Guangyuan Hongchangsheng Aluminum Co., Ltd. plans to build a 115,000 mt aluminum energy-saving, carbon-reduction, and emission-reduction upgrade project. The project is currently in the first public information disclosure stage of the environmental impact assessment public participation process. The project adopts SY400 prebaked anode electrolysis cells and supporting technologies to upgrade the existing 115,000 mt 200kA electrolysis cell production line through technological transformation into one 115,000 mt 400kA electrolysis cell production line with supporting electrical, water supply and drainage, dust removal, and other utility and auxiliary facilities.

[SMM Aluminum News Flash] This week, the domestic prebaked anode raw material market weakened slightly overall. According to SMM monitoring, as of April 16, the cost of prebaked anodes in China was approximately 5,708.71 yuan/mt, down 0.29% WoW Thursday.

SMM News, March 31 According to SMM data, the average tax-inclusive full cost of domestic aluminum industry in March 2026 rose 0.5% MoM and fell 5.7% YoY, mainly due to a slight rebound in alumina raw material costs during the period. In March, Middle East production cuts pushed up aluminum prices in and outside China. The SMM A00 monthly average spot price (February 26-March 25) rose 2.9% MoM, and aluminum profit margins expanded to 8,316 yuan/mt. Based on monthly average price calculations, 100% of China’s operating aluminum capacity was profitable in March. From the cost breakdown side: Alumina raw materials : According to SMM data, the monthly average of the SMM alumina index in March was 2,685 yuan/mt (January 26-February 25), up 2.4% MoM. During the month, total operating alumina capacity was basically stable, but the Middle East geopolitical conflict raised ocean freight rates for alumina and bauxite, and domestic alumina costs are expected to move higher. Futures prices drove spot prices higher, lifting the monthly average alumina price. Entering April, the upward momentum in spot alumina prices at month-end March appeared slightly insufficient. Some new projects are expected to come online in April or ramp up operating capacity, but as the base price at the beginning of the month was already at a high level, alumina raw material costs in April are expected to post a slight increase. Auxiliary materials market : In March, both prebaked anode and fluoride salt prices pulled back, lowering aluminum auxiliary material costs. Entering April, the Middle East geopolitical conflict raised international oil prices, and higher costs continued to push up petroleum coke prices, which in turn supported higher prebaked anode prices. The April prebaked anode tender price at a large aluminum plant in Shandong rose 300 yuan/mt MoM; for aluminum fluoride, prices are also expected to rise significantly in April due to higher raw material costs. Overall, auxiliary material costs are expected to increase significantly in April. Electricity prices : Electricity prices were generally stable in March. Entering April, power prices are expected to remain broadly stable, and aluminum power costs are expected to hold steady. Overall, in March 2026, SMM expected the weighted average tax-inclusive full cost of dometstic aluminum industry to rise slightly; in April, it was expected to increase significantly MoM, with the average at around 16,150-16,550 yuan/mt.

[SMM Aluminum Flash] SMM learned that the base selling price of prebaked anodes for April 2026 at a large prebaked anode sales company in China rose by 385 yuan/mt MoM. Regional selling prices were: north-west China: 5,607 yuan/mt; North China: 5,557 yuan/mt; south-west China: 5,607 yuan/mt; South China: 5,607 yuan/mt.

[SMM Aluminum Flash] SMM learned that the April tender price for prebaked anodes at a large aluminum plant in Shandong rose by 300 yuan/mt MoM. The spot execution price for prebaked anodes in April 2026 was 5,474 yuan/mt, and the acceptance price was executed at 5,503 yuan/mt.

[SMM Aluminum Flash News] Recently, the vessel "Furui," loaded with prebaked anode cargo, successfully departed from the bulk cargo terminal of the Binzhou Port Area of Bohai Bay Port, Shandong Port, marking the successful addition of a new high-value-added cargo category to Binzhou Port's bulk and breakbulk business. The launch of this new cargo category was an important achievement in the deepening strategic cooperation between Binzhou Port and Sunstone Global Supply Chain, and also a key step for the port to break through its traditional cargo source structure and optimize its business layout, which is of great significance for enhancing the port's comprehensive service capabilities and strengthening its competitiveness in the regional market.

Overall, amid the structural adjustment of shifting demand across global regions, China’s prebaked anode exports could offset the pressure from weakening demand in traditional markets through market structure optimization and a shift in the center of orders, coupled with its own capacity and supply chain advantages. Full-year China prebaked anode exports are expected to maintain a certain increase.

[SMM Aluminum Flash News] The Guangxi Qiangqiang Carbon-Based New Materials prebaked anode project, with an annual capacity of 600,000 mt, officially commenced construction in April 2025 and is expected to begin trial production in July 2026. The first calcining furnace is estimated to start production by the end of March; the roasting furnace is expected to start production by the end of May, with the forming workshop producing the first green anode, marking the project’s full integration; and the first baked anode is expected to be produced by the end of July.

Overall, supply in China’s petroleum coke market continued to tighten, while downstream demand remained generally stable with support, and supply and demand fundamentals provided two-way support to the market. Coupled with recent fluctuations in crude oil prices and intensified cost-side bargaining, SMM expected that in the short term, the petroleum coke market would mainly remain in consolidation, with prices of different categories continuing to diverge.

[SMM Aluminum Flash News] Recently, the Ecological Environment Branch of the Guangyuan Economic Development Zone released the first public notice for public participation in the environmental impact assessment of the “Guangyuan Hongchangsheng Aluminum Co., Ltd. 115,000 mt Aluminum Energy-Saving, Carbon-Reduction Upgrade and Renovation Project.” The project will adopt SY400 prebaked anode electrolysis cells and supporting technologies to upgrade and renovate the existing 115,000 mt 200 kA electrolysis cell production line.