Overall, the aluminum processing industry achieved a slight edge up in operating rate this week, driven by the recovery of export orders, the surge in energy storage demand, and the recovery of infrastructure-related orders. The industry maintained relatively strong resilience, and going forward, attention should be focused on the sustainability of export orders and the boosting effect of aluminum price trends on demand.

Conference Name: AIAC 2026 SMM (15th) Aluminum Industry Annual Conference Conference Date: October 12-13, 2026 Conference Venue: Guiyang, China Conference Theme: Long-term Contracts · Trade · Market Trends Organizer: SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. In 2026, the global aluminum industry is at a critical juncture of profound transformation and strategic transition. As the world's largest aluminum producer (accounting for approximately 60% of global aluminum production), China's industrial dynamics profoundly influence the global market landscape. The industry currently faces multiple challenges and opportunities, including global resource allocation and import dependence, the supply-demand pattern of alumina and aluminum, long-term contract trading models and risk management, and responses to geopolitical tensions and trade barriers. Against this backdrop, China's aluminum industry urgently needs to achieve breakthroughs through technological innovation, enhance efficiency and set benchmarks through management upgrades, and ultimately realize a strategic leap from "scale advantage" to "quality advantage," advancing steadily on the path of high-quality development. Thisis scheduled to be held in Guiyang on October 12-13, 2026. Organized by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd., the conference will focus on global bauxite allocation strategies, innovation in long-term contract pricing models, optimization of price forecasting models, application of risk hedging tools, energy transition pathways, and technological innovation directions, aiming to help enterprises seize opportunities for high-quality development of the aluminum industry under the "dual carbon" goals and achieve sustained industrial growth. Conference Value | Conference Value This conference focuses on upstream resource security, long-term contract trade, market insights and price forecasting, risk hedging, energy transition, and technological innovation sharing, with particular emphasis on global bauxite allocation, the supply-demand balance of alumina and aluminum, and long-term contract pricing models. It aims to help enterprises grasp market trends, optimize resource allocation, address trade challenges, and promote the healthy development of the aluminum industry. Attendees | Attendees This conference will invite representatives from premium enterprises across the aluminum industry chain (bauxite, alumina, aluminum, aluminum processing), traders, end-users, government leaders, trade associations, authoritative experts, industry research institutions, financial institutions, and other industry representatives. The conference is expected to attract over 500 attendees. Past Conference Guests Company Name Company Representative Name Name Job Title Job Title Main Products Main Products Shandong Aluminium Industry Association SHANDONG ALUMINIUM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION Wen Xianjun Former Vice President of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA), Honorary President of Shandong Aluminium Industry Association China Aluminum International Trading Group Co., Ltd. China Aluminum International Trading Group Co., Ltd. Li Guangfei Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, General Manager Aluminum, alumina, bauxite SPIC Aluminum International Trading Co., Ltd. State Power Investment Corporation Aluminum International Trading Co., Ltd. Liu Renjian General Manager Bauxite, alumina, aluminum and related products Gansu Dongxing Aluminium Co., Ltd. Gansu Dongxing Aluminium Co., Ltd. Li Jipeng General Manager Aluminum, aluminum billet, aluminum coil, aluminum rod Shandong Hongtuo Industrial Co., Ltd. Shandong Hongtuo Industrial Co., Ltd Jiang Zhen Sales General Manager Alumina, aluminum Henan Zhongfu Industrial Co., Ltd. Henan Zhongfu Industrial Co., Ltd. Qian Yu General Manager Aluminum, aluminum plate/sheet, strip and foil Henan Shenhuo International Trading Co., Ltd. HENAN SHENHUO INTERNATIONAL TRADING CO., LTD. Zhang Linhai General Manager Aluminum Yidian Holdings Group International Trade Co., Ltd. Yidian Holdings Group International Trade Co., Ltd Meng Tao General Manager Aluminum Yidian Holdings Group International Trade Co., Ltd. Yidian Holdings Group International Trade Co., Ltd Fan Weiguo Deputy General Manager Aluminum Ningbo Kaiton International Trade Co., Ltd. Ningbo Kaiton International Trade Co. Ltd. Wu Chuanghui General Manager Aluminum, copper cathode Shanxi Zhaofeng Tiancheng Aluminum Co., Ltd. Shanxi Zhaofeng Tiancheng Aluminum Co., Ltd. Wu Xiaojun Chairman Aluminum plate/sheet and strip Jiangxi Bestoo Energy Co., Ltd. Jiangxi Bestoo Energy Co., ltd. Zhao Yonghua Vice President Aluminum Shaanxi Nonferrous Yulin New Materials Group