The 2nd SMM Southeast Asia Automotive Supply Chain Conference 2025 was successfully held, featuring the on-site launch of 10 new car models, the Southeast Asia brand strategies of three automakers, and SMM Thailand local steel prices. It facilitated efficient negotiations between 12+ buyers and 60+ suppliers, and preliminarily established a communication platform for the entire Southeast Asia automotive industry chain. At present, the NEV industry in Southeast Asia is entering a critical stage of development. Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam each have their own deployments and breakthroughs, while the industry also faces challenges such as supply chain restructuring, competition among technology pathways, and localization compliance. With support from all parties, SMM’s local pricing systems in Thailand and Indonesia have been implemented and adopted by core enterprises, establishing a credible cost benchmark for the industry. The 3rd conference in 2026 will focus on three core priorities: exploring the sales potential of new energy vehicles in Southeast Asia; opening up the last mile of the supply chain and integrating regional industry resources; upgrading SMM Southeast Asia metal quotations from price references to trading benchmarks, implementing procurement applications for electrification materials, and establishing an executable pricing system. We firmly believe that real progress comes from turning consensus into action. At this conference, sincerely invites you to gather again in Bangkok to jointly turn the strategic blueprint into market competitive advantages, and to witness and participate in this extraordinary and far-reaching industry event, creating a brilliant new chapter together! Click to register now. Booth No.: B02 Delivering Power, Delivering Value LANDAI Technology 1996: Establishment 2015: Listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange 2025: Thailand Plant Establishment Products Automotive transmission gear, shaft, balance shaft, EV reducer Employees: 5,000+ Sales : RMB 3 billion Plant Location Chongqing, China Ma’anshan, China Huizhou, China Chonburi, Thailand LANDAI Technology Contact Information Contact www.cqld.com Contact: Frank Xiang Tel: +86-135 2755 6915 Email: frank@cqld.com Contact: Wei Huang 8393 4378 Email: huangw@cqldai.com Contact Us Yan Caowei 15618581967 yancaowei@smm.cn
May 31, 2026 17:27The 2025 2nd SMM Southeast Asia Automotive Supply Chain Conference was successfully held, featuring the release of 10 new car models, Southeast Asia brand strategies from three automakers, and SMM Thailand local steel prices. The event facilitated efficient matchmaking between 12+ buyers and 60+ suppliers, preliminarily establishing a communication platform for the entire industry chain of Southeast Asian automotive. Currently, the Southeast Asian NEV industry is entering a critical development phase, with Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam each making their own strategic moves and breakthroughs, while the industry also faces challenges such as supply chain restructuring, technology route competition, and localization compliance. Thanks to the support from all parties, SMM's Thailand and Indonesia local pricing systems have been implemented and adopted by core enterprises, establishing a credible cost benchmark for the industry. The 2026 3rd Conference will focus on three core themes: exploring the NEV auto sales potential in Southeast Asia; connecting the last mile of the supply chain and integrating regional industry chain resources; and advancing SMM Southeast Asia metal pricing from a price reference to a transaction benchmark, implementing electrification material procurement applications and establishing an executable pricing system. We firmly believe that true progress comes from turning consensus into action. At this conference, Shenzhen Joinunion Technology Co., Ltd. sincerely invites you to gather again in Bangkok, to jointly transform strategic blueprints into market competitive advantages, to witness and participate in this extraordinary and far-reaching industry event, and to co-create a brilliant new chapter! Click the to register now. Powering Homes and Roads Ahead Union Industry (Hong Kong) Holding Co. , Limited is a professional global supplier of components, focused on meeting the supply chain needs of multinational companies' industrial products. The company has developed a business model driven by a dual engine of '1+6' advanced manufacturing and manufacturing value-added services. By integrating global resources, it provides comprehensive services to customers, becoming a reliable partner for many international companies. To be a global leader in components and sub-assemblies, driving value through manufacturing excellence and end-to-end supply chain management. Process Process Integrated Fine Blanking Post-processing Solution Integrated Post-processing Solution Fine Blanking → Deburring → Sizing → Heat Treatment → Surface Coating → Cleaning → Inspection Clients We Work With Customer We Work With Contact Contact Shirley Wang M: +86 18573109058 E: shirley.wang@unindasia.com Contact Us Yan Caowei 15618581967 yancaowei@smm.cn
May 31, 2026 15:15[Supply-Demand Structure Maintains Healthy Balance; GO Silicon Steel Prices May Hold Up Well Next Week with Generally Stable with Slight Rise Trend] Recently, ferrous metals futures fluctuated upward, with a strong overall bullish atmosphere in commodities. Combined with multiple policies and projects in the power industry chain, this provided strong sentiment support for the GO silