【SMM Steel】India's JSW Steel Limited plans to merge its subsidiary BMM Ispat Limited to boost operational synergies and expand its long product portfolio, as announced in a May 15 regulatory filing. The integration will leverage BMM Ispat's expansion-ready land in Karnataka to achieve cost efficiencies and significant operational synergies. JSW Steel can achieve faster capacity growth at lower costs through this merger compared to building new facilities from scratch. The move will also strengthen its long products portfolio by adding rebar and billets, enhancing its market positioning.

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!

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that in April, raw coal production of above-designated-size industrial enterprises (hereinafter referred to as above-designated-size industries) maintained a relatively high level, while the growth rates of crude oil and power production accelerated, and natural gas production grew steadily. I. Production of Raw Coal, Crude Oil, and Natural Gas, and Related Information Raw coal production maintained a relatively high level. In April, raw coal production of above-designated-size industries was 390 million mt, down 1.0% YoY, compared with flat YoY in March; daily average production was 12.85 million mt. From January to April, raw coal production of above-designated-size industries was 1.58 billion mt, down 0.1% YoY. Crude oil production growth accelerated. In April, crude oil production of above-designated-size industries was 17.94 million mt, up 1.2% YoY, with the growth rate 1.0 percentage point faster than in March; daily average production was 598,000 mt. From January to April, crude oil production of above-designated-size industries was 72.74 million mt, up 1.3% YoY. The decline in crude oil processing widened. In April, crude oil processed by above-designated-size industries was 54.65 million mt, down 5.8% YoY, with the decline 3.6 percentage points wider than in March; daily average processing volume was 1.822 million mt. From January to April, crude oil processed by above-designated-size industries was 238.95 million mt, down 0.5% YoY. Natural gas production grew steadily. In April, natural gas production of above-designated-size industries was 21.9 billion m³, up 1.9% YoY, with the growth rate 1.1 percentage points slower than in March; daily average production was 730 million m³. From January to April, natural gas production of above-designated-size industries was 90 billion m³, up 2.7% YoY. II. Power Production Power production growth of above-designated-size industries accelerated. In April, power generation of above-designated-size industries was 744 billion kWh, up 2.6% YoY, with the growth rate 1.2 percentage points faster than in March; daily average power generation was 24.8 billion kWh. From January to April, power generation of above-designated-size industries was 3,123.7 billion kWh, up 3.3% YoY. By category, in April, the growth rates of thermal power and solar power generation of above-designated-size industries slowed down, hydropower growth accelerated, and the declines in nuclear power and wind power narrowed. Specifically, thermal power of above-designated-size industries grew 3.1% YoY, with the growth rate 1.1 percentage points slower than in March; hydropower of above-designated-size industries grew 12.2%, with the growth rate 1.4 percentage points faster; nuclear power of above-designated-size industries fell 8.7%, with the decline 3.1 percentage points narrower; wind power of above-designated-size industries fell 5.0%, with the decline 12.3 percentage points narrower; solar power generation of above-designated-size industries grew 7.1%, with the growth rate 2.9 percentage points slower.

The National Economy Maintained Steady Progress in January–April In January–April, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, all regions and departments earnestly implemented the decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, adhered to the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, fully and faithfully applied the new development philosophy, accelerated the construction of a new development pattern, effectively implemented more proactive and impactful macro policies, and focused on stabilizing employment, enterprises, markets, and expectations. Production and supply grew steadily, market sales continued to expand, foreign trade resilience was further demonstrated, employment and prices remained generally stable, new momentum grew stronger, and high-quality development advanced toward new and better directions. I. Industrial Production Grew Rapidly, with Equipment Manufacturing and High-tech Manufacturing Growing at a Faster Pace In January–April, the value added of industrial enterprises above designated size nationwide increased by 5.6% YoY. By three major categories, the value added of the mining industry grew 5.5% YoY, manufacturing grew 5.8%, and the production and supply of electricity, heat, gas, and water grew 4.5%. The value added of equipment manufacturing grew 8.7% YoY, and that of high-tech manufacturing grew 12.6%, which were 3.1 and 7 percentage points faster than the overall value added of industrial enterprises above designated size, respectively. By economic type, the value added of state-holding enterprises grew 4.4% YoY; joint-stock enterprises grew 6.0%, foreign-invested and Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan-invested enterprises grew 3.9%; and private enterprises grew 5.2%. By product, the production of 3D printing equipment, lithium-ion batteries, and industrial robots grew 50.9%, 36.0%, and 25.7% YoY, respectively. In April, the value added of industrial enterprises above designated size nationwide grew 4.1% YoY and 0.05% MoM. In April, the manufacturing PMI was 50.3%; the business activity expectations index of enterprises was 54.5%, up 1.1 percentage points from the previous month. In January–March, the total profits of industrial enterprises above designated size nationwide reached 1,696 billion yuan, up 15.5% YoY. II. The Service Sector Grew Steadily, with Modern Services Developing Well In January–April, the national service sector production index grew 4.9% YoY. By industry, the production indices of information transmission, software and information technology services, leasing and business services, and the financial industry grew 10.9%, 9.3%, and 6.7% YoY, respectively. In April, the national service sector production index grew 4.3% YoY. In January–March, the operating revenue of service enterprises above designated size grew 6.5% YoY. In April, the business activity index of the service sector was 49.6%; the business activity expectations index of the service sector was 55.4%, up 0.6 percentage points from the previous month. Among them, industries such as railway transport, postal services, and telecommunications, radio, television and satellite transmission services had business activity indices in the relatively high prosperity range of above 55.0%. III. Market Sales Scale Expanded, Service Retail Growth Accelerated From January to April, total retail sales of consumer goods reached 16,494.1 billion yuan, up 1.9% YoY. By location of business units, urban consumer goods retail sales were 14,292.1 billion yuan, up 1.8% YoY; rural consumer goods retail sales were 2,202 billion yuan, up 2.8%. By consumption type, commodity retail sales were 14,605.8 billion yuan, up 1.7%; catering revenue was 1,888.3 billion yuan, up 3.8%. Sales of basic living necessities and some upgraded goods grew relatively fast, with retail sales of grain, oil and food, clothing, footwear, hats, knitwear and textiles, and communication equipment by units above the designated size up 8.6%, 8.1%, and 17.7% YoY respectively. In April, total retail sales of consumer goods were up 0.2% YoY and down 0.48% MoM. From January to April, service retail sales were up 5.6% YoY, with the growth rate accelerating by 0.1 percentage point compared with January to March. Among them, retail sales of communication and information services, tourism, consulting and rental services, culture, sports and leisure services, and transportation services grew relatively fast. From January to April, national online retail sales of goods and services reached 6,530.8 billion yuan, up 6.6% YoY. Of this, online goods retail sales were 4,118.5 billion yuan, up 5.7%, accounting for 25.0% of total retail sales of consumer goods; online service retail sales were 2,412.3 billion yuan, up 8.3%. IV. Fixed Asset Investment Declined YoY, High-Tech Industry Investment Grew Relatively Fast From January to April, national fixed asset investment (excluding rural households) was 14,129.3 billion yuan, down 1.6% YoY; excluding real estate development investment, national fixed asset investment grew 1.3%. Of this, intellectual property product investment was up 8.9% YoY. By sector, infrastructure investment was up 4.3% YoY, manufacturing investment up 1.2%, and real estate development investment down 13.7%. The floor space of newly built commercial buildings sold nationwide was 252.58 million m², down 10.2% YoY; sales revenue of newly built commercial buildings was 2,300 billion yuan, down 14.6%. By industry, primary industry investment was up 10.1% YoY, secondary industry investment up 2.5%, and tertiary industry investment down 4.2%. Private investment was down 5.2% YoY; excluding real estate development investment, private investment was down 1.9%. High-tech industry investment was up 6.1% YoY, of which investment in aviation, spacecraft and equipment manufacturing, computer and office equipment manufacturing, and information services grew 17.9%, 13.9%, and 18.1% respectively. In April, fixed asset investment (excluding rural households) declined 2.36% MoM. V. Goods Imports and Exports Grew Rapidly, Trade Structure Continued to Optimize In January-April, total goods imports and exports reached 16,225.2 billion yuan, up 14.9% YoY. Of this, exports were 9,328 billion yuan, up 11.3%; imports were 6,897.2 billion yuan, up 20.0%. Ordinary Trade imports and exports grew 8.5% YoY. Imports and exports with Belt and Road partner countries grew 13.5%. Private enterprise imports and exports grew 15.9%. Exports of mechanical and electrical products grew 17.6%. In April, total goods imports and exports were 4,377.8 billion yuan, up 14.2% YoY. Of this, exports were 2,481.7 billion yuan, up 9.8%; imports were 1,896 billion yuan, up 20.6%. VI. Employment Situation Remained Generally Stable, Urban Surveyed Unemployment Rate Declined In January-April, the average national urban surveyed unemployment rate was 5.3%. In April, the national urban surveyed unemployment rate was 5.2%, down 0.2 percentage points from the previous month. The surveyed unemployment rate for local household registration labor force was 5.3%; the surveyed unemployment rate for migrant labor force was 5.0%, of which the surveyed unemployment rate for migrant labor force with agricultural household registration was 5.0%. The urban surveyed unemployment rate in 31 major cities was 5.2%, down 0.1 percentage points from the previous month. The average weekly working hours of employed persons in enterprises nationwide was 48 hours. VII. Consumer Prices Saw a Mild Rebound, Producer Prices Saw Expanded Gains In January-April, the national consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.9% YoY. By category, prices of food, tobacco, alcohol and dining out rose 0.2% YoY, clothing prices rose 1.7%, housing prices fell 0.2%, household goods and services prices rose 2.0%, transportation and communication prices rose 0.3%, education, culture and entertainment prices rose 1.1%, healthcare prices rose 1.9%, and other goods and services prices rose 13.3%. Among food, tobacco, alcohol and dining out prices, pork prices fell 12.2%, grain prices fell 0.3%, fresh fruit prices rose 3.0%, and fresh vegetable prices rose 5.7%. Core CPI, excluding food and energy prices, rose 1.2% YoY. In April, the national CPI rose 1.2% YoY, with the increase expanding 0.2 percentage points from the previous month; up 0.3% MoM. In January-April, the national ex-factory prices of industrial producers rose 0.2% YoY. Of this, in April, ex-factory prices rose 2.8% YoY, with the increase expanding 2.3 percentage points from the previous month; up 1.7% MoM. From January to April, the national industrial producer purchase price increased 0.5% YoY. Of which, April was up 3.5% YoY, with the increase expanding 2.7 percentage points from the previous month; up 2.1% MoM. Overall, from January to April, the national economy maintained a steady and progressive development trend, with high-quality development advancing solidly. However, it should be noted that the external environment remains complex and volatile, the domestic imbalance of strong supply and weak demand remains prominent, some enterprises face operational difficulties, and the foundation for steady and positive economic development still needs to be consolidated. In the next phase, it is necessary to adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, maintain the general principle of seeking progress while ensuring stability, fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy, accelerate the construction of a new development pattern, precisely and effectively implement more proactive fiscal policies and moderately accommodative monetary policies, continuously expand domestic demand and optimize supply, enhance incremental growth and revitalize existing assets, strengthen the endogenous driving force of economic development, further strengthen the domestic circulation, optimize the domestic-international dual circulation, and promote sustained and healthy economic development. Recommended reading:

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), I. Real Estate Development Investment From January to April, national real estate development investment totaled 2,396.9 billion yuan, down 13.7% YoY (calculated on a comparable basis; see Note 5 for details), of which residential investment was 1,846.4 billion yuan, down 13.1%. From January to April, the floor space of buildings under construction by real estate development enterprises was 5.4512 billion m², down 12.1% YoY, of which residential construction floor space was 3.7801 billion m², down 12.5%. The floor space of buildings newly started was 139 million m², down 22.0%, of which residential newly started floor space was 100.57 million m², down 23.6%. The floor space of buildings completed was 118.86 million m², down 24.0%, of which residential completed floor space was 84.73 million m², down 25.8%. II. Sales and Pending Sale of Newly Built Commercial Buildings From January to April, the floor space of commercial buildings sold (newly built) was 252.58 million m², down 10.2% YoY, with the decline narrowing by 0.2 percentage points compared with January to March, of which residential sales floor space fell 12.2%. Sales revenue of newly built commercial buildings was 2,300 billion yuan, down 14.6%, with the decline narrowing by 2.1 percentage points, of which residential sales revenue fell 15.7%. At the end of April, the floor space of commercial buildings pending sale was 778.01 million m², down 0.5% YoY, of which the floor space pending sale for less than three years was 579.03 million m², down 2.6%. III. Funds Received by Real Estate Development Enterprises From January to April, funds received by real estate development enterprises totaled 2,669.7 billion yuan, down 18.4% YoY, including domestic loans (419.9 billion yuan, down 25.9%), self-raised funds (983.8 billion yuan, down 10.5%), deposits and advance receipts (797.5 billion yuan, down 17.6%), and individual mortgage loans (308.7 billion yuan, down 31.7%).

According to NBS data, from January to April, the value added of industrial enterprises above designated size grew 5.6% YoY in real terms (all value-added growth rates are real growth rates after deducting price factors). In April, the value added of industrial enterprises above designated size grew 4.1% YoY. On a MoM basis, the value added of industrial enterprises above designated size in April increased 0.05% from the previous month. By three major sectors, in April, the value added of the mining industry grew 3.8% YoY, manufacturing grew 4.0%, and the production and supply of electricity, heat, gas, and water grew 5.3%. By economic type, in April, the value added of state-holding enterprises grew 3.0% YoY; joint-stock enterprises grew 4.2%, foreign-invested and Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan-invested enterprises grew 4.1%; and private enterprises grew 2.8%. By industry, in April, 29 out of 41 major industrial categories maintained YoY growth in value added. Among them, coal mining and washing grew 3.8%, oil and natural gas extraction grew 4.6%, agricultural and sideline food processing grew 3.5%, liquor, beverages, and refined tea manufacturing declined 1.4%, textiles grew 2.3%, chemical raw materials and chemical products manufacturing grew 5.3%, non-metallic minerals products manufacturing declined 6.5%, ferrous metals smelting and rolling processing grew 1.0%, non-ferrous metals smelting and rolling processing declined 1.0%, general equipment manufacturing grew 5.5%, special equipment manufacturing grew 6.2%, automobile manufacturing grew 9.2%, railway, shipbuilding, aerospace, and other transportation equipment manufacturing grew 8.2%, electrical machinery and equipment manufacturing grew 3.1%, computer, communication, and other electronic equipment manufacturing grew 15.6%, and electricity and heat production and supply grew 6.2%. By product, in April, 321 out of 626 products of industrial enterprises above designated size recorded YoY growth in production. Among them, steel products (122.63 million mt, down 1.7% YoY), cement (145.71 million mt, down 10.8%), ten kinds of non-ferrous metals (6.94 million mt, up 2.8%), ethylene (3.15 million mt, down 4.1%), automobiles (2.564 million units, down 2.6%), of which NEVs (1.296 million units, up 3.8%); power generation (744 billion kWh, up 2.6%); and crude oil processing volume (54.65 million mt, down 5.8%). In April, the sales ratio of products of industrial enterprises above designated size was 97.1%, down 0.2 percentage points YoY; the export delivery value of industrial enterprises above designated size reached 1,373.3 billion yuan, up 10.6% YoY in nominal terms.

According to new retail market monitoring data from AVC (All View Cloud), in April 2026, the total monitored retail volume of major home appliance categories reached 597,000 units, up 5.5% YoY, with total retail revenue of 1.62 billion yuan, up 8.4% YoY. Among the major categories in April, those with YoY increases in sales revenue included kitchen appliance packages (72.2%), color TVs (31.5%), electric storage water heaters (26.3%), refrigerators (24.4%), washing machines (17.9%), freezers (7.2%), rice cookers (6.3%), and gas water heaters (2.8%). Categories with YoY declines included induction cookers (6.4%), range hoods (9.9%), air conditioners (11.1%), electric fans (17.9%), gas stoves (32.7%), and electric pressure cookers (63.2%).

Queensland and the Australian federal government have launched a A$600 million study aimed at securing the long-term future of the state’s copper industry. The initiative will focus on sustaining operations at the Mount Isa smelter and Townsville refinery while exploring broader industrial growth opportunities. Officials said the plan is designed to strengthen Australia’s critical minerals supply chain resilience and regional employment. Glencore also plans to invest A$2.5 billion in the region over the next six years.

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.

Futures: Last Friday evening, the most-traded SHFE lead 2026 contract opened lower with a gap at 16,570 yuan/mt. At the beginning of the session, SHFE lead prices fluctuated downward, hitting a low of 16,405 yuan/mt. From mid-session to the close, prices rebounded slightly, ultimately closing at 16,440 yuan/mt, recording a small bearish candlestick, down 70 yuan/mt or 0.42%. Last Friday, LME lead opened at $2,013.5/mt, briefly edging up to $2,014/mt before entering a downward fluctuation, hitting a low of $1,973/mt. Near the close, market sentiment recovered somewhat, and LME lead prices edged up, ultimately closing at $1,984/mt, down $28/mt or 1.39%. On the macro front: Israeli media: Netanyahu spoke with Trump, discussing the possibility of resuming military operations against Iran. Trump issued a military threat to Iran and was set to discuss military action options on Tuesday. US media: Iran plans to charge transit fees for submarine fiber-optic cables through the Strait of Hormuz. UK media: UK Prime Minister Starmer intended to resign from his position. ChangXin Technology: H1 revenue is expected to reach 110-120 billion yuan, with net profit attributable to the parent company of 50-57 billion yuan. China successfully launched the 9th batch of networking satellites for the Qianfan constellation. Wuxi will establish a large-scale "Token factory." The Shenzhou-23 mission plans to launch in the coming days. Spot fundamentals: Last Friday, SHFE lead reversed and pulled back. In the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai region, spot discounts narrowed slightly, with some suppliers quoted at premiums of +20~+30 yuan/mt, while cargoes self-picked up from primary lead smelter production sites saw relatively reduced circulation. Some suppliers suspended shipments. Meanwhile, secondary lead smelters in east China successively resumed production, and secondary lead circulation relatively increased. Smelters' sentiment to hold prices firm eased, with secondary refined lead quoted at parity with SMM #1 lead on an ex-factory basis. However, downstream enterprises had limited rigid demand. In particular, as lead prices pulled back, risk-averse sentiment in the market was strong, and spot market transactions remained sluggish. Inventory: On May 15, LME lead inventory decreased by 250 mt to 265,000 mt. On May 14, SMM five-region lead ingot social inventory increased by approximately 6,100 mt WoW. Lead price forecast for today: Last week, primary lead production edged up slightly, while secondary lead smelters saw both short-term production cuts/shutdowns and production resumptions coexisting. Import lead side, the import window was closed, and the inflow of imported lead into China decreased. The supply side overall presented an intertwined pattern of bullish and bearish factors. The battery consumption off-season continued in May, with weak end-use demand providing limited support for lead prices. Lead prices are expected to remain in the doldrums in the short term.