The global copper scrap market is entering a period of structural tightening as geopolitical tensions and industrial policy increasingly reshape trade flows. The relationship between the United States and China sits at the center of this transition, particularly as Washington considers restricting exports of high-quality copper scrap in 2027 while China remains heavily dependent on imported secondary copper feedstock. China’s copper scrap imports remained strong in 2024 at 441,080 MT, underscoring continued demand from secondary refiners serving the EV, renewable energy, power grid, and manufacturing sectors. However, imports have collapsed in 2025 to 143,271 MT, with current projections for 2026 falling further to just 5,305 MT. The sharp decline signals a rapid deterioration in China’s direct access to imported scrap feedstock amid rising geopolitical friction and tariffs. China’s existing 10% tariff on US-origin scrap has already reduced the competitiveness of direct shipments, although clean high-grade material has continued to move because of favorable processing economics. Trade flows indicate that copper scrap is increasingly being rerouted through Southeast Asia rather than moving directly from the United States into China. US copper scrap exports to ASEAN rose from 170,687 tonnes in 2024 to 222,993 tonnes in 2025, while Chinese imports of copper scrap from ASEAN increased from 434,176 tonnes to 529,345 tonnes over the same period. The correlation strongly suggests ASEAN is emerging as a critical intermediary hub for scrap aggregation, processing, blending, and re-export into China. This shift reflects a broader restructuring of the global scrap trade as market participants adapt to tariffs, geopolitical risk, and the growing probability of tighter controls on high-quality US scrap exports. Countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are increasingly functioning as alternative routing channels within the global secondary copper supply chain. The timing is significant because the United States continues to export around 1 million tonnes of copper scrap globally in 2025 while domestic secondary refinery production remains limited at approximately 50kt. This imbalance is becoming central to the policy debate in Washington. As US demand for copper accelerates through grid modernization, electrification, AI-driven data center expansion, and defense manufacturing, policymakers are increasingly questioning whether high-grade recyclable copper should continue flowing overseas while the US remains dependent on imported refined copper. Current policy discussions focus on retaining a larger share of premium copper scrap within the domestic market beginning as early as 2027. Although proposals currently stop short of a full export ban, any retention mechanism would still materially reduce export availability for high-quality grades such as bare bright copper and No.1 copper scrap. For China, tighter access to premium scrap has important implications beyond the secondary market. High-quality scrap directly competes with refined copper cathode because it offers high recovery rates with lower processing intensity than primary smelting. If imported scrap availability continues to tighten, Chinese refiners will likely need to increase refined copper purchases to maintain output levels. This dynamic could become increasingly supportive for refined copper markets globally. The primary copper market is already facing structural constraints from weak mine supply growth, declining ore grades, permitting delays, and years of underinvestment in new projects. A simultaneous tightening in high-grade scrap availability would amplify pressure on refined copper balances precisely as demand linked to electrification continues to strengthen. As a result, the market could see narrower scrap discounts relative to cathode, firmer copper premiums in Asia, and increased volatility across both COMEX and LME pricing. The secondary copper market is therefore becoming an increasingly important variable in the broader refined copper outlook. Ultimately, the copper scrap market is no longer operating purely on economic arbitrage. Strategic resource security is becoming a defining driver of trade flows and policy decisions. The rapid growth in ASEAN intermediary trade, combined with collapsing direct Chinese scrap imports and growing US policy intervention, signals that the global copper supply chain is entering a new phase of fragmentation — one that is likely to tighten both scrap and refined copper markets into 2026 and beyond. Author: Shairaz Ahmed, Principal Market Analyst For more information or to discuss market dynamics, you can contact me on shairazahmed@smm.cn

Italy-based Feralpi Group’s German subsidiary, Feralpi Stahl, has announced a strategic capacity expansion at its Riesa plant, aiming to increase annual steel production from approximately 1 million metric tons (mt) to as much as 1.3 million mt. The core of this expansion is driven by the new spooler rolling mill—officially inaugurated on May 15, 2025—which is currently operating on a two-shift system and is expected to gradually contribute an additional 400,000 to 450,000 mt to the site's existing 850,000 mt structural steel rolling capacity. To fully realize this production target, the company plans to transition to three-shift operations starting in 2027, complemented by broader investments in scrap processing and site modernization.

SMM News, May 26: Metals market: As of the midday close, domestic base metals mostly fell. SHFE copper dropped 0.3%. SHFE aluminum edged down. SHFE lead fell 0.15%, and SHFE zinc rose 0.52%. SHFE tin gained 1.37%. SHFE nickel declined 1.08%. In addition, the most-traded casting aluminum futures fell 0.26%, and the most-traded alumina futures rose 5.08%. The most-traded lithium carbonate futures dropped 1.83%. The most-traded silicon metal futures fell 0.52%. The most-traded polysilicon futures rose 0.53%. Ferrous metals mostly fell. Iron ore dropped 1.82%, rebar fell 1.99%, hot-rolled coil declined 1.81%, and stainless steel edged down 0.03%. Coking coal and coke: the most-traded coking coal contract rose 6.05%, and the most-traded coke contract gained 2.54%. Overseas base metals, as of 11:45, LME metals mostly rose. LME copper gained 0.26%. LME aluminum edged up. LME lead rose 0.1%. LME zinc climbed 0.75%. LME tin rose 1.3%. LME nickel fell 1.09%. Precious metals, as of 11:45, COMEX gold rose 0.46%, and COMEX silver gained 1.4%. Domestic precious metals: the most-traded SHFE gold contract edged up 0.07%, and the most-traded SHFE silver contract dipped 0.02%. In addition, as of the midday close, the most-traded platinum futures fell 0.44%, and the most-traded palladium futures dropped 0.52%. As of the midday close, the most-traded Europe containerized freight index contract rose 0.41%, closing at 2,931.5 points. As of 11:45 on May 26, midday futures performance (selected): Spot Prices and Fundamentals Copper: Today in Guangdong, #1 copper cathode spot prices against the front-month contract: high-quality copper was quoted at a premium of 160 yuan/mt, unchanged from the previous trading day; standard-quality copper was quoted at a premium of 80 yuan/mt, down 20 yuan/mt from the previous trading day; SX-EW copper was quoted at a premium of 10 yuan/mt, down 20 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. The average price of Guangdong #1 copper cathode was 105,010 yuan/mt, down 735 yuan/mt from the previous trading day, and the average price of SX-EW copper was 104,900 yuan/mt, down 745 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Spot market: Guangdong inventory ended a four-consecutive-day increase and resumed declining today... Macro Front China: [MOFCOM: China will attract more multinational companies to locate R&D and high-end manufacturing operations in China] The State Council Information Office held a press conference on the 2026 Qingdao Summit of Multinational Corporation Leaders. Vice Minister of Commerce Yan Dong stated that China will optimize the investment structure and activate new momentum for foreign investment. The Ministry of Commerce issued and implemented the 2025 edition of the *Catalogue of Industries for Encouraging Foreign Investment*, with a net increase of 205 encouraged categories, focusing on areas such as advanced manufacturing, modern services, high-tech, and energy conservation and environmental protection, providing policy support for foreign-invested enterprises to expand into high-end and emerging fields. Going forward, more multinational companies will be attracted to place their R&D and high-end manufacturing operations in China, optimizing the structure of foreign investment in China and strengthening innovation momentum. [Huang Guanglie, Deputy Secretary General of Guangzhou Municipal Government: Confident in Further Consolidating the Stabilizing and Improving Trend of Guangzhou's Property Market] On May 26, Guangzhou held a press conference on the series of supporting documents for the *Implementation Opinions on Further Promoting the Stable and Healthy Development of the Real Estate Market*. Huang Guanglie, Deputy Secretary General of Guangzhou Municipal Government, stated that going forward, Guangzhou will continue to improve the two major systems of the housing market and housing security, and continuously optimize property market regulation measures. Departments including the Municipal Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources, the Municipal Bureau of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and the Municipal Housing Provident Fund Center have issued supporting detailed rules on matters such as land supply, special subsidies for "selling old and buying new," and "commercial-to-provident fund loan conversion." Huadu District responded swiftly by launching the "Huadu Eight Measures" as specific initiatives. State-owned enterprises represented by Guangzhou Anju Group are accelerating the launch of pilot work on the acquisition and revitalization of second-hand housing. It is believed that as these detailed rules are fully implemented and all sectors work in coordination, we are confident in further consolidating the stabilizing and improving trend of Guangzhou's property market. (Jin10 Data APP) [Guangzhou: Removing Restrictions on "Only Housing in the City" and the Number of Provident Fund Loan Uses] On May 26, 2026, the Guangzhou Housing Provident Fund Management Center issued the normative document *Implementation Measures for Converting Commercial Personal Housing Loans to Housing Provident Fund Personal Housing Loans in Guangzhou (Provisional)*. It proposed expanding the scope of commercial loan banks, removing the restriction that "the original commercial loan bank must be a housing provident fund entrusted bank," and allowing commercial loans from non-housing provident fund handling banks to be converted into pure housing provident fund loans. Requirements on loan types, terms, and provident fund contribution periods were relaxed. For commercial-to-provident fund conversion handled by housing provident fund loan handling banks, applicants whose convertible provident fund loan amount is not enough to fully repay the principal and interest of the original commercial loan may choose to convert to a combined loan. The requirement for opening an account and accumulating housing provident fund contributions was reduced from "60 months" to "36 months." The original commercial loan disbursement period was shortened from "more than 3 years" to "more than 2 years." The restrictions on "only housing in the city" and the number of provident fund loan uses were removed, no longer requiring that "the mortgaged property is the applicant's family's only housing in the city," and supporting applications for first and second improved housing. Applicants who have "never used or have only used housing provident fund loans once" are also eligible for the commercial-to-provident fund loan conversion, and are no longer restricted by the "never used housing provident fund loans" requirement. (Jin10 Data) [Xiongan New Area: Maximum Housing Provident Fund Loan Raised to 800,000 Yuan] The Xiongan New Area Housing Management Center issued a notice on optimizing and adjusting housing provident fund withdrawal and loan policies. According to the notice, for contributing employees who meet the rental withdrawal conditions in the new area but have not filed their housing rental contracts, the maximum annual withdrawal amount has been raised to 17,000 yuan; for those who have filed their housing rental contracts via the "Hebei Xiongan New Area Housing Rental Information Service Platform," the maximum annual withdrawal amount has been raised to 25,000 yuan. For contributing employees who purchase self-occupied housing in the new area and apply for a housing provident fund loan, the maximum loan amount has been raised to 800,000 yuan. For employees of Beijing-relocated entities whose housing provident fund contributions are based in the new area and who purchase self-occupied housing in the new area, the maximum housing provident fund loan amount has been raised to 1.2 million yuan. For multi-child families with two or more children who purchase self-occupied housing in the new area and apply for a housing provident fund loan, the maximum loan amount is increased by 200,000 yuan. Employee families who have only one fully repaid housing provident fund loan record nationwide and own no property in the new area are eligible for the first-home housing provident fund loan policy. (Xiongan Provident Fund) [PBOC's Reverse Repo Operations Result in a Net Injection of 248.5 Billion Yuan on the Day] The PBOC conducted 249 billion yuan of 7-day reverse repo operations today. As 500 million yuan of 7-day reverse repos matured today, this resulted in a net injection of 248.5 billion yuan on the day. US dollar: As of 11:45, the US dollar index rose 0.07% to 99.05. US Secretary of State Rubio, who concluded his visit to India, today (May 26) commented to the media on the so-called "self-defensive strikes" carried out by US forces this morning across multiple locations in southern Iran, stating that the Strait of Hormuz "must remain open, no matter what." Rubio said, "The (Hormuz) Strait must be open; it will eventually open in some way; it must be open." He also stated that the agreement expected to be reached with Iran may still require "a few more days" of negotiations over wording. (CCTV International News) According to CME's "FedWatch": the probability that the US Fed will keep interest rates unchanged through June is 99.9%, with a 0.1% probability of a cumulative 25-basis-point rate cut. The probability that the US Fed will keep interest rates unchanged through July is 90.3%, with a 9.6% probability of a cumulative 25-basis-point rate hike and a 0.1% probability of a cumulative 25-basis-point rate cut. (Jin Shi Data) Other currencies: Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Himino Ryozo emphasized that timely policy adjustments were crucial for maintaining market participants' confidence amid the recent sell-off in Japanese government bonds. Himino Ryozo said on Tuesday: "Regarding monetary policy and long-term interest rates, we believe it is very important to adjust the degree of monetary easing at an appropriate pace in response to future economic, price, and financial conditions, thereby maintaining market confidence that inflation will be properly controlled." The remarks appeared to suggest that the BOJ was open to raising interest rates in the near term. Himino Ryozo and other officials, including BOJ Governor Ueda Kazuo, recently emphasized the need to maintain a responsible attitude toward financial markets, and the market widely expected the BOJ to raise interest rates at its meeting next month. Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae last week subtly released signals that she hoped the BOJ would maintain policy stability, as she was trying to mitigate the economic impact of the Iran war. Himino Ryozo said: "The BOJ will strive to implement policy appropriately to maintain such market confidence and achieve the price stability target in a sustainable and stable manner." (Jin Shi Data) DBS Group Research FX strategist Philip Wee said the Reserve Bank of New Zealand was very likely to keep interest rates unchanged at its Wednesday meeting, but the overall stance would be hawkish. "The RBNZ may prioritize above-target inflation over weak GDP growth and high unemployment." Wee also said that a rate hike on Wednesday could not be ruled out, and therefore NZD/USD was expected to return to the upper half of this year's 0.5700–0.6100 trading range. (Jin Shi Data) Data: Data to be released today include the UK May CBI retail sales balance, US March FHFA House Price Index MoM, US March S&P/CS 20-City Composite Home Price Index YoY (non-seasonally adjusted), US May Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, and US May Dallas Fed Business Activity Index. In addition, attention should also be paid to Xiaomi Group's earnings call. Crude oil: As of 11:45, oil prices in the two markets diverged, with WTI down 5.33% and Brent up 1.62%. The notable divergence between the two reflected a high degree of uncertainty in the market's assessment of the situation. (Wallstreetcn) US Central Command said the US and Israel struck multiple Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, hours after Trump said negotiations with Tehran on an interim deal were making progress. The renewed fighting underscores the fragility of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement. The market is closely watching strikes that could derail negotiations. (Jin10 Data) According to Al Arabiya, a draft US-Iran agreement has been reached. The draft allows free passage through the Strait of Hormuz and the clearing of mines; navigation through the Strait of Hormuz must be restored within 30 days. The agreement stipulates that the US commits to easing the blockade on Iranian ports; the agreement allows Iran to sell and export oil; the agreement will provide specific sanctions exemptions for Iranian oil exports, and will consider easing sanctions on Iranian oil in phases, depending on Iran's implementation of its commitments. The agreement provides for continued nuclear negotiations to reach a long-term consensus. Spot Market Overview: ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ►

SMM May 26: Guangdong #1 copper cathode spot prices against the front-month contract today: high-quality copper was quoted at a premium of 160 yuan/mt, flat from the previous trading day; standard-quality copper was quoted at a premium of 80 yuan/mt, down 20 yuan/mt from the previous trading day; SX-EW copper was quoted at a premium of 10 yuan/mt, down 20 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. The average price of Guangdong #1 copper cathode was 105,010 yuan/mt, down 735 yuan/mt from the previous trading day; the average price of SX-EW copper was 104,900 yuan/mt, down 745 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Spot market: Guangdong inventory ended its 4-consecutive-day increase and resumed declining today, mainly due to reduced arrivals. Although both inventory and copper prices declined, end-user operating rates remained sluggish recently with persistently weak restocking appetite. Suppliers had no choice but to continue adjusting prices to facilitate shipments, causing spot premiums to keep falling today. The purchasing sentiment for copper cathode in Guangdong was 1.6 today, down 0.04 from the previous trading day; the shipments sentiment was 2.65, up 0.06 from the previous trading day (historical data available in the SMM database). Overall, the pullback in copper prices still failed to boost consumption, and suppliers could only lower prices to facilitate shipments, causing spot premiums to pull back.

Affected by copper prices fluctuations, the operating rate of China's copper cathode rod industry pulled back slightly in recent weeks, though overall performance was better than earlier expectations. Meanwhile, social inventory and enterprise finished product inventories showed diverging trends. I. Operating Rate Pulled Back WoW, Actual Performance Better Than Expected Last week (May 15–May 21), the operating rate of major copper cathode rod enterprises in China came in at 61.97%, down 1.54 percentage points WoW, but 1.12 percentage points above prior expectations, and down 8.67 percentage points YoY. Copper prices rose first and then fell this week. The price rise phase notably suppressed downstream purchasing sentiment, with enterprises receiving fewer new orders and a slowdown in the cargo pick-up pace, leading to continuous accumulation of finished product inventories. Some enterprises proactively cut production to ease inventory pressure. As copper prices gradually pulled back, downstream enterprises began to progressively place orders and pick up goods, accelerating the pace of order delivery, which provided some support to operating rates and resulted in actual operating performance exceeding earlier enterprise expectations. II. Divergence in Inventory Trends: Social Inventory Continued to Build Up While Enterprise Finished Product Inventory Shifted from Buildup to Slight Destocking (i) Social Inventory Continued to Build Up but Remained at a Medium-to-Low Level Overall From the perspective of social inventory, according to SMM weekly data on copper rod social inventory, for the week of May 22, 2026, China's total copper rod social inventory stood at 17,100 mt, having built up for two consecutive weeks. This represented a rebound from the mid-April low of 13,400 mt, but remained at a medium-to-low level overall. Inventory pressure was relatively high at the beginning of the year, with social inventory reaching as high as 38,000 mt at the end of January. In March, copper prices pulled back significantly, driving downstream demand release and a rapid decline in inventory to 14,000 mt. The overall destocking trend was notable in Q1. Entering Q2, copper prices gradually stabilized, market demand operated steadily, and inventory fluctuations narrowed accordingly. (2) Enterprise raw material inventory fluctuations were limited, and finished product inventories saw destocking this week Enterprise inventory side, copper cathode rod enterprises continued the purchasing as needed model for raw material procurement, flexibly adjusting according to production pace. Overall raw material inventory fluctuations were relatively small, pulling back slightly WoW. More notably, on the finished product inventories side, downstream demand recovered after copper prices pulled back, and pickup volume increased. Meanwhile, enterprises proactively cut production and prioritized digesting finished products. Last week, finished product inventories declined 3.16% WoW, and the results of production cuts and destocking became evident. III. Monthly Days of Finished Product Inventories Continued to Rise From a longer time horizon, SMM copper cathode rod monthly days of finished product inventories hit a cyclical peak in February. In March, copper prices pulled back sharply, new orders surged in the market, downstream cargo pick-up enthusiasm improved, and warehouse withdrawals consistently exceeded warehouse inflows, causing finished product inventories to quickly pull back to low levels. In April, copper prices fluctuated upward, downstream procurement sentiment turned cautious, the pace of cargo pick-up slowed down, and inventory buildup occurred again. Entering May, overall industry operating rates remained weak, downstream buyers only made just-in-time procurement, and cargo pick-up intensity continued to weaken. Days of finished product inventories are expected to continue rising this month. IV. Market Outlook: Operating Rates in the Doldrums, Expected to Gradually Stabilize in the Short Term SMM expects that the overall operating rates of copper cathode rod enterprises will maintain a fluctuating and weak trend going forward. Currently, enterprises have insufficient orders on hand, and the progress of finished product destocking has fallen short of expectations, with operating rates clearly under pressure. However, new orders have gradually materialized during the copper price pullback phase, alleviating enterprises' willingness to cut production to some extent. Meanwhile, capacity previously under maintenance has successively resumed production, also providing support for industry operating rates. Overall, copper cathode rod operating rates are expected to gradually stabilize. However, continued attention should be paid to the direction of copper prices. If copper prices continue to fluctuate at highs and suppress downstream purchasing demand, there remains a risk that operating rates may fall short of expectations.

[SMM Daily Comment: Bullish and Bearish Factors Pulling Against Each Other, Market Transactions Centered Around Average Prices] May 25 — The SMM upstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 3.12, flat MoM, while the downstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 2, down 0.05 MoM.

According to China's General Administration of Customs, domestic bauxite imports in April 2026 totaled 19.743 million mt, down 9.4% MoM and 4.6% YoY. From January to April 2026, domestic cumulative bauxite imports reached 77.728 million mt, up 14.7% YoY. In April 2026, domestic imports of Guinean bauxite totaled 16.423 million mt, down 9.4% MoM and 1.9% YoY. From January to April 2026, domestic cumulative imports of Guinean bauxite reached 62.964 million mt, up 18.5% YoY. From January to April, shipments from Guinea remained at elevated levels, with domestic cumulative port arrivals up over 18% YoY. The domestic bauxite fundamentals were in a state of persistent oversupply, with inventory at ports and alumina refineries continuing to accumulate. As of late May, according to SMM data, domestic total bauxite inventory approached 90 million mt, an inventory buildup of approximately 10 million mt since the beginning of the year. In May, ocean freight rates remained elevated, with dry mt freight rates at approximately $38-40/mt. Miners faced high costs, with some experiencing losses, and Guinean bauxite enterprises began to reduce shipments successively. According to GoGo Trade data, the daily average bauxite shipments from Guinea's main ports from January to April were 627,000 mt, 670,000 mt, 717,000 mt, and 715,000 mt, respectively. As of May 22, data showed that the daily average bauxite shipments from Guinea's main ports declined to 559,000 mt/day, down approximately 21.8% MoM. Considering factors such as shipping schedules, domestic bauxite port arrivals are expected to decline starting from late June, with a more notable decrease anticipated in July. In the short term, high domestic bauxite inventory will keep counterbalancing high-cost bauxite from Guinea, and bauxite prices are expected to fluctuate and adjust.

ArcelorMittal (AM) — 2025 Annual Report Summary ArcelorMittal, the world's second-largest steel producer, released its 2025 Annual Report in March 2026. During the year, the Group's steelmaking operations experienced a broad-based slowdown: crude steel output in Europe contracted sharply by 6.6% year-on-year, while volumes in India and Brazil also declined. Only North America recorded output growth, driven by the consolidation of an additional steelworks. These dynamics reflect softening apparent steel consumption (ASC) globally, compounded by intensifying competitive pressures. Nonetheless, the Mining segment delivered an outstanding performance — iron ore shipments from Liberia surged 37.5%, providing a meaningful offset to the headwinds in the steelmaking divisions. I. 2025 Key Production, Shipment & Financial Overview In 2025, ArcelorMittal demonstrated strong operational resilience against the backdrop of subdued global steel demand and complex trade barriers. Portfolio optimisation — notably the full consolidation of the Calvert flat-rolled finishing facility — and robust growth in the iron ore business were the key highlights of the year. Despite a marginal decline in crude steel production and shipments, net profit expanded materially, primarily driven by non-recurring items — in particular, a US$1.9 billion accounting gain arising from the acquisition of the remaining 50% equity interest in AMNS Calvert. The increase in net debt was principally attributable to the full consolidation of Calvert and other M&A activities. II. Segment Distribution & Operational Performance In 2025, ArcelorMittal's global operational footprint underwent significant structural reconfiguration, most notably through the full acquisition of the North American Calvert flat-rolling facility and the divestiture of non-core assets in Bosnia-Herzegovina, further optimising the Group's production and shipment mix. The following presents a detailed comparison of key segment production and shipment data for 2025 versus the prior year: North America The segment recorded growth in both output and shipments in 2025, primarily benefiting from the full consolidation of the AMNS Calvert facility in the second half of the year, and the recovery of Mexican production following the 2024 labour strike. Crude Steel Production: 7.8 Mt (2024: 7.5 Mt), up 2.9% YoY Steel Shipments: 10.3 Mt (2024: 10.1 Mt), up 2.2% YoY Key Development: The 1.5 Mtpa Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) at the Calvert facility was commissioned in June 2025, enhancing the supply capability of high value-added flat products in the region. 2026 Volume Outlook: Both production and shipments are expected to increase in line with broader regional trends. Growth Driver: The 1.5 Mtpa EAF at Calvert, consolidated in H2 2025, is currently in capacity ramp-up phase and will contribute incremental volumes in 2026. Brazil Despite margin pressure, the Brazil segment maintained highly stable production and shipment volumes, continuing to serve as a key profitability pillar for the Group. Crude Steel Production: 14.3 Mt (2024: 14.5 Mt), down 1.3% YoY Steel Shipments: 13.9 Mt (2024: 14.1 Mt), down 0.9% YoY Key Development: The Barra Mansa long products mill expansion was commissioned in H2 2025, adding 0.4 Mtpa of high value-added long steel capacity. 2026 Volume Outlook: Steel shipments are projected to reach 15.4 Mt in 2026, significantly above the 13.95 Mt recorded in 2025. Growth Driver: Despite demand headwinds in 2025 caused by elevated interest rates and a surge in Chinese imports, the Group holds an optimistic outlook for 2026 growth. Europe Affected by soft market demand and a planned major reline of Blast Furnace No. 4 at Dunkirk, European crude steel output contracted. However, the smaller decline in shipments indicates relatively resilient market penetration. Crude Steel Production: 29.2 Mt (2024: 31.2 Mt), down 6.6% YoY Steel Shipments: 28.4 Mt (2024: 28.7 Mt), down 0.9% YoY Key Development: The divestiture of the Zenica long products integrated steelworks in Bosnia-Herzegovina was completed in October, reflecting the Group's strategic transition toward lower-carbon assets. 2026 Volume Outlook: Shipments are expected to recover and grow. Growth Driver: As the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the revised Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) regime progressively take effect in 2026, the Group anticipates European domestic steelmakers recapturing market share from import competition. India & Other Joint Ventures Focus on the strategic joint venture AMNS India (60% equity interest): Crude Steel Production: 7.2 Mt (2024: 7.5 Mt), down 4.5% YoY, impacted by market volatility in H1 and unplanned maintenance outages Steel Shipments: 7.9 Mt (2024: 7.9 Mt), shipments remained resilient Key Development: The Hazira integrated steelworks in India is being expanded to 15 Mtpa capacity. The Group has also announced a long-term greenfield project in Andhra Pradesh with an 8.2 Mtpa capacity target, with the objective of increasing hot-rolled coil (HRC) capacity to 15 Mtpa by H2 2026, providing incremental production and shipment uplift. Crude Steel Production (Other Subsidiaries): 4.3 Mt (2024: 4.6 Mt), down 6.52% YoY Mining The Mining segment was the Group's strongest growth engine in 2025, driven by the successful ramp-up of the Phase II expansion project in Liberia. Own Iron Ore Production (Mining segment only): 35.3 Mt (2024: 27.9 Mt), up 26.5% YoY Iron Ore Shipments: 36.3 Mt (2024: 26.4 Mt), up 37.5% YoY Key Development: Liberia achieved a record annual shipment of 10 Mt and is progressing steadily toward a 20 Mtpa production target. 2026 Mining Segment Outlook: Liberia (AML): Volume Target: 20 Mtpa shipment target. The Group specifically projects that by end-2026, as the Phase II expansion and the beneficiation plant continue to ramp up, annualised shipments will exceed 18 Mtpa (vs. 10 Mt in 2025). Key Progress: A blended production model combining sinter fines and concentrates from Phase II will support a significant increase in production and shipment volumes, with rail haulage capacity being expanded toward a 30 Mtpa annual throughput target. Canada (AMMC): Trend: Stable production maintained. The conversion of the high-grade iron ore pellet plant for Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) production is expected to be completed in Q2 2026. 2026 Production & Shipment Outlook Summary The 2025 production and shipment profile signals ArcelorMittal's strategic pivot toward quality over pure volume. Despite marginal fluctuations in crude steel output in Europe and Brazil, the growth from high value-added assets in North America and low-cost iron ore operations in Liberia is structurally rebuilding the Group's cost and margin base. The Group projects global apparent steel consumption (ASC) ex-China to grow by 2% in 2026. Against this macro backdrop, the Group forecasts an increase in steel production and shipments across all regions in 2026 compared to 2025, underpinned by improvements in operational efficiency and the positive impact of trade protection measures. III. Production Infrastructure & Process Technology Profile ArcelorMittal operates a highly diversified asset portfolio spanning the full upstream-to-downstream value chain — from iron ore mining to downstream finishing and processing. As of end-2025, the Group's production process structure is as follows: Process Mix: Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) output accounts for 74% (41.2 Mt); Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) accounts for 26% (14.4 Mt). Facility Scale: The Group currently operates 30 Blast Furnaces (BF) and 27 Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) . Capacity Distribution: Europe remains the largest production base, with an annual crude steel capacity of 39.5 Mt (53% of total), followed by Brazil (16.4 Mt) and North America (12.5 Mt). IV. Raw Material Self-Sufficiency & Supply Chain Integration The Group maintains a high degree of vertical integration upstream and downstream to hedge against market volatility — a core pillar of its industrial competitive advantage: Iron Ore Supply: Own iron ore production grew 15.1% YoY to 48.8 Mt in 2025. Canada (AMMC) contributed 25.6 Mt, while Liberia (AML) surged to 9.7 Mt. Self-Sufficiency Rates: In 2025, the Group achieved an iron ore self-sufficiency rate of 72% , a coking coal self-sufficiency rate of 91% , and a scrap steel and Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) self-sufficiency rate of 55% . Logistics Capacity: The Group operates 18 deep-water port facilities and associated rail infrastructure, handling over 51 Mt of freight annually. V. Key Asset Restructuring & Industrial Portfolio Realignment 2025 was a year of deep portfolio optimisation for the Group — divesting weaker assets and concentrating resources in high-growth, high value-added operations. Full Consolidation of Calvert (USA): In June 2025, the Group completed the acquisition of the remaining 50% equity interest in AMNS Calvert (previously a joint venture with Nippon Steel Corporation) at a nominal consideration. The facility is the most advanced flat-rolled steel finishing complex in North America. The newly constructed 1.5 Mtpa EAF produced its first slab in June 2025. Asset Divestitures & Operational Rationalisation: Bosnia-Herzegovina: Completed the sale of the Zenica integrated steelworks and the Prijedor iron ore mine. South Africa: Rationalisation of the long products business and the idling of the Newcastle steelworks were completed by end of January 2026. India Expansion: AMNS India remains a core growth engine. The Hazira integrated steelworks is on track to expand capacity to 15 Mtpa by H2 2026. VI. Major Capital Project Progress (Capex Allocation) ArcelorMittal is currently in a dual capital expenditure cycle: EAF transition and upstream iron ore capacity expansion . Total capital expenditure in 2025 amounted to US$4.34 billion . VII. Decarbonisation Pathway & Industrial Technology Upgrade ArcelorMittal is at a critical juncture in its transition from conventional blast furnace-based integrated steelmaking toward low-carbon process routes: EAF Capacity Expansion: By end-2026, the Group expects to add 3.4 Mtpa of EAF capacity, spanning Gijón and Sestao in Spain, and Calvert in the USA. Key Technology Projects: The 2.0 Mtpa EAF project at Dunkirk, France (€1.3 billion investment) is planned for commissioning in 2029 and is expected to generate carbon emissions at approximately one-third of the level of a conventional blast furnace. Energy Transition: By end-2025, the Group had commissioned 1.6 GW of renewable energy equity capacity, with a further 1.2 GW under construction, primarily in India and South America, with the objective of supplying low-cost clean electricity to steelmaking operations. Carbon Footprint: Absolute carbon emissions declined 3.1% YoY in 2025, representing a cumulative reduction of 47% from the 2018 baseline. It is noteworthy that, given the limited commercial-scale deployment of low-carbon technologies (green hydrogen, Carbon Capture and Storage), the Group's emissions reductions are currently achieved primarily through portfolio restructuring and EAF electrification . VIII. Additional Key Information Portfolio Optimisation: Full Acquisition of Calvert: By acquiring NSC's 50% equity stake, ArcelorMittal has gained full operational control of North America's most advanced flat-rolled steel finishing complex. Exit from Non-Core Assets: The divestiture of the high-carbon-intensity integrated steelworks at Zenica, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and associated iron ore mines reflects a "decarbonise first, then grow" portfolio strategy. Operational Risks: Geopolitical Risk: The Kryvyi Rih steelworks in Ukraine (AMKR) is currently operating at only 35% of rated capacity , facing significant logistics and supply chain disruption. Trade Barriers: US Section 232 tariffs were raised to 50% in 2025, increasing the cost burden on cross-regional material flows. 2026 Outlook: Global apparent steel consumption (ASC) ex-China is projected to grow 2% . The Group's capital expenditure plan for 2026 is budgeted in the range of US$4.5–5.0 billion , with continued focus on the Liberia iron ore expansion and the electrification of process technology in Europe. Summary: 2025 was a year of "deepening asset quality" for ArcelorMittal. By converting its core North American joint venture Calvert into a wholly-owned subsidiary, and achieving successful delivery milestones at the Liberia iron ore mine and India's green energy projects, the Group further consolidated its vertically integrated competitive advantages. For investors, the sustainability of free cash flow generation and the recovery of market share under the EU CBAM framework remain the key monitoring indicators over the next one to two years.

Rumored NPI production cuts at one of Indonesia's largest nickel hubs reveal a deeper structural shift — and a stark gap in per-megawatt-hour returns between aluminum and nickel.

Capacity side, according to incomplete statistics, China's alkaline electrolyzer market remained at 43.77 GW, and the PEM electrolyzer market remained at 2.7 GW. This week, Haozheng Hydrogen Energy successfully completed all tests on an alkaline hydrogen production electrolyzer, with all performance indicators meeting standards, and it was officially shipped to the client's project site. Eve Hydrogen Energy reached an important delivery period, as its 100 Nm³/h centralized hydrogen production system successfully passed all factory detection tests and was officially dispatched to Shandong. Project-related developments: Guangdong Qingneng New Energy Technology Co., Ltd.: The fuel cell and electrolysis hydrogen production system project completed filing. The project is located at Building D3, No. 1 Xiangda Road, Dancao Logistics Center, Dancao Town, Nanhai District, Foshan City, with a total investment of 200 million yuan, to be constructed by Guangdong Qingneng New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. as the construction entity. On one hand, the project advances the expansion of fuel cell-related businesses at the headquarters base, deploying multiple production lines for new-type compression-molded graphite plates, supporting stacks, and air-cooled fuel cells. On the other hand, it simultaneously builds AEM electrolysis hydrogen production lines, developing core material capacity for membrane electrode assemblies, bipolar plates, and other components. State Administration for Market Regulation: A re-tender announcement was issued for the research project on safety-critical standards for hydrogen refueling station infrastructure, with a project budget and maximum price cap both set at 1.1 million yuan (China Government Procurement Network). This procurement will focus on developing two national standards: liquid hydrogen vehicle refueling protocols and rubber O-rings for high-pressure hydrogen equipment, and plans to produce draft versions for public comment or approval (China Government Procurement Network). The project performance period runs until December 31, 2026, and consortium bids are not accepted (China Government Procurement Network). This initiative will fill the gaps in relevant standards in China, strengthen the intrinsic safety assurance of hydrogen refueling stations, and facilitate the standardized and orderly development of the hydrogen energy industry. China Risun Group Limited: China's first domestically developed 5 mt/day hydrogen expansion refrigeration hydrogen liquefaction project was successfully completed and put into operation at Risun Group's Dingzhou Park. The equipment used in this project is China's first large-scale liquefaction equipment adopting the hydrogen Claude cycle process with 100% localisation of core components. It successfully overcame multiple key industry technologies, with overall performance benchmarked against international first-class standards. The unit energy consumption of the core liquefaction system was as low as 11.84 kWh/kg, representing a reduction of over 40% compared to traditional processes, effectively lowering liquid hydrogen production costs and supporting the autonomous development of China's hydrogen energy industry. Heilongjiang Coal Chemical Industry (Group) Co., Ltd. : Zhongmei Longhua held discussions with the government of Ar Horqin Banner, Chifeng City. Both parties focused on existing new energy cooperation projects, advancing computing power industry deployment and coordinating the construction of green energy transmission corridors. Previously, the two parties had signed a 12.8 billion yuan agreement for a 2GW new energy base and an annual 500,000 mt biomass pellet project, covering 1.8GW wind power and 0.2GW PV. During this round of discussions, they finalised an additional computing power synergy project, planning to build a thousand-P-level intelligent computing power centre leveraging a green electricity direct supply model to revitalise clean energy resources. In addition, the two parties will also fully align with the Chifeng-to-Jinzhou hydrogen-ammonia-methanol transmission pipeline, deploying green hydrogen, green ammonia, and green methanol capacity to build an integrated green energy industry chain encompassing green electricity production, energy conversion, and cross-provincial transmission. Jiyuan (Siping) Green Energy Co., Ltd. : The results of SPIC's 87th batch of centralised tenders for 2025 were announced. Sungrow Hydrogen Energy Technology Co., Ltd. won the bid for the alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment for the Jidian Co., Ltd. Lishu Wind and Solar Power Green Hydrogen Production Coupled with Biomass Green Methanol Project (Section II). Located in Siping, Jilin, the project has a hydrogen production capacity of 30,000 Nm³/h and plans to commence construction in August 2025, with a total construction period of 22 months, implemented in two sections. Upon completion, the project will promote the commercialisation of green hydrogen coupled with biomass for green methanol production, facilitating the integrated development of new energy and chemical industries. China Coal Ordos Energy Chemical Co., Ltd.: The 3,000 Nm³/h electrolysis hydrogen production unit for China Coal Ordos Energy Chemical's 100,000 mt "Liquid Sunshine" project, manufactured by China First Heavy Industries Nuclear Power and Petrochemical, was successfully shipped from the Dalian Mianhua Island nuclear power equipment manufacturing base, advancing the "Liquid Sunshine" project and empowering the integrated development of hydrogen energy and new energy. Jiangsu Guofu Hydrogen Energy Technology Equipment Co., Ltd.: The completion ceremony of the green electricity hydrogen production and natural gas hydrogen blending comprehensive testing platform was held at Guofu Hydrogen Energy's Zhangjiagang base. Jointly developed by Guofu Hydrogen Energy and Towngas Group, the platform conducts green electricity hydrogen production utilising local 52,000 m² rooftop distributed PV and alkaline electrolysers. Employing a follow-up flow gas mixing process, it can achieve precise natural gas hydrogen blending at ratios from 0% to 30%, with a maximum hydrogen blending volume of 100 standard m³ per hour. The platform integrates four modules — hydrogen production, gas mixing, combustion, and data acquisition — focusing on hydrogen blending condition verification, energy efficiency assessment, and cost estimation research. With significant environmental protection benefits, it can reduce CO₂ emissions by 1,144 mt in the first year. The project is expected to consume 2.16 million kWh of green electricity over its full lifecycle, facilitating clean energy integration and low-carbon development. SPIC: The announcement of candidate winners for the 23rd batch of centralised tenders for 2026 — the EPC general contracting for the SPIC Green Energy Da'an Gaseous Hydrogen Storage Technical Renovation Project — was released. According to the announcement, the first candidate winner was China Wuhuan Engineering Co., Ltd. with a bid price of 55.2 million yuan, and the second candidate winner was China Petroleum and Natural Gas First Construction Co., Ltd. with a bid price of 71.39 million yuan. The project is located in the Jilin Western (Da'an) Clean Energy Chemical Industry Park in Liangjiazi Town, Da'an City, Baicheng City, Jilin Province. It involves the construction of 6 units of 1850m³ spherical tanks and 1 unit of 8000Nm³/h compressor, with a total hydrogen storage capacity of 177,600Nm³ and an effective hydrogen storage capacity of 144,300Nm³. The tender scope covers the design, supply, construction, commissioning, and all work within the warranty period for the gaseous hydrogen storage complete equipment and auxiliary facilities. Upon completion, it will enhance local green hydrogen storage and supply capability, facilitating the large-scale development of the hydrogen energy industry. Hainan Shenneng Materials Co., Ltd. : The announcement of successful bid candidates for the commissioning, trial operation, and demonstration operation services of the Hainan New Energy Offshore Wind Power Hydrogen Production Comprehensive Utilization Key Technology R&D and Engineering Demonstration Project was released. The bid inviter is Hainan Shenneng Materials Co., Ltd. The announcement shows that the first successful bid candidate is Sinochem Second Construction Group Co., Ltd., with a bid price of 5.83 million yuan; the second successful bid candidate is China Petrochemical Engineering Construction Co., Ltd., with a bid price of 5.875 million yuan. The project aims to implement the construction requirements of Hainan's clean energy priority development demonstration zone, focusing on offshore wind power hydrogen production and comprehensive utilization technology research. It will achieve breakthroughs in key technologies such as floating platform hydrogen production, hydrogen storage and transportation, and hydrogen-to-ammonia/methanol, develop core equipment and an offshore wind power hydrogen production comprehensive utilization floating platform, providing technical and engineering support for Hainan's clean energy island construction and large-scale offshore hydrogen production. Policy Review 1. Notice of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the National Energy Administration on Matters Related to the Orderly Promotion of Multi-user Green Electricity Direct Connection Development. The document states that support is given to new energy power generation projects that have not yet commenced power grid connection engineering construction, as well as new energy power generation projects that cannot be connected to grid due to reasons such as new energy consumption constraints, to carry out multi-user green electricity direct connection after completing the corresponding change procedures. Distributed PV may participate in multi-user green electricity direct connection through centralized current collection. Priority support is given to computing facilities, green hydrogen-ammonia-methanol and other emerging industries and future industries to carry out green electricity direct connection. Projects shall meet national industrial policy requirements, and enterprises are strictly prohibited from conducting illegal activities through green electricity direct connection. 2. Notice of the Hubei Provincial Department of Transportation on Implementing Toll Subsidy Policies for Hydrogen Energy Vehicles Traveling on Hubei Provincial Expressways. The document states that hydrogen energy vehicles (with hydrogen fuel cell as the sole power source) that legally transport cargo, are equipped with and normally use ETC, and travel on expressways within Hubei Province (with entry and exit records and inter-station travel routes all within Hubei Province) shall be exempted from expressway tolls. The tolls exempted by relevant expressway operation and management entities shall be fully subsidized by provincial fiscal funds. 3. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued the "Notice of the General Office of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Organizing and Carrying Out Industrial Energy Conservation Supervision Work in 2026." It mentioned that energy efficiency supervision will be conducted in key industry sectors. In accordance with mandatory energy consumption quota standards for relevant industries, as well as requirements such as energy efficiency benchmark and baseline levels, energy conservation supervision will be carried out on enterprises in industries including steel, synthetic ammonia, oil refining, ethylene, caustic soda, soda ash, and methanol, with the principle of achieving full coverage of energy conservation supervision for enterprises in the above industries within the region during 2026–2027 (full coverage of calcium carbide-based PVC producers shall be achieved in 2026). Energy efficiency supervision of key industry chains will also be conducted. In accordance with mandatory energy consumption quota standards for relevant industries, mandatory energy efficiency standards for products and equipment, and other requirements, focusing on key industry chains such as PV modules, wind turbines, EV and ESS batteries, and water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment, special energy conservation supervision will be carried out on key enterprises in segments including raw materials, production and manufacturing, and terminal assembly, with a focus on verifying enterprise energy consumption in production processes and energy efficiency of major products. Enterprise Updates Guohong Hydrogen Energy Technology (Jiaxing) Co., Ltd. : China's first inland 64-TEU hydrogen fuel cell-powered container ship "Dongfang Hydrogen Port" set sail from Zhapu Port Area of Jiaxing Port and was officially put into operation. It is reported that Guohong Hydrogen Energy provided two sets of independently developed Honghan