Co., Ltd. Shaanxi Nonferrous Yulin New Materials Group Co., Ltd. Gao Wenjie Deputy General Manager Aluminum Shandong Nanshan Aluminum Co.,Ltd. Shandong Nanshan Aluminum Co.,Ltd. Li Wenchao General Manager Shanghai Russia Xibo Economic and Trade Co., Ltd. Shanghai Russia Xibo Economic and TradeCo..Ltd Deng Gang President of China Marketing Primary Aluminum Luoyang Xiangjiang Wanji Aluminium Co., Ltd. LUOYANG XIANGJIANG WANJI ALUMINIUM Wang Wenjie General Manager Alumina Shandong Aluminium Industry Association Shandong Aluminium Industry Association He Faping President and Secretary General Shandong Aluminium Industry Association Shandong Aluminium Industry Association Li Zhenlei Director of Industry Information Department Henan Provincial Nonferrous Metals Association Henan Provincel Nonferrous Metals Association Li Ruxi Vice President Shanghai Aluminum Trade Association SHANGHAI ALUMINUM TRADE ASSOCIATION Liu Lilin Secretary General Association Shanghai Aluminum Trade Association SHANGHAI ALUMINUM TRADE ASSOCIATION Shen Yue Deputy Secretary General Association Huolinguole City Aluminum Industry Association Huolinguole City Aluminum Industry Association Gao Jinzhi President, Deputy Director of Huolinguole Municipal People's Congress Standing Committee Huolinguole Regional Economic Cooperation Financial Services Center Huolinguole Regional EconomicCooperation Financial Services Center Wang Kaifei Director Wenshan Prefecture Aluminum Industry Association Wenshan Prefecture Aluminum IndustryAssociation TBD Association * Only a partial list of attending guests is shown. To obtain the complete directory of the 2025 Aluminum Industry Annual Conference, please contact our customer service. Manager Chu (Miya) 13642049827 chuzhaolan@smm.cn Note: After submitting your information, we will contact you regarding your actual registration progress within 1-3 business days! Conference Content | Agenda This year's conference is planned to consist of two full-day main sessions | a processing and trade matchmaking session | a cross-border arbitrage training session | a public competitive bidding procurement session for bulk raw materials by a multinational aluminum giant (the specific company name is not disclosed for now) | an aluminum industry annual gala dinner | and a field trip to local leading aluminum enterprises. The first-day main session focused on upstream changes in the aluminum industry, energy reshaping and zero-carbon technologies, providing insights into the new course of China's aluminum industry under global supply chain restructuring. The second-day core highlights revolved around strategic opportunities arising from the global aluminum supply gap, with a focus on NEV lightweighting, battery foil and other growth segments, while driving aluminum semis toward high-end breakthroughs through digital transformation. Pending. Content Summary | Abstract I. Geopolitical Black Swans and Energy Crisis: Contraction of Aluminum Supply Outside China and Restructuring of Global Trade Flows II. Shifts in the Global Bauxite Supply Chain: Guinea's Policies, Geopolitical Risks and China's Resource Security III. Inert Anode Technology: The "Zero-Carbon Revolution" in the Aluminum Industry and Industrialisation Timetable IV. Middle East Black Swans and China's Opportunities: Aluminum Semis Export Strategy Amid the Global Aluminum Supply Gap V. Reshaping Energy Costs in the Aluminum Industry: From "Securing Supply" to "Reducing Costs" VI. As Electricity Market Reform Deepens, How Much Room Remains for Low-Cost Power in the Aluminum Industry? VII. Lightweighting Applications of Aluminum Alloys Across All NEV Scenarios VIII. Growth Segments for Aluminum Plate/Sheet, Strip and Foil: Demand Explosion in Battery Foil, Energy Storage and Packaging Materials IX. AI Large Models Empowering Aluminum: From Intelligent Electrolysis Cells to Full-Process Digital Factories X. Implementation of Guinea's New Policies: How to Balance Long-Term Contract Supply Security and Localisation Considerations ······ Past Industry Leaders: Wen Xianjun, Former Vice President of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA) and Honorary President of Shandong Aluminium Industry Association; Mamadou Cherif LY, General Manager of AISC Group; Wito Krisnahad, President of PT Kalimantan Aluminum Company; Ousmane Kaba, Director of Guinea's National Ministry of Mines and Geology; Bachir Diallo, Deputy Director of Guinea's Mining Infrastructure Development Bureau; Dong Chunming, General Manager of Sunlight Metal/ASI Consultant; Wang Lijiao, Deputy General Manager of Henan Mingtai Aluminum Co., Ltd.; Liu Xiaolei, Big Data Director of SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd.··· *Only a partial list of guest speakers is shown. This year's conference is expected to feature 37+ presentation reports. If you have any questions about the specific arrangements and core content of the conference, please contact us. Contact: Chu Zhaolan Tel: 13642049827 (same number on WeChat) Email: chuzhaolan@smm.cn Conference Official Website Note: After submitting your information, we will contact you regarding your actual registration progress within 1-3 business days!

At the earnings briefing on May 15, Hongqiao Holdings disclosed that the company expects capital expenditure of approximately 9 billion yuan in 2026. Among this, the aluminum processing segment will focus on advancing the upgrade of supporting processing capacity in the Yunnan region, enhancing the local absorption capability of aluminum in that region, thereby further consolidating and expanding the synergistic advantages of the entire industry chain. It is worth noting that some of the projects were announced in March 2026 and have been included in the first batch of provincial-level major project list of Yunnan Province for 2026, with public disclosure already completed. Currently, the company has no new expansion plans for the aluminum processing segment.

[Geopolitical and Supply-Demand Factors Intertwined, SHFE and LME Aluminum Maintain a Range-Bound Weak Pattern in the Short Term] With the macro situation fluctuating, domestic aluminum prices underperformed LME aluminum under high inventory pressure. Attention should still be paid to whether the turning point in China's inventory can arrive smoothly.

This week, operating rates across sub-sectors of China's aluminum processing industry continued their overall weak trend. The post-Labour Day holiday effect, combined with wild swings in aluminum prices, led to varying degrees of WoW pullback in operating rates across most sectors, with the overall rate recorded at 64.2%. Specifically, aluminum plate/sheet and strip operating rate fell to 72.6%, aluminum foil edged down to 74.7%, aluminum wire and cable recorded 66.6%, primary aluminum alloy rose slightly to 58%, leading secondary aluminum enterprises dropped to 57.0%, and aluminum extrusion operating rate also slipped slightly to 56.1%. Demand side, post-holiday aluminum prices fell by 480 yuan/mt in a single day, causing some traders to incur book losses, with cargo pick-up sentiment generally subdued. Underperforming real estate terminal completions continued to drag on construction extrusions and the air-conditioner foil segment within aluminum foil. PV frame enterprises also reduced their May production schedules, and passenger NEV growth falling short of expectations placed certain constraints on primary aluminum alloy. Overall, the consumption side was gradually showing traditional off-season characteristics. Cost side, high aluminum prices suppressed downstream enterprises' willingness to stockpile, compliant aluminum scrap sources remained tight with prices staying elevated, secondary aluminum industry profits continued to be under pressure, and some enterprises had already fallen into losses. However, aluminum wire and cable export orders continued to climb, with April expected to approach historical highs. Within aluminum extrusion industrial orders, heat sinks and industrial machinery accessories performed relatively well. Within aluminum foil, demand for food packaging foil, pharmaceutical foil, and battery foil remained stable. Automotive aluminum sheets & plates orders also benefited from the YoY and MoM double growth in April passenger NEVs, maintaining a recovery trend. Overall, in the short term, the aluminum processing industry's overall operating rate still faces downward pressure. The demand off-season and cost pressure form a dual suppression, and operating rates across sectors are expected to be under pressure in May. However, strengthening export orders and structural recovery in certain industrial demand segments will provide some bottom support for the industry. Primary aluminum alloy: This week, the primary aluminum alloy operating rate was 58%, showing a slight recovery WoW, but the rebound remained limited. Structurally, aluminum consumption at some enterprises increased, driving the overall operating rate slightly higher. However, most enterprises continued to primarily execute long-term contracts as normal, with overall operations running steadily. Current aluminum prices remained at elevated levels, suppressing downstream enterprises' willingness to stockpile, with most enterprises maintaining low inventory operations. Additionally, passenger NEV growth falling short of expectations also resulted in relatively slow demand growth. Overall, the primary aluminum alloy operating rate is expected to remain at the current level next week. Aluminum plate/sheet and strip: The operating rate of leading aluminum plate/sheet and strip enterprises edged down 0.4 percentage points WoW from pre-holiday levels to 72.6% this week. On the operational front, production lines at leading aluminum plate/sheet and strip enterprises ran normally during the Labour Day holiday with a steady production pace, but initial signs of operational pressure emerged in the industry. Post-holiday, aluminum prices pulled back, with a single-day drop of 480 yuan/mt. Some traders and dealers incurred book losses after purchasing, and sentiment for picking up goods was generally low. By product, domestic end-use demand for can stock packaging remained stable; auto sheets & plates orders benefited from the recovery of passenger NEVs in April with both YoY and MoM growth, still in a recovery trend; 1-series common plates and civilian general aluminum semis saw weak orders