SMM, February 28th， Driven by the global clean energy transition, the energy storage industry is achieving steady growth. Its core value lies in effectively mitigating the inherent intermittency and volatility of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, providing critical assurance for stable clean electricity output. This development trend will sustainably drive demand for key metals across the energy storage supply chain. As one of the core materials, aluminum applications in energy storage systems primarily focus on aluminum sheets, strips, foils, and extrusions. I. Scale of Aluminum Consumption in ESS According to SMM calculations, each 1GWh energy storage system consumes approximately 1,780 tons of aluminum , of which aluminum extrusions account for about 44%, aluminum sheets and strips account for about 39%, and aluminum foil accounts for about 18%. From the perspective of industry growth drivers, global energy storage cell production is entering a period of rapid growth: According to SMM estimates, the global demand for energy storage cells will be approximately 559 GWh in 2025, and is expected to reach 779 GWh in 2026, with a year-on-year increase of 39%; even as the base expands, the annual demand from 2027 to 2030 will still maintain a growth rate of over 20%. In terms of aluminum demand, Chinese enterprises dominate the energy storage market, driving increased domestic aluminum consumption. SMM research indicates China's energy storage battery cabinet shipments will reach approximately 400GWh in 2025, accounting for over 80% of global share. Based on SMM's calculation of 1,780 tons of aluminum per GWh for energy storage systems and global battery cabinet shipments, the global aluminum demand for energy storage systems in 2025 will reach 850,000 tons, with China consuming approximately 710,000 tons. Domestic demand for aluminum in energy storage is projected to increase by 280,000 tons in 2026. However, it should be noted that with the continuous iteration of large-cell technology, the unit consumption of aluminum structural components in energy storage systems has room for reduction. In the long term, there is still potential for optimizing aluminum consumption per unit. II. Calculation of Aluminum Profile Materials per Unit of ESS Due to design variations across different energy storage products, this section separates aluminum consumption calculations for energy storage cells from other system components . 1.Core Application Scenarios of Aluminum Materials in EES Aluminum materials, with advantages such as lightweight, corrosion resistance, and excellent processing performance, have been deeply integrated into the core components of ESS, with their main applications concentrated in three major areas: Energy Storage Cell Component: Primarily used for cell aluminum foil, aluminum casings, and tabs. Pack Component : Primarily used for battery trays, liquid cooling plates, battery end plates, and battery enclosures, etc. Energy Storage System Component: Main applications include energy storage system enclosures, radiators, etc. 2.Aluminum Consumption in Energy Storage Cells Aluminum usage in energy storage cells primarily involves battery foil, aluminum casings, and tabs. Currently, the aluminum consumption per cell is approximately 615t/GWh, with aluminum foil accounting for 300-330 t/GWh. 3.Aluminum Consumption in ESS Due to variations in technical approaches and application scenarios, different manufacturers employ distinct design solutions for energy storage systems. When calculating aluminum consumption, we use industry average values: In industrial, commercial, and residential energy storage projects, each rack is on average configured with 4.5 battery packs. In grid-side energy storage projects, each rack averages 8 battery packs, with each system containing an average of 12 rack. The aluminum components of the battery pack include the tray, liquid cooling plate, box body, and end plate. The structure of the battery tray is similar to that of new energy vehicle battery trays, but the product specifications are smaller and the cross-sectional design is more simplified. SMM calculates the aluminum consumption of a single battery pack based on the average weight data of components provided by mainstream aluminum production enterprises. In addition, the core equipment of the energy storage system, the power conversion system (PCS), and its supporting radiator also need to consume aluminum materials.While aluminum enclosures exist for ESS, market research indicates steel enclosures currently dominate the market, with aluminum enclosures holding less than 20% market share. The weight range per unit is from several hundred kilograms to 2 tons. Based on the above parameter calculations: the comprehensive aluminum consumption of industrial, commercial, and residential energy storage systems is 2030 tons/GWh,while for grid-side energy storage systems it is 1,720 tons/GWh. Weighted by the shipment share of different energy storage system types, the final comprehensive aluminum consumption for energy storage systems is calculated as 1,780 t/GWh. 4.Consumption Structure of Aluminum Materials in Energy Storage Systems From a production process perspective, the manufacturing methods for core components such as aluminum casings and liquid cooling plates encompass multiple pathways including sheet metal stamping, profile processing, and casting. This section breaks down the consumption structure of aluminum material categories in energy storage systems based on the proportion of mainstream process applications: aluminum extrusions account for approximately 44%, aluminum sheets and strips account for approximately 39%, and aluminum foil accounts for approximately 18%.

