In yesterday's [SMM Analysis] EU Steel Tariff Wall Doubles to 50%: Reconstructing the New Quota System & In-Depth Analysis of 1A HRC, SMM deeply analyzed the brutal allocation logic of the EU's new 18.35 million tonnes quota. When the "50% tariff wall" and the "melting and pouring" rules completely block traditional tax-free export paths, the global steel supply chain is undergoing a forced reshuffle. Today, we shift our perspective to the ripple effects and macro-level forecasts of this storm.

[SMM Magnesium Weekly Review: Entire Magnesium Industry Chain Weakens; Supply-Demand Weakness Keeps Market Under Pressure] This week, China's magnesium industry chain was in the doldrums across the board. Dolomite prices in Wutai, Shanxi, remained flat. Regional supply tightened, but national supply was ample, and only just-in-time procurement was insufficient to drive prices higher. Fugu and Shenmu 9990 magnesium ingot mainstream prices were 15,750-15,850 yuan/mt, down 200 yuan on the week. High in-factory inventory prompted producers to sell at lower margins, while downstream buyers stayed on the sidelines, making only small restocking purchases, resulting in slow destocking. The average FOB price of magnesium ingot at Tianjin port was $2,275/mt. Overseas demand was sluggish due to the summer break, foreign buyers pushed for lower prices, and new orders were scarce. Falling raw material prices dragged down magnesium powder and magnesium alloy prices. Small and medium-sized magnesium alloy plants cut production, but earlier stockpiles were ample. Two-wheeler demand weakened, putting processing fees under pressure. Both upstream and downstream demand softened simultaneously, and cost support was insufficient. In the short term, the entire magnesium product range is expected to remain in the doldrums.

[Covering Seven Major Production Regions! SMM Launches Daily Provincial Profit Indicator for Zinc Smelting Using 40% Imported Ore] In May 2026, SMM added daily profit models for domestic ore in the eight major zinc smelting regions of Inner Mongolia, Henan, Gansu, Hunan, Guangxi, Yunnan, Shaanxi, and Sichuan for market reference. ...

[Sheets & Plates] Due to RMB exchange rate fluctuations, HRC prices and other sheet and plate export prices were down day-on-day today, with HRC transaction prices at $490-500/mt. Market inquiries showed no significant changes today, while inquiries for Turkey-bound shipments remained. It is understood that desired CIF prices there were low, far below current domestic FOB quotes.

This week, LME copper prices retreated from highs, drifting lower after hitting a high at Monday’s open. Mid-week, prices briefly fell to a low of $12,988/mt, with a weekly decline of about 3.3%. The pullback in copper prices led to a slight spike in payable indicators, pushing up the overall discount range by about 0.2%. By specific grade, bare bright copper saw its main transaction coefficient remain high at 98.5%–99%, while No.1 copper semis’ transaction range was concentrated at 97%–98%. In contrast, quotes for No.2 copper semis showed clear divergence: with precious metal prices staying high, smelters’ acceptance of No.2 copper semis with high gold and silver content rose significantly, with quotes reaching 97.5%–98%, even exceeding those for No.1 copper semis in a price inversion. Such high-gold-and-silver-content copper semis mainly originate from the Americas, so quotes for Americas-origin No.2 copper semis were notably higher than from other regions. Meanwhile, No.2 copper semis from Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, generally low in gold and silver content, saw relatively pressured quotes, with transaction ranges mostly concentrated at 95%–96%. However, constrained by the current overall supply-demand weakness, actual market transactions this week were relatively sluggish. On one hand, payable indicators were already at historical highs, limiting room for further upside. On the other, although copper prices pulled back and enterprises’ tolerance for high prices gradually improved, the absolutely elevated copper prices still significantly suppressed purchasing sentiment. In addition, macro and seasonal factors further dragged on major Asian consumer markets: Japan, one of the key consumers, was about to face its annual settlement window on June 30, and some enterprises had already stopped purchasing in advance. At the same time, Japanese scrapyards were engaged in Q3 quarterly supply negotiations with downstream consumers, causing them to generally slow down their current purchasing pace. Compounding this, the yen and won exchange rates against the US dollar remained at low levels, driving up local enterprises’ ex-China procurement costs and prompting traders in both regions to adopt a generally cautious stance toward overseas purchases. Under the combined weight of falling copper prices and tight overall market supply, ex-China scrapyards currently hold a strong sentiment of holding back from selling, and the near-term market stalemate is expected to continue into next week.

[Steel Billet] Today, export billet quotations were in the doldrums, with negotiable prices at $465-467/mt. Recently, the yuan has depreciated against the dollar, leading to a slight improvement in export advantage. Inquiries from outside China increased, but actual transactions remained moderate. Market rumors suggest steel billet orders have improved, with some cargoes flowing to domestic trade or exporter short-covering, while actual overseas demand still awaits the return of China's export price advantage. [Rebar] Affected by the exchange rate depreciation, export quotations for rebar edged down $2/mt today, with negotiable prices at $484-486/mt. According to feedback from market traders, inquiries from outside China increased slightly recently, but actual transactions remained moderate. At present, quotations from steel mills in South China continue to hold at high levels, with weak transactions. [Sheets & Plates] Affected by the afternoon plunge in Chinese futures, export prices for HRC and other sheets & plates edged down slightly on a day-on-day basis today, with HRC transaction prices at $491-500/mt. In recent days, market rumors have suggested that export orders are improving. According to SMM's verification, flows to the Middle East, although shipping has become somewhat smoother, still face high freight rates, and most clients expressed the need to wait and see; however, orders for sheets & plates and billets destined for Turkey have increased noticeably recently. It is understood that this may be due to fewer arrivals of other resources, leading to procurement shifting to China.

[Billet] Today, export billet quotations remained stable. Currently, mill quotes were on the high side, generally above $470/mt, while market tradable prices were mostly at $465-467/mt. Steel mills had a strong willingness to hold prices firm due to cost considerations, making it quite difficult to close export billet orders. [Rebar] Today, rebar export FOB quotations were basically stable. According to market feedback, recently, some steel mills, due to maintenance of blast furnaces and associated construction steel rolling lines, controlled the pace of taking rebar export orders. Meanwhile, wait-and-see sentiment among overseas clients was strong, leading to a noticeable shrinkage in overall export rebar orders. [Sheets & Plates] Today, export prices of HRC and other sheets & plates edged down day-on-day but held steady, with HRC transactions at $492-501/mt. Recently, due to declines in domestic futures and adjustments in the yuan exchange rate, some distant countries began to increase inquiry and purchasing demand. In terms of semi-finished products, short-term inquiry and purchasing willingness was low due to high domestic prices and the fact that overseas buyers had already made a certain amount of purchases earlier.

SMM June 23 News: Metals market: As of the midday close, domestic base metals all fell, SHFE copper fell 0.71%, SHFE aluminum fell 1.25%. SHFE lead fell 0.12%. SHFE zinc fell 0.14%. SHFE tin fell 3.26%. SHFE nickel fell 0.72%. Additionally, the most-traded cast aluminum futures contract fell 1.17%, the most-traded alumina contract fell 2.43%. The most-traded lithium carbonate contract fell 0.79%. The most-traded silicon metal contract fell 0.41%. The most-traded polysilicon futures contract fell 0.56%. Ferrous metals all fell, iron ore fell 0.94%, rebar fell 0.51%, hot-rolled coil fell 0.57%, stainless steel fell 1.42%. Coking coal and coke: the most-traded coking coal contract fell 1.93%, and the most-traded coke contract fell 4.53%. Overseas base metals: as of 11:43, LME metals all moved lower. LME copper fell 0.89%, LME aluminum fell 1.56%, LME lead fell 0.84%. LME zinc, LME tin, and LME nickel all fell nearly 1%. Precious metals: as of 11:43, COMEX gold fell 1.07%, COMEX silver fell 3.78%. Domestic precious metals: the most-traded SHFE gold contract fell 1.36%, the most-traded SHFE silver contract fell 4.91%. Additionally, as of the midday close, the most-traded platinum futures contract fell 2.85%, and the most-traded palladium futures contract fell 2.36%. As of the midday close, the most-traded container shipping freight futures contract fell 2.23% to 3,689 points. As of 11:43 on June 23, some futures market midday quotes: Spot and fundamentals Zinc: Today, #0 zinc mainstream transaction prices were concentrated at 24,585-24,770 yuan/mt, Shuangyan mainstream transactions were at 24,685-24,860 yuan/mt, and #1 zinc mainstream transactions were at 24,515-24,700 yuan/mt. Morning session market quotes against SMM average prices were at a premium of 10-20 yuan/mt, with no quotes against the contract for now... Macro front China: [Notice from the Ministry of Commerce and Nine Other Departments on Cultivating and Expanding Consumption in the Automotive Aftermarket] The Ministry of Commerce and nine other departments issued a notice on implementing measures to cultivate and expand consumption in the automotive aftermarket, stating that the development of automotive modification should be standardized and orderly. Establish and improve automotive modification management systems. Formulate policy documents to promote the development of the automobile modification market, clarify graded and categorized management of automobile modification, determine a list of automobile modification items, and improve management requirements for vehicle inspection and change registration. Improve the standard system for automobile modification. Study the establishment of an automotive modification sub-technical committee under the National Automotive Standardization Technical Committee, sort out a list of standards to be proposed or revised, accelerate the formulation of a batch of national standards, and research and develop automotive modification parts and modification technical specifications. The notice proposes supporting the development of the RV and camping industry. Improving the environment for RV travel and use. Support local governments in optimizing management policies for RV road travel. Simplify the land approval process for RV campsites. Enhance the supporting service level of RV campsites. Leveraging regional cultural and tourism resources, encourage the construction of a number of high-standard, multi-functional RV campsites in areas along scenic routes and in suburban areas, and improve supporting services such as maintenance and replenishment, water and electricity supply, medical rescue, and dining and accommodation. Optimize the setup of RV campsite signage, and release premium RV travel routes. When constructing or renovating public parking lots in cities, where conditions permit, dedicated parking spaces for motorhomes and towable caravans may be set up and management strengthened to better meet the parking demand for RVs. [Ministry of Commerce and eight other departments: Announce 40 pilot cities for automotive distribution and consumption reform] On June 23, the Ministry of Commerce and eight other departments issued a notice, announcing 40 pilot cities for automotive distribution and consumption reform and their key reform and innovation directions. For example, Tianjin focuses on automobile modification, classic cars, and auto racing, Shenyang in Liaoning focuses on used car circulation, Yangzhou in Jiangsu focuses on RV camping, Weinan in Shaanxi focuses on retired vehicle recycling, and so on. The notice requires each pilot city to, based on local industrial characteristics, market features, resource endowments, location conditions, functional positioning, and other actual situations, address bottleneck issues such as unreasonable restrictions on automotive distribution and consumption, improve reform and innovation measures, cultivate new scenarios, new formats, and new models of automotive consumption, and drive the integrated development of commerce, tourism, culture, sports, and healthcare. At the same time, the Ministry of Commerce and nine other departments synchronously issued a notice on several measures to cultivate and strengthen the automotive aftermarket consumption. (Xinhua News Agency) [Draft Financial Law submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for first review] On June 23, 2026, the Financial Law of the People's Republic of China (Draft) was submitted to the 23rd meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress for first review. The Financial Law is a fundamental, comprehensive, and overarching law that governs the financial sector in China. It is positioned as the "1" in the financial legal system, playing a guiding, overarching, and standardizing role. Laws in areas such as banking, insurance, and securities constitute the "N," and other financial laws and regulations form the "X." These must align with the basic provisions established by the "1," with equal emphasis on formulation and revision, to specifically regulate financial activities in each field. Together, "1+N+X" build a scientific, complete, and unified financial legal system. The draft Financial Law adheres to the main theme of strengthening regulation, preventing risks, and promoting high-quality development, focusing on coordinating development and security, and striving to solve legal difficulties that hinder the high-quality development of finance. (Xinhua News Agency) [PBOC's reverse repo operation today net injects 75 billion yuan] PBOC today conducted a 524.5 billion yuan 7-day reverse repo operation, at an operation rate of 1.4%, unchanged from previous. Today, 449.5 billion yuan in reverse repos matured. On the US dollar side: As of 11:43, the US dollar index rose 0.03%, at 101.03. According to CME's "Fed Watch": the probability of the US Fed keeping interest rates unchanged in July is 63.7%, while the probability of a cumulative 25-basis-point rate hike is 36.3%. Through September, the probability of the US Fed maintaining rates unchanged is 26.1%, with a 52.2% chance of a cumulative 25-basis-point hike and a 21.4% chance of a 50-basis-point hike. (Jinshi Data APP) Citadel Securities said that Fed Chairman Warsh's commitment to reducing inflation has enhanced the Fed's credibility, thereby supporting long-term US Treasury yields and lowering term premiums. Following last week's Fed meeting, trading in the US Treasury market, worth $31 trillion, displayed a characteristic: long-term yields were more stable compared to two-year yields, which are more sensitive to policy. The firm's head of fixed income sales, Nohshad Shah, stated, "A highly credible Fed should benefit long-end rate performance." (Jinshi Data APP) Bank of America currently expects the Fed to raise interest rates three times this year, the latest sign that Wall Street is bracing for more aggressive Fed rate hikes. The bank's economists had previously expected the Fed to keep rates unchanged this year. The reason for the revision is strong economic data and a hawkish shift in the Fed's communication, signaling a more proactive approach to tackling inflation. Bank of America's forecast of three rate hikes remains in the minority: currently, only 19% of market investors expect three hikes, although this proportion has climbed from 3% a week ago. Investors see two rate hikes this year as the most likely outcome. In other currencies: After the yen weakened further and reports emerged of an online meeting between Japanese Finance Minister Katayama Satsuki and US Treasury Secretary Bessent, foreign exchange traders are on high alert for possible intervention. In early trading on Tuesday, the yen was at about 161.57 per dollar, near its lowest level in 40 years. NHK and Kyodo News reported that Katayama and Bessent may have discussed exchange rate issues. The market is concerned that after the Bank of Japan's rate hike at last week's policy meeting, it still has not raised borrowing costs quickly enough to curb inflation, keeping the yen under continuous pressure. Moreover, oil prices boosted by the US-Iran war also weighed additionally on the yen. Yamamoto Takeru, a trader at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank in New York, said: "Japanese authorities may hope to send a signal through the US-Japan talks that they are coordinating actions with the US, while hinting that the threshold for implementing intervention is not high. Although market concerns about intervention have intensified, the fundamental factors for a weaker yen have not changed, and USD/JPY could test the 162 level this week." (Jin10 Data APP) On the data front: data to be released today include France's preliminary June manufacturing PMI, Germany's preliminary June manufacturing PMI, the Eurozone's preliminary June manufacturing PMI, the UK's preliminary June manufacturing PMI, the UK's preliminary June services PMI, the UK's June CBI industrial order balance, US ADP employment change for the week ended June 6, the US preliminary June S&P Global manufacturing PMI, the US preliminary June S&P Global services PMI, and the US June Richmond Fed manufacturing index, among others. Also worth noting: Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem delivers a speech; the 17th Summer Davos Forum takes place in Dalian from June 23 to 25; MSCI releases its annual market classification review results, with South Korea expected to be added to the watch list for developed markets. Crude oil: As of 11:43, oil prices on both sides of the Atlantic edged lower, with WTI down 0.32% and Brent down 0.43%. As the market weighed early progress in peace talks on the Iran war, which included US permission to sell some Iranian crude, oil prices stabilized. The US 60-day license allows Iran to sell some oil and petroleum products. Babin Rebecca, managing director and senior energy trader at CIBC Private Wealth Management, said, "The road to negotiations remains long, but the market may anticipate an oversupply before crude oil oversupply actually arrives, just as it had anticipated supply deficits before a genuine crude oil supply deficit materialized. Oil prices often overshoot." (Jin10 Data APP) Danske Bank forecasts that for the remainder of 2026, Brent crude will average $80 per barrel, and rise to $85 per barrel next year. The bank also said that even if a US-Iran deal is reached, oil prices will not return to the pre-war level of $60-$70 per barrel. The institution said a US-Iran deal would reopen oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, but warned it would take months for Iran's oil production and exports to return to normal. The bank pointed out that the US's continued release of strategic petroleum reserves could affect the near-term supply landscape, and said the US may choose to maintain this policy for political reasons ahead of the November midterm elections. Jin10 Data APP) Spot Market Overview: ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ►

[SMM Analysis: LME Copper Prices Fluctuate at Highs; Procurement Slows Across China, Japan, and South Korea Amid Flat Market Turnover]This week, LME copper prices fluctuated at high levels. Quotations for bare bright copper held high at 98.5%–99% payability. In contrast, offers for No. 2 ccopper material scrap(Birch/Cliff) showed distinct divergence. However the global recycled raw material market currently exhibits a gridlock defined by "weak supply and demand."

Latin American Air Conditioner Market: Under Pressure in the Short Term, Promising in the Long Term. In the short term, regional inflation and exchange rate fluctuations suppress consumer purchasing power, compounded by previously high channel inventory, resulting in weak users’ willingness to stockpile proactively, and market demand is under temporary pressure; in the long term, the region has ample climate-driven rigid demand and a low market penetration rate. As the economy recovers and inventory is cleared, there will be considerable room for subsequent demand recovery.