C240 marine hydrogen fuel cell systems. This is currently the highest-power hydrogen fuel cell system in China and the first to be applied to ships (single-unit rated power of 240 kW). Yuchai Xinlan (Jiangsu) Hydrogen Energy Technology Co., Ltd. : Yuchai Hydrogen Energy General Manager Lu Guoquan and Zhongyuan Electric Laboratory Deputy Director Zhang Xueshen signed a strategic cooperation agreement on behalf of their respective parties. According to the agreement, both parties will leverage their respective technological advantages and resources to establish a long-term, stable, and in-depth strategic partnership, focusing on comprehensive cooperation in four core areas: water electrolysis for hydrogen production, hydrogen fuel internal combustion engines, green energy management, and hydrogen energy demonstration projects. Jiangsu Guofu Hydrogen Energy Technology Equipment Co., Ltd.: Joining hands with Three Gorges Zhongyi, Jiaosheng New Energy, and other shipping industry chain partners, the company held the "Zero-Carbon Yangtze, Green Shipping" industrial ecosystem strategy launch conference. At the conference, Guofu Hydrogen Energy officially released its "River-Sea Strategy Plan" and held the rollout ceremony of its first 80-cubic-meter marine LNG storage tank, marking its official entry from the land-based hydrogen energy equipment sector into the green shipping track. According to the plan, Guofu Hydrogen Energy will promote the improvement of the shipping ecosystem closed loop, attract industry partners to co-build the ecosystem, and plans to complete the leap from product finalization and demonstration applications to ecosystem formation within three years, facilitating the zero-carbon transformation of Yangtze River shipping. Haida Qingneng Ship (Dalian) Co., Ltd. : China's first inland waterway 64-TEU hydrogen fuel cell-powered container ship, the "Dongfang Hydrogen Port," successfully set sail from Jiaxing Port and was put into operation on a designated route, achieving a new breakthrough in the application of hydrogen fuel cell vessels on inland waterways. Designed by Haida Qingneng Ship with a full set of hydrogen power systems, the vessel has a cargo capacity of approximately 1,450 mt and a driving range of 380 kilometers. It is equipped with a large power hydrogen fuel cell system, achieving zero carbon emissions throughout the entire voyage, and has also completed the integrated integration of large-capacity hydrogen storage and control systems. The core technologies were jointly developed by the enterprise and Dalian Maritime University. This commissioning also fully demonstrated that hydrogen-powered vessel propulsion systems are mature and reliable, promoting the green and low-carbon transformation of inland waterway shipping. PetroChina Company Limited Shenzhen New Energy Research Institute : PetroChina's first 2,000 Nm³/h alkaline electrolysis water-to-hydrogen system successfully completed its initial test run, with all parameters meeting design requirements. The overall technical level ranks among the industry's best, and the hydrogen produced has a purity as high as 99.9995%. The system was led by PetroChina Shenzhen Institute and jointly developed by multiple enterprises, integrating large-capacity electrolyzers with high-efficiency separation and purification equipment. Actual testing showed that the high-grade hydrogen can meet the usage requirements of multiple industries. The system will subsequently be connected to the Dushanzi Petrochemical hydrogen pipeline network for production application, helping the petrochemical industry accelerate its green and low-carbon transformation. China Huadian Engineering Corporation Limited : Its top ten new technologies and new products of 2026 were unveiled in Beijing, accelerating the expansion of its technological achievement portfolio and boosting the development of new quality productive forces. Among them, the independently developed "Hua'an" U1000 skid-mounted green ammonia synthesis unit was officially launched, overcoming key technologies for distributed green ammonia production. The unit focuses on compact skid-mounted and modular design, addressing the pain points of traditional ammonia synthesis units such as high investment, long construction cycles, and difficulty in adapting to wind and solar power fluctuations. It features four major advantages: low temperature and low pressure, flexible adaptation, intelligent integration, and rapid deployment, filling the technological gap in small-scale green ammonia equipment in China. It integrates multiple innovations: equipped with a low-temperature and low-pressure catalyst jointly developed with the Institute of Process Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, adopting a proprietary patented dual-tower reactor, and equipped with self-developed "source-grid-hydrogen-ammonia" full-chain flexible control technology, enabling wide-load regulation and adaptation to wind and solar power fluctuations. Patent Applications 1. Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (China) published patent CN2025110028, developing a ceramic-based anion exchange membrane with a laboratory-tested lifespan of 80,000 hours. 2. Johnson Matthey (UK) filed patent WO2025109876, disclosing a Fe-Ni-Mo ternary non-precious metal catalyst formulation with activity approaching that of platinum-based materials. Technology Footprint / Technical Specifications 1 The team led by Academician Chen Zhongwei and Associate Researcher Zhang Meng from the National Key Laboratory of Catalysis for Energy Conversion at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics developed a high specific power cathode-closed air-cooled stack technology, which passed the scientific and technological achievement evaluation by the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation. This technology effectively resolves the industry contradiction between water retention and oxygen mass transfer in air-cooled fuel cells, addressing technical challenges such as low-humidity performance degradation, carbon corrosion, membrane drying and flooding, and high-power thermal management. 2 Two group standards on hydrogen production by water electrolysis were officially released and implemented, namely the "Safety Technical Specification for Hydrogen Production by Water Electrolysis" and the "Calculation Method for Economic Operation Indicators of Hydrogen Production by Water Electrolysis." 3 Petronor collaborated with H2SITE to advance membrane technology for hydrogen production, improving high-purity hydrogen supply and low-carbon efficiency in refining. 4 Dalian University of Technology designed an electron pump catalyst with an asymmetric photo-responsive structure that maintains the asymmetry of electron distribution. 5 A research team from the School of Electrical Engineering and the National Key Laboratory of Electrical Materials and Electrical Insulation at Xi'an Jiaotong University successfully developed a Ru/Ti3C2Ox@NF bifunctional electrocatalyst for seawater electrolysis.