In 2024, the application of China's industrial aluminum extrusion in new energy vehicles (NEVs) (with sales expected to exceed 12 million units), aerospace, low-altitude economy, and other fields continued to grow. However, the industry also faced multiple challenges, including high and frequently fluctuating raw material prices, technological bottlenecks, international trade frictions, and the cancellation of export tax rebates. In 2025, the current aluminum extrusion industry is set to embrace three major growth opportunities: the "low-altitude economy" promoted by the state is opening up new application scenarios; the continuous increase in NEV sales (expected to exceed 12 million units in 2024) is driving a surge in demand for aluminum used in components such as electric drive casings and sill beams; and to circumvent trade barriers, the industry chain is accelerating its overseas layout in markets such as Southeast Asia and Mexico. These trends are reshaping the industry's growth landscape. To this end, Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) is focusing on the industry's development direction and, in collaboration with major industry associations and institutions across the industry chain, is jointly launching the "2025 Global Industrial Aluminum Extrusion Procurement Guide" for the aluminum semis industry chain. This time, Guangdong GoldEx Light Alloy Co., Ltd. will collaborate with SMM to jointly produce this procurement map, collectively gauging market trends and exploring the industry's future! Guangdong GoldEx Light Alloy Co., Ltd. Founded in 2010 and located in Zengcheng District, Guangzhou City, it is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the R&D, production, and sales of industrial aluminum semis. The company is equipped with aluminum alloy production equipment for melting and casting, direct extrusion, indirect extrusion, drawing, heat treatment, precision machining, and more. Main Products and Applications Our company mainly produces aluminum alloy seamless pipes, precision-drawn rods, industrial aluminum extrusions, aluminum bars, and other materials. Our products cover mainstream aluminum alloy grades in the market from the 1000-series to the 7000-series, such as 1,060/2011/2017/3,003/5,052/5,056/6,101/6,013/6,061/6,063/6,082/7,003/7,050/7,075, etc. High-precision seamless pipes and aluminum billets for automotive lens ADAS; seamless and welded pipes for shock absorber bushings; highly conductive 1-series and 6-series aluminum billets; 3-series battery aluminum materials; seamless pipes for motorcycle inverted forks; high-end 2-series/5-series/6-series seamless pipes and precision-drawn rods for optical lenses/Industry 4.0, as well as various industrial aluminum extrusions. Slogan Dedicated to high-quality seamless aluminum pipes, precision-drawn rods, aluminum bars, and other high-precision extrusions Contact Information Guangmei Industrial Park, Zhongfu Road, Zhongxin Town, Zengcheng District, Guangzhou City General Manager - Mr. Pan: 15626069726 (same as WeChat) Email: sales@gealu.com.cn Website: www.gealu.com.cn Co-Producer Contact Lou Kexin Mobile: 19068019380 (same as WeChat) Email: loukexin@smm.cn

APALT invested in and constructed the "Project for Producing 100,000 mt of Green Electricity-Powered High-End Aluminum-Based Materials Annually" in Minhe County, Haidong City, Qinghai Province, on May 7, 2025. As of the end of 2024, the plant infrastructure for the project had been basically completed, and work such as equipment procurement, installation, and commissioning was progressing as planned.

On April 18, at the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference & Aluminum Industry Expo - Global Secondary Aluminum Industry Development Forum, co-hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd., SMM Metal Trading Center, and Shandong Aisi Information Technology Co., Ltd., and co-organized by Zhongyifeng Jinyi (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Lezhi County Qianrun Investment Service Co., Ltd., Zhang Limin, Senior Analyst of Secondary Aluminum at SMM, shared insights on the 2025 China secondary aluminum market analysis and price assessment methodology. 1. Overview of the Aluminum Scrap Industry Chain Supply Side - Explosive Growth in Old Scrap in Recent Years ► SMM Analysis: • The recycling of old aluminum scrap is influenced by multiple factors. Currently, the recycling of old aluminum scrap mainly comes from social scrap collected over an average period of 10-20 years, involving fields such as construction, transportation, power, packaging, and durable goods. Among these, construction and transportation sectors dominate the recycled materials. In recent years, with more aluminum scrap gradually entering the recycling cycle and the introduction of policies like "trade-in," old scrap has entered a phase of explosive growth. • New aluminum scrap mainly comes from aluminum and downstream rolling and casting processes, including off-cuts and defective products. Additionally, some scrap generated during the use of end-use industries is also high-quality aluminum scrap. This portion of aluminum scrap is primarily influenced by the annual aluminum consumption. Supply Side - Increasing Supplement of Imported Raw Materials Since the implementation of the new standards in 2020, with traders' increasing adaptation to the new standards, aluminum scrap imports have been recovering year by year. ► SMM Analysis: • In 2018, other aluminum scrap (760200090) was adjusted to the "Catalog of Solid Wastes Restricted from Import as Raw Materials." From July 1, 2019, the import of aluminum scrap was completely banned. • In 2020, secondary cast aluminum alloy raw materials that comply with the "Secondary Cast Aluminum Alloy Raw Materials" (GB/T 38472-2019) standard are not considered solid waste and can be freely imported. This has been in effect since November 1, 2020. • On October 24, 2024, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the General Administration of Customs, and four other departments issued the "Announcement on Regulating the Import Management of Secondary Copper and Copper Alloy Raw Materials, Secondary Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Raw Materials." Secondary copper and aluminum raw materials that meet the annex requirements are not considered solid waste and can be freely imported. The announcement has been in effect since November 15, 2024. According to customs data, the total imports for 2024 were 1.785 million mt, up 1.65% YoY. • In January-February 2025, aluminum scrap imports were 323,000 mt, up 12% YoY. Driven by relaxed policies and increased demand, imports are expected to show a mild growth trend for the year, but the growth rate may be constrained by international market competition and the inversion of domestic and overseas price spreads. Supply Side - Aluminum Scrap Import Policies from Standardization to Optimization ► SMM Analysis: The "Announcement on Regulating the Import Management of Secondary Copper and Copper Alloy Raw Materials, Secondary Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Raw Materials" has removed the barriers to the import of secondary aluminum raw materials in China, providing a policy basis for legal and compliant imports. SMM expects that aluminum scrap imports in 2025 may show a restorative growth. However, with the growth of domestic old and new scrap production, the domestic aluminum scrap supply will play a significant role, reducing dependence on overseas aluminum scrap. In addition to the increase in domestic aluminum scrap supply, overseas secondary aluminum processing capacity has also shown a growth trend in recent years, with overseas aluminum scrap resources entering a period of high demand growth. Some overseas aluminum scrap resources are being consumed locally, and the opportunity for them to enter China is expected to decline. Demand Side - Secondary Aluminum Alloy Demand Slows Down, Plate/Sheet and Extrusion Become New Engines ► SMM Analysis: The downstream demand for aluminum scrap in China is mainly for the production of secondary aluminum alloys, the manufacture of remelting billets for extruded aluminum profiles, and the addition of some aluminum scrap in the aluminum plate/sheet and strip industry. In recent years, the capacity expansion in the domestic secondary aluminum industry has been significant, and the supply of aluminum scrap has been tight. According to SMM data, the domestic demand for secondary aluminum in 2024 was approximately 12.79 million mt, with an expected annual compound growth rate of 13% from 2020 to 2025. The growth rate of aluminum scrap consumption for secondary aluminum alloy ingots has slowed down, while the demand for secondary wrought alloys has been increasing year by year, continuing to drive the growth rate of the entire aluminum scrap industry. According to SMM data, in 2024, the consumption of aluminum scrap in the domestic secondary aluminum alloy industry accounted for 59% of the total consumption, down 17 percentage points from 2019, while the consumption of aluminum scrap for remelting billets accounted for about 24%, up 6 percentage points from 2019, and the consumption of secondary plate/sheet increased significantly by 11 percentage points. Policy Empowerment for Green Development, China's Secondary Aluminum Industry Enters a Golden Development Period Since the beginning of the "14th Five-Year Plan," the development of China's secondary aluminum industry has entered a policy golden period, with relevant policies being intensively introduced. The national low-carbon process has accelerated, promoting the carbon peak in the non-ferrous metal industry and accelerating the development of the secondary aluminum industry, while also injecting new momentum into the green and sustainable development of the aluminum industry. It also reviewed some of the secondary aluminum industry promotion policies from 2021 to 2025. 2. Current Status of the Secondary Aluminum Alloy Market Increasing Concentration of Secondary Aluminum Alloy Industry Capacity Enterprises are mainly concentrated in east China, south China, and south-west China. Rising Supply Pressure, Slowing Growth in New Secondary Aluminum Alloy Capacity ► SMM Analysis: According to SMM statistics, in 2024, there were 28 planned and newly built secondary cast aluminum alloy projects in China, involving a capacity of 2.05 million mt. Among them, 16 projects were actually put into production, with a new capacity of 1.32 million mt, and the total existing capacity in the industry reached 17.62 million mt. In terms of the distribution of new capacity, Anhui, Sichuan, and Yunnan ranked in the top three. Among them, Anhui, due to its active development of the NEV industry, has attracted many OEMs and parts companies, leading to the establishment of new secondary aluminum plants and potentially shifting the production center in east China from Jiangsu and Zhejiang to Anhui. Surge in New Secondary Aluminum Projects in Q1 2025, Limited Actual Volume ► SMM Analysis: In Q1 2025, the domestic new secondary aluminum capacity totaled 2.66 million mt, including approximately 560,000 mt of new secondary cast aluminum alloy capacity and 1.7 million mt of new secondary wrought aluminum alloy capacity, with secondary wrought aluminum products being favored. Compared to the same period last year, the number of new projects has increased, but most are in the environmental assessment or new construction phase, with limited actual new capacity. As projects are gradually completed and put into production, the supply in the secondary aluminum market is expected to continue to increase significantly. Raw Material Constraints and New Capacity Expansion Lead to Another Decline in Secondary Aluminum Alloy Operating Rate ► SMM Analysis: Due to factors such as high capacity and insufficient raw materials, the overall operating rate in the secondary aluminum industry has remained low for a long time. According to SMM statistics, the production of secondary aluminum alloys in 2024 is expected to reach 7.05 million mt, with the operating rate dropping by 2 percentage points to 40.0% compared to the previous year. The demand for secondary aluminum alloys in fields such as NEVs is expected to increase in the future, and with the gradual improvement of policies, those secondary aluminum plants that rely excessively on tax incentives may face elimination. In addition, the speed of new capacity expansion may slow down, thereby promoting a rebound in the operating rate of the secondary aluminum alloy industry. Significant Increase in NEV Market Share, Secondary Aluminum Alloy Demand Rises ► SMM Analysis: Automobiles are the largest downstream application of secondary aluminum alloys. In 2024, China's automobile production was 31.282 million units, up 3.7% YoY. Among them, the annual production of NEVs exceeded 10 million units for the first time, up 34.4% YoY, with the market share increasing to 40.9%. Although secondary aluminum alloys are currently mainly used in traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, in recent years, automotive parts companies have accelerated the transition from core components of internal combustion engine vehicles to the three electric systems of NEVs, driving secondary aluminum companies to develop aluminum alloy products that meet new demands. Driven by the "dual carbon" goals, cost control, and technological advancements, the demand for low-carbon secondary aluminum materials continues to rise. According to SMM estimates, the demand for secondary aluminum alloys for automobiles in 2024 increased by 2.3% YoY. In Q1 2025, China's automobile production cumulatively reached 7.561 million units, up 14.5% YoY, with NEV production increasing by 50.4%, continuing the strong production and sales momentum. The demand for secondary aluminum alloys for automobiles in 2025 is expected to grow to 4.46 million mt. Steady Growth in the Motorcycle Industry Drives Slight Increase in Secondary Aluminum Alloy Demand ► SMM Analysis: The application of aluminum alloys in motorcycles is already very extensive, with aluminum castings occupying a core position. The main application components include cylinder heads, cylinder blocks, shock absorbers, brakes, handle covers, and side covers. According to data from the China Chamber of Commerce for Motorcycles, the total production of motorcycles in 2024 was 19.9708 million units, up 2.82% YoY. In addition to complete vehicles, the export of motorcycle engines increased by 22% YoY to 1.15 million units. Overall, the demand for secondary aluminum alloys from motorcycles in 2024 increased by 3.4% YoY to 760,000 mt. With policy support, steady growth in exports, and the development of electrification, the demand for secondary aluminum alloys from motorcycles is expected to further increase. Demand for Secondary Aluminum Alloys in Other Fields Also Grows ► SMM Analysis: Secondary aluminum alloys are also widely used in fields such as communications, machinery equipment, consumer electronics, and appliances. ADC12 Cost Breakdown ► SMM Analysis: The cost of ADC12 is mainly composed of five parts. Specifically, ① Aluminum scrap raw material cost: the largest proportion, with differences in composition and yield rate leading to varying aluminum scrap prices. Additionally, the pre-treatment methods and equipment processes of enterprises also affect the cost of aluminum scrap. ② Silicon raw material cost: enterprises mainly use 553# grade with or without oxygen. ③ Copper raw material cost: for cost reduction, secondary aluminum plants usually add bare bright copper wire and other copper scrap. ④ Natural gas cost: secondary aluminum plants mostly use natural gas as fuel in the smelting process, with 60-80 m³ of natural gas consumed per ton of ADC12 production. ⑤ Other costs: mainly include additives and other auxiliary materials used in the smelting process, hydropower, labor, three expenses, and depreciation. Rising Aluminum Prices Drive Up Aluminum Scrap Cost Proportion, Falling Silicon Prices Lead to Significant Decline in Proportion ► SMM Analysis: According to SMM estimates, the national weighted average cost of ADC12 in 2024 was 19,776 yuan/mt (including tax), up 6.9% YoY, with the proportion of aluminum scrap cost increasing by 1.1 percentage points to 88.5%; in 2024, silicon prices continued to decline unilaterally, with the cost proportion continuously decreasing. In Q1 2025, the national weighted average cost of ADC12 reached 20,494 yuan/mt (including tax), with the proportion of aluminum scrap cost increasing by another 0.7 percentage points to 89.2%, continuing to expand in the total cost. Imported Aluminum Alloy Ingots Increased by 7% YoY in 2024, Rebounding Above 1.2 Million mt The import window for aluminum alloy ingots opened after 2020 ► SMM Analysis: Before 2020, China was a net exporter of aluminum alloy ingots, but after 2020, the import window gradually opened. In 2024, imported aluminum alloy ingots were 1.213 million mt, up 7.1% YoY. Policy changes may affect the import situation in 2025. In terms of import sources, Malaysia remained the top source of imported aluminum alloy ingots for the year, reaching 521,300 mt, with the proportion increasing from 42% in 2023 to 43%. The other top sources were Thailand, Vietnam, Russia, and South Korea, with proportions of 14.2%, 7.9%, 7.7%, and 6.1%, respectively. The proportion of the top five import countries increased from 75% in 2023 to 79%.Imports from Thailand saw the largest increase, up 59,000 mt YoY to 172,000 mt. In January-February 2025, aluminum alloy imports exceeded 100,000 mt consecutively, with price inversion and exchange rate impacts leading to shrinking profits. ►SMM Analysis: Cumulative imports in January-February 2025 reached 191,500 mt, down 1.0% YoY. After mid-November last year, domestic aluminum prices began a continuous decline, with ADC12 prices following suit. Meanwhile, overseas prices fluctuated relatively little, and the RMB exchange rate weakened continuously, quickly turning profits into losses, which persisted until mid-January. Additionally, during the Chinese New Year holiday, market activity decreased, and demand declined. Multiple unfavorable factors combined, reducing monthly imports to below 100,000 mt in January and February. Imports in March are expected to rebound slightly to above 100,000 mt, with a potential decline after April. 3. Supply-Demand Balance in the Secondary Aluminum Market. Aluminum Scrap Supply-Demand Balance. Increased imports of aluminum scrap are filling market gaps, potentially balancing aluminum scrap supply and demand. The analysis of the annual aluminum scrap balance (2023-2027E) was conducted from perspectives including domestic new material, domestic old material, imports (aluminum scrap + remelting ingots), secondary aluminum alloy demand, remelting billet demand, secondary aluminum plate/sheet and strip demand, and other demands (cables, aluminum powder, etc.). Secondary Aluminum Alloy Supply-Demand Balance. Slowing capacity release combined with a slight increase in demand maintains a tight balance in the secondary aluminum alloy market. 4. Secondary Aluminum Market Price Outlook and Methodology Introduction. ADC12 Price Trend. ►SMM Analysis: In terms of A00 prices, domestic supply in 2025 is gradually approaching its ceiling, with production growth narrowing to around 2.1%. Meanwhile, the development of new energy and other sectors continues to drive primary aluminum consumption, although traditional construction sector aluminum use is expected to decline. SMM forecasts a 1.5% increase in aluminum consumption for the full year of 2025, maintaining a tight supply-demand balance. Recent unexpected tariff policies have sustained a bearish trading sentiment, putting pressure on future prices. For ADC12, the aluminum scrap market remains tight, and more comprehensive policies may increase cost pressures for companies. Downstream consumption is growing slightly, but the demand rebound in March-April fell short of expectations, intensifying cut-throat competition and dragging down ADC12 prices. On the supply side, new capacities in 2025 continue to expand, increasing supply pressure, while imports may decline, reducing their impact on domestic prices. Overall, aluminum scrap costs still strongly support ADC12 prices, but rising supply and weaker-than-expected demand may limit price increases. SMM strictly adheres to IOSCO price collection standards, facilitating international clients' use of prices. The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) is an international cooperative organization of securities and futures regulatory bodies. SMM releases price points through a comprehensive price collection system and price assessment methodology. SMM Secondary Aluminum Price System. SMM secondary aluminum prices cover aluminum scrap and quotes from three major downstream sectors. • Aluminum Scrap: Aluminum scrap prices broadly cover major production and consumption regions in China, involving multiple categories, as well as overseas imports and imported remelting ingot quotes. • Remelting Billet: Covers multiple regions and various models. • Secondary Aluminum Alloy: Common domestic and international alloy grades, such as ADC12, A380, etc. • Secondary Aluminum Plate/Sheet and Strip: Quotes for 1, 3, 5, and 6-series secondary aluminum plate/sheet and strip. SMM ADC12 Price Formation. Click to view the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference and Aluminum Industry Expo Special Report.

AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference and Expo is one of the most influential events in China's aluminum industry and will be grandly held at Suzhou International Expo Center from April 16-18, 2025 . This exhibition is not only an annual event for the aluminum industry but also a high-quality platform that gathers global leading enterprises, experts, scholars, and industry elites, focusing on high-level dialogues, industry exchanges, and product showcases. AICE 2025 focuses on hot topics in the global aluminum industry, deeply explores cutting-edge technologies and trends in aluminum industry development, and showcases and exchanges the latest research results and practical experiences in upstream aluminum, aluminum rolling - aluminum plate/sheet, strip and foil, aluminum extrusion - tubes, rods, wires, and profiles, recycling and die-casting, aluminum melting and casting equipment, and auxiliary materials . Click to Register At this year's Aluminum Industry Conference and Expo, Guangxi Tiancheng Aluminum Co., Ltd. will attend and share practical experiences, collaborating with industry peers to build an innovative, high-quality, efficient, and sustainable aluminum industry chain, promoting new leaps in the aluminum industry. AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference and Expo will discuss, build, and share with global elites, empowering the entire aluminum industry chain. AICE 2025 will leverage the organizer's influence to integrate industry, academia, and research, stimulate innovation in the aluminum industry, and contribute to the industry's development and progress, fostering prosperity and success in the aluminum industry. We look forward to meeting you on-site! Guangxi Tiancheng Aluminum Co., Ltd. To implement the autonomous region's requirements of "leveraging comparative advantages, selecting development tracks, and developing new quality productive forces according to local conditions," and to utilize Laibin City's resources and regional advantages in the aluminum deep processing industry, on April 8, the "Aluminum-Based New Materials Joint Research Center" was officially established by Kunming University of Science and Technology and Guangxi Tiancheng Aluminum Co., Ltd. located in the Laibin Industrial Park. As an important attempt at deep integration of industry, academia, and research in the domestic aluminum industry, the center aims to combine the strengths and resources of both the university and the enterprise to promote the R&D and industrial application of key common technologies in aluminum-based new materials. The School of Materials Science and Engineering at Kunming University of Science and Technology boasts national-level platforms such as the "National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Advanced Solidification Forming and Equipment Technology," with dozens of key scientific research projects and technological breakthroughs in this field, yet faces constraints in the transformation of research results. As a leading aluminum processing enterprise in Southwest China, Tiancheng Aluminum has an annual production capacity of 200,000 mt of high-end aluminum semis but is limited by the small size of its R&D team and the scarcity of high-end talent. Both parties are joining forces to address key industry chain needs, promoting seamless integration between the university's "intellectual library" and the enterprise's "production line." According to the construction plan, the research center will establish three functional areas with a total area of 1,000 m². The R&D experimental area will focus on basic research and experimental verification, the pilot production area will specialize in the industrial verification of core technologies, and the supporting office and conference area will serve daily operations and academic exchanges. By connecting the entire chain of "R&D - pilot - industrialization," the center will provide an innovation engine for the high-quality development of Guangxi's industry. It is worth noting that the establishment of the center coincides with Guangxi's vigorous development of advanced manufacturing of aluminum components—leveraging Laibin City's aluminum industry foundation and regional advantages, the local area is accelerating the implementation of industry chain integration projects, promoting the innovative application of aluminum materials in fields such as NEVs, providing a broad stage for university-enterprise cooperation.

On April 22, the "Weiqiao-Luxeed Automotive Lightweighting Joint Laboratory" was officially inaugurated in Suzhou. Co-founded by Shandong Weiqiao Pioneering Group and Luxeed Automotive, the laboratory marks a new phase in the strategic cooperation between the two parties and represents a further step forward in Weiqiao, the "aluminum giant,"'s layout in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector. According to the plan, with the joint R&D efforts of both parties, the proportion of aluminum materials in the auto body of the next-generation products will increase to 50%, the weight of the body in white will decrease by 15%, the torsional stiffness of the auto body will improve by 11%, and the driving range will increase by 10%. Meanwhile, the vehicle-use cast aluminum alloy, jointly developed by both parties, will be applied to the chassis parts of the next-generation products. Compared with the existing aluminum alloy, the fatigue strength will increase by 20%, the weight will decrease by 15%, and carbon emissions will reduce by 20%.

On April 22, the "Weiqiao-Luxeed Automotive Lightweighting Joint Laboratory" was officially inaugurated in Suzhou. Co-founded by Shandong Weiqiao Pioneering Group and Luxeed Automotive, the laboratory marks a new phase in the strategic cooperation between the two parties and represents a further step forward in Weiqiao, the "aluminum giant," expanding its presence in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector. According to the plan, with the joint R&D efforts of both parties, the proportion of aluminum materials in the auto body of the next-generation products will increase to 50%, the weight of the body in white will be reduced by 15%, the torsional stiffness of the auto body will be improved by 11%, and the driving range will be extended by 10%. Meanwhile, the vehicle-use cast aluminum alloy, jointly developed by both parties, will be applied to the chassis parts of the next-generation products. Compared with the existing aluminum alloy, the fatigue strength will be increased by 20%, the weight will be reduced by 15%, and carbon emissions will be decreased by 20%.

【NIO’s new brand, Firefly, launches its first eponymous model】 On April 19, NIO’s new brand, Firefly, officially unveiled its first eponymous model, available in two design variants: Freedom and Luminous, priced at 119,800 yuan and 125,800 yuan, respectively. The new model has been introduced to over 300 NIO stores nationwide and will commence delivery on April 29. Developed in line with the latest Euro - China NCAP five - star standards, the Firefly features a body with a high proportion (83.4%) of mixed high - strength steel and aluminum materials. It also adopts a 35,700 Nm/deg torsional rigidity, 2,000 MPa submarine - level rear longitudinal beam, nine standard airbags, and 13 active safety functions. The Firefly will share NIO’s energy replenishment network, granting access to NIO’s 26,000 + charging piles and over 1.23 million third - party charging piles upon delivery, with plans to integrate NIO’s fifth - generation battery swap stations in the future.

On April 16, at the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference and Aluminum Industry Expo—Alumina and Aluminum Raw Materials Forum, hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd., SMM Metal Trading Center, and Shandong Aisi Information Technology Co., Ltd., and co-organized by Zhongyifeng Jinyi (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Lezhi County Qianrun Investment Service Co., Ltd., Zhou Chu, Senior Technical Manager of the Green and Low-Carbon Development Center of Zhongbiao Hexin (Beijing) Certification Co., Ltd., shared insights on how to achieve sustainable development and enhance corporate competitiveness through ASI certification. Current Global ASI Certification Development Status: - A total of 220 ASI audits were completed in 2024 (an 8% increase from 2023), covering 61 countries. - ASI issued 73 certification certificates, including 51 Performance Standards (PS) and 22 Chain of Custody Standards (CoC). - 62 re-certification certificates were issued, including 40 PS re-certifications and 22 CoC re-certifications. - As of January 10, 2025, a total of 181 ASI Performance certificates have been issued globally, with 69 in China. Additionally, 73 CoC certificates have been issued, with 37 in China. 01 Industry Status: 1.1 Current Status of Aluminum Reserves and Production: By the end of 2023, global bauxite reserves were estimated to exceed 30 billion mt, most of which remain untapped. 1.2 Current Global Market Demand for Aluminum: ► Factors Influencing Global Aluminum Market Demand Over the Past Decade: 2015: Rising demand from China's infrastructure and automotive lightweighting; 2016: Declining demand in China due to stricter property market regulations; 2017: Aluminum prices rebounded in China due to environmental protection and capacity reduction policies; 2018: US-China trade friction and tariff increases hindered Chinese exports, but demand from infrastructure and NEVs remained stable; 2019: Global economic slowdown and manufacturing downturn led to peak demand in China; 2020: Demand in the new energy sector surged against the trend; 2021: Global monetary easing and EV demand explosion; 2022: European energy crisis suppressed demand, and China's real estate market declined; 2023: Global PV and NEV boom, and China's old community renovations boosted demand; 2024: Increased PV installations and NEV penetration, and upgrades to aging power grids. In summary, the shift from "building houses and cars" to "manufacturing solar panels and EVs" has made environmental protection policies and energy transition the core drivers, with Chinese demand remaining a barometer for the global aluminum market. ► Divergence in Global Aluminum Market Demand: The demand share from China, Europe, the US, Southeast Asia, and India was discussed. ► Changes in Demand Structure: Emerging Sectors Rise, Traditional Sectors Transform: The rise of emerging sectors: In 2023, PV accounted for 11.4% of global aluminum usage, becoming the fastest-growing sector. EVs use 30%-50% more aluminum per vehicle than traditional cars, and global EV penetration reached 18% in 2024, driving growth in transportation aluminum. Traditional sectors are actively transforming: China's building renovation and renewal supported aluminum market growth, with construction aluminum accounting for 25% of usage in 2023. Additionally, the recovery in aluminum can demand in the packaging industry saw global aluminum can usage return to growth in 2024. ► Future Trends and Challenges: Growth drivers: By 2030, PV, EVs, and grid upgrades are expected to add over 7 million mt of aluminum demand (source: Rusal forecast report). China's "North Aluminum Southward Shift" and capacity expansion in Indonesia will reshape the global supply chain. Risk factors: Energy cost volatility (e.g., European natural gas prices), trade friction (e.g., Rusal sanctions affecting global circulation), and the rise in secondary aluminum production (14 million mt globally in 2023), though primary aluminum still dominates. On March 11, 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and the Ministry of Natural Resources jointly issued the "High-Quality Development Implementation Plan for the Aluminum Industry (2025-2027)," which aims to promote high-quality development in the aluminum industry. Many measures align with ASI certification principles, providing strong support for companies pursuing ASI certification. ASI certification focuses on the sustainability of responsible aluminum production, procurement, and management, emphasizing best practices in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. 02 Why ASI Certification Matters: 2.1 What is ASI Certification? The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI): A global, multi-stakeholder, non-profit organization that creates and promotes sustainability standards for responsible aluminum production, procurement, and management. ASI certification is a third-party independent verification process that ensures the entire aluminum value chain—from mining to end products—complies with best practices in environmental, social, and governance (ESG). 2.2 ASI Certification Standards: ► ASI certification offers two voluntary standards for applicants: ASI Performance Standard (PS) and ASI Chain of Custody Standard (CoC). Performance Standard: Aims to ensure sustainability in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects throughout the aluminum production and supply chain, covering bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminum production, semi-finished product manufacturing, and aluminum product recycling. Chain of Custody Standard: Ensures traceability of aluminum materials from production to end products, guaranteeing that consumer products originate from responsible production processes compliant with ASI Performance Standards. It is a voluntary certification for ASI members, with responsible procurement policies, anti-corruption, human rights due diligence, and conflict-affected and high-risk areas aligned with the Performance Standard. 2.3 Why Companies Need ASI Certification: Relevant cases were cited, and it was noted that companies not implementing ASI certification and failing to adopt sustainable development measures may face the following adverse effects: - High probability of affecting international market participation: Major global clients (e.g., automotive, aviation, construction) often require suppliers to have ASI certification, and uncertified companies may be excluded from these markets. - Increased compliance risks: Stricter environmental regulations and trade barriers may lead to high fines, lawsuits, and supply chain disruptions for uncertified companies. - Negative impact on brand reputation: Public and consumer focus on corporate environmental responsibility may lead to a trust crisis and damage brand image for uncertified companies. 03 How to Apply for ASI Certification: 3.1 ASI Membership Types: Becoming an ASI member is the first step to pursuing ASI certification! 3.2 ASI Certification Process: 3.3 Key Factors for Successful Certification: ► Management support: Management's support plays a central role in the certification process, requiring strategic integration of ASI certification into corporate planning. ► System construction: Establishing an ESG system compliant with ASI standards is critical. Only a comprehensive and compliant ESG system can meet certification requirements. ► Data management: Accurate and compliant data management is essential for certification. Comprehensive energy and carbon monitoring, data collection, analysis, and records effectively demonstrate a company's efforts and achievements in sustainability during audits. ► Supply chain collaboration: Sustainable raw material extraction and transportation upstream, and sustainable product use and recycling downstream, jointly setting and executing sustainability goals, sharing experiences and resources, and enhancing corporate competitiveness and overall supply chain sustainability. Additionally, an overview and qualifications of Zhongbiao Hexin (Beijing) Certification Co., Ltd. were introduced, along with how it supports companies. Summary and Call to Action: ASI Certification = Corporate Sustainability + Competitiveness Enhancement Act early to seize market opportunities! Click to view the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference and Aluminum Industry Expo special report.

The intelligent construction project for high-end aluminum plate/sheet, strip and foil for NEVs by Huafon Aluminum officially commenced recently, with a total investment of 2.619 billion yuan, located in the Baitao Chemical Industrial Park, Fuling District, Chongqing. The project is expected to build an annual production line of 450,000 mt, mainly used for NEVs, internal combustion engine vehicles, and various heat dissipation scenarios. Adopting industry-leading intelligent equipment and green production processes, the project will significantly enhance the supply capacity of lightweight materials for NEVs, providing solid support for the realization of the national "dual carbon" goals.