due to delayed cargo pick-up for engineering orders and shrinking civilian demand. In the short term, constrained by factors such as wild swings in aluminum prices and pressure on common plate orders, downward pressure on the operating rate of leading aluminum plate/sheet and strip enterprises is gradually increasing in May. Aluminum wire and cable: The operating rate of China's aluminum wire and cable industry registered 66.6% this week, edging down 1 percentage point WoW from pre-holiday levels. Although top-tier enterprises still held some power grid orders, they proactively reduced production loads due to the holiday factor and order losses, resulting in a decline in capacity utilization rate. Currently, domestic power grid end-use demand still dominates consumption, but the concentrated cargo pick-up cycle has passed, providing limited support to the overall industry operating rate. In contrast, export orders for aluminum stranded wire climbed, and Q2 exports are expected to increase significantly this year. April exports are expected to approach or break historical highs, and May exports are expected to increase by 10,000-20,000 mt MoM. Export orders will provide support to industry operations. Aluminum extrusion: The operating rate of China's aluminum extrusion industry was 56.1% this week, down 0.4 percentage points WoW, showing a generally stable but weakening trend. By segment, for architectural extrusion, dragged by domestic real estate terminal completion progress falling short of expectations, engineering orders continued their weak trend this week, and demand growth in the home decoration doors and windows segment was limited, failing to provide effective support, slightly dragging down the overall operating performance of architectural extrusion. For industrial extrusion, downstream tier-one PV module enterprises' May production schedule plans contracted, and PV frame enterprises saw a decline in operating rates. Some Hebei frame enterprises chose to shut down for 5 days during the Labour Day holiday to offset order pullback and ease cost pressure, maintaining a relatively full production schedule after the holiday; some Anhui frame enterprises reported that orders on hand remained generally stable with no significant reduction, resulting in relatively limited drag on operations. Additionally, large Guangdong aluminum extrusion enterprises reported that recent orders for heat sinks, industrial machinery accessories, and other industrial extrusion products performed well, providing support to regional industrial extrusion operations. In the short term, the weakness in architectural extrusion and the structural recovery in industrial extrusion offset each other, and the aluminum extrusion operating rate is expected to show a stable and improving trend. Aluminum foil: This week, the operating rate of leading aluminum foil enterprises fell 0.3 percentage points WoW from pre-holiday levels to 74.7%. Order side, demand for food packaging foil, pharmaceutical foil, and battery foil remained stable, supporting the baseline operating rate. Air-conditioner foil was under pressure, with May orders on hand declining MoM, as demand was dragged down by factors including a sluggish real estate market, tapering of national subsidies, high inventories outside China, and capacity relocation. Both domestic sales and export schedules declined, and weak end-use demand is expected to pull down the overall aluminum foil operating rate. In the short term, demand for packaging foil and battery foil can still support the aluminum foil operating rate at a relatively high level, but the deep weakness in air-conditioner foil will set the stage for an overall pullback in the aluminum foil industry's operating rate in May. Secondary aluminum: This week, the operating rate of leading secondary aluminum enterprises in China fell 0.7 percentage points WoW to 57.0%. During the holiday, sampled major plants maintained normal production, but affected by some downstream enterprises being on holiday and declining orders, enterprises compressed their production pace, and operating levels pulled back slightly. Currently, both demand and raw materials exerted dual pressure on production: on one hand, May gradually entered the traditional consumption off-season, downstream procurement became more cautious, market transaction activity continued to decline, and manufacturers' order performance was poor; on the other hand, finished alloy ingot prices fell more than raw material prices, compliant aluminum scrap sources remained tight with prices fluctuating at highs, industry profits continued to narrow, and some enterprises even fell into losses, with operating rates passively under pressure. After the holiday effect fades next week, the operating rate is expected to recover slightly, but the demand off-season and cost pressure are unlikely to improve significantly in the short term, and the industry's overall operating rate still faces downward expectations. [Data source statement: Data other than public information is derived from public information, market communication, and SMM's internal database models, processed by SMM for reference only and does not constitute decision-making advice.]

[Geopolitical Disruptions Combined with Elevated Inventory Highlight LME Outperforming SHFE in Aluminum Market] Overall, the core pattern of LME outperforming SHFE in the aluminum market is difficult to reverse in the short term. LME strength will support room for SHFE aluminum to catch up after the holiday, but high domestic inventory and weak demand will cap overall gains. Going forward, the focus will be on the pace of aluminum ingot destocking in China and the strength of rigid demand release from downstream resumption of work and production resumptions.

[Geopolitical Tensions Boost LME, China Inventory Buildup and Weakening Demand Under Pressure] In the short term, the core pattern of LME outperforming SHFE in the aluminum market is difficult to reverse. The strength in LME will support room for SHFE aluminum to catch up after the holiday, but high inventory and weak demand in China will suppress overall gains. Going forward, the focus should be on the pace of aluminum ingot destocking in China and the strength of rigid demand release from downstream resumption of work and production resumptions.

According to customs data, China's aluminum plate/sheet and strip (tariff codes 76061121, 76061129, 76061191, 76061199, 76061220, 76061230, 76061251, 76061259, 76061290, 76069100, 76069200) exports in March 2026 reached 278,200 mt, up 21% MoM and up 3% YoY.

[SMM Aluminum Price Weekly Review: Domestic and International Aluminum Prices Weakened in Tandem, Weak Macro Sentiment Dragged Down Pre-Holiday Market]

[Conflict Impact] The outbreak of the Middle East conflict on February 28, 2026, significantly disrupted global aluminum market dynamics, driving increased volatility in aluminum prices. Aluminum prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) surged alongside escalating tensions, rising from an Official Price of $3,156.5/mt on February 27 to a peak of $3,519.5/mt in early March. Prices later retreated to the $3,200–3,300/mt range in late March, as market sentiment gradually stabilized. On March 28, in response to attacks on Iranian industrial zones, Iran reportedly targeted major regional aluminum producers including Aluminum Bahrain and Emirates Global Aluminum, while Qatar Aluminum declared force majeure. These developments constrained primary aluminum output in the Middle East, tightening market liquidity and increasing supply uncertainty. As a result of supply disruptions, global aluminum availability declined, particularly impacting regions outside China in Asia. Entering April, LME aluminum prices rebounded to $3,400–3,500/mt, breaking above $3,600/mt in mid-April and fluctuating within the $3,500–3,600/mt range. [Shipping Disruptions] The conflict initially disrupted transportation systems across the Middle East, with the Strait of Hormuz being most severely affected. Key aluminum exporters—including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran, and Kuwait—faced significant logistical constraints. Exports that traditionally passed through the Strait were heavily restricted, forcing market participants to adopt alternative logistics routes, including land transport to Red Sea ports. These adjustments significantly increased freight costs and extended delivery lead times. In April, the escalation of conflict into the Red Sea region further limited alternative shipping routes. Most Europe–Asia vessels opted to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope, driving both freight costs and transit times higher. According to SMM market research, cargo delivery delays reached 3–5 weeks, while container freight costs surged by as much as 60–70%. [Primary Aluminum and Processing] Reduced Middle Eastern exports tightened primary aluminum supply across major Asian consuming countries, particularly Japan, Thailand, India, and South Korea. In 2024, the Middle East exported 6.408 million mt of primary aluminum and key aluminum products, with these four countries accounting for approximately 20.8% (1.331 million mt). In 2025, exports declined to 6.071 million mt, with imports from these countries totaling approximately 1.215 million mt (~20%). Demand for primary aluminum alloys and billets (notably 6xxx series) remained strong. SMM data shows that following the outbreak of conflict, processing fees for 6063 billets in Southeast Asia rose from $200–250/mt to $250–300/mt, peaking at $300–310/mt. Market feedback indicates a recovery in demand for 6xxx billets, with both domestic and export transactions in Malaysia and Thailand increasing significantly in April. Downstream purchasing sentiment improved, offsetting weaker market conditions observed in January–February. Demand for primary foundry alloys also strengthened. Elevated aluminum prices, reduced Middle Eastern supply, and growth in downstream sectors such as automotive (particularly in Thailand) drove increased enquiries for alloys including A356, AlSi10MnMg, and AlSi10FeMg. Notably, interest in low-carbon aluminum has also increased, reflecting rising alignment with international decarbonization policies such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Against a backdrop of tightening primary supply, importing semi-finished aluminum products from alternative regions may become an increasingly viable option. [Secondary Aluminum] Beyond primary production, the Middle East has also been a significant supplier of aluminum scrap and secondary alloys, serving as an emerging recycling and processing hub prior to the conflict. India and South Korea are key importers of Middle Eastern scrap. In 2024, the region exported 628,000 mt of aluminum scrap, with India and South Korea accounting for 62.6% and 13.5%, respectively. In 2025, total exports rose to 766,000 mt, with imports reaching 489,000 mt (India) and 101,000 mt (South Korea). Amid the conflict, buyers from Japan and South Korea diversified sourcing toward Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Thailand, boosting demand for ADC12 secondary aluminum alloy. This shift supported both Southeast Asian FOB prices and Japan CIF prices. In April, continued conflict escalation drove additional demand from India, with SMM data indicating several thousand tonnes of incremental enquiries and transactions in Southeast Asia. SMM began tracking ADC12 FOB prices in Thailand and Malaysia in March 2026. Prices rose from $3,000/mt on March 2 to $3,365/mt by April 27, marking an increase of $365/mt. Market activity remained robust, with strong exports to Japan, South Korea, and India, alongside steady shipments to China, Singapore, and other regions. Some producers have reportedly secured orders through late June to July. On the raw materials side, rising LME aluminum prices pushed both imported and domestic scrap prices higher. In Thailand, aluminum cable scrap reached THB 115,000–120,000/mt ($3,560–3,710/mt) in April, significantly increasing blending costs for billet producers. As scrap prices climbed, some billet producers reduced scrap usage and increased reliance on primary aluminum. Meanwhile, higher prices for Tense scrap led to reduced trading volumes, prompting ADC12 producers to substitute alternative scrap types, including higher-copper materials, to optimize cost structures. Reduced scrap supply from the Middle East also intensified competition, particularly as India increased procurement from alternative markets, tightening supply and driving prices higher in Southeast Asia. [Outlook] The Middle East conflict has fundamentally reshaped aluminum trade flows across Asia and globally, increasing pressure on Southeast Asia’s aluminum processing sector. If the conflict persists, global aluminum trade is likely to become more regionalized, with tighter raw material availability in Asia and stronger internal circulation in Western markets. China may emerge as a key balancing supplier, as widening domestic-international price spreads could open export arbitrage opportunities for semi-finished aluminum products and secondary alloys. However, Southeast Asia may face mounting pressure from raw material shortages and intensified competition, particularly from India. At the same time, tightening low-carbon policies and Western supply chain reshoring may further challenge regional competitiveness. Conversely, a de-escalation of the conflict and normalization of logistics routes could ease supply constraints, potentially placing downward pressure on aluminum product and secondary alloy prices, gradually returning the market toward pre-conflict conditions. [Notes] The “18 Middle Eastern countries” referenced in this report include: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain Levant region: Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine Other key regional countries: Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Egypt, Cyprus, Libya, Yemen Primary aluminium and related key aluminium products include the following HS codes: 7601 – Unwrought aluminium 7604 – Aluminium bars, rods and profiles 7605 – Aluminium wire 7606 – Aluminium plates, sheets and strip, thickness > 0.2 mm 7607 – Aluminium foil 7608 – Aluminium tubes and pipes