

On June 15, the SMM battery-grade nickel sulphate average price slightly rose.

Brussels is considering extending free ETS certificate allocations beyond the originally planned 2036 phase-out, which would continue to benefit blast furnace producers while leaving early adopters of cleaner electric arc furnace technology largely uncompensated, creating perverse incentives. The proposal has exposed a deep dilemma within Germany's IG Metall union, which represents workers at both blast furnace and EAF facilities with diametrically opposed interests; Saarland's union chapter vocally opposes ETS dilution while the national Berlin organization has remained silent on the issue. Meanwhile, WV Stahl is demanding permanent electricity price relief to EUR 50/MWh, with critics noting this would ultimately be funded by German taxpayers. In base metals, Asian and European markets posted broad gains on Friday, with zinc leading at over 2%.

The EEC's Department for Internal Market Defence has issued its final disclosure for the first AD sunset review on stainless steel welded pipes from China, concluding that removing existing measures would lead to a recurrence of dumping and injury to EAEU industries. It has recommended extending AD duties for a further five years. The products covered are corrosion-resistant steel welded pipes and hollow profiles with wall thickness of 0.4–6mm in circular, rectangular, or square cross-sections (HS codes 7306 40 2009, 7306 40 800 1, 7306 40 800 8, and 7306 61 1009). Current duty rates stand at 14.62% for Foshan Vinmay Stainless Steel Co., Ltd. and 17.28% for Guangdong Sumwin New Material Group Co., Ltd. and other Chinese producers.

1. Tender Conditions The bid inviter of this tender project, Angang Lianzhong 2026 Steelmaking Auxiliary Material - Cutting Iron Powder (AGGZLZHGZHD260611296096), is Angang Lianzhong (Guangzhou) Stainless Steel Co., Ltd., with funds sourced from self-raised funds. The project has met the tender conditions, and open tender is hereby conducted. 2. Project Overview and Tender Scope 2.1 Project Name: Angang Lianzhong 2026 Steelmaking Auxiliary Material - Cutting Iron Powder 2.2 If the tender fails, it will be converted to other procurement methods: to negotiation procurement and to direct procurement. 2.3 For details of the tender content, scope and scale of this project, please refer to the attachment "Material List Attachment.pdf". 3. Bidder Qualification Requirements 3.1 Consortium bidding is not permitted for this tender. 3.2 Bidders must meet the following qualification requirements for this tender: (1) Circulation-type business license (2) Production-type business license 3.3 Bidders must meet the following registered capital requirements: Production-type registered capital: 1 million yuan or above Circulation-type registered capital: 1 million yuan or above 3.4 Bidders must meet the following performance requirements: Supply performance in the steel industry within the past two years (supply performance from January 2024 to the present; at least one relevant contract and corresponding VAT invoice must be provided). 3.5 Bidders must meet the following capability requirements, financial requirements and other requirements: Financial Requirements: See the attachment (if any) Capability Requirements: See the attachment (if any) Other Requirements: See the attachment (if any) 3.6 For projects subject to tender according to law, dishonest persons subject to enforcement are invalid for bidding. 4. Acquisition of Tender Documents 4.1 All interested bidders may log into the Angang Smart Bidding Platform at http://bid.ansteel.cn from 13:00 on June 12, 2026 to 13:00 on July 2, 2026 (Beijing time, the same hereinafter) to download the electronic tender documents. Click to view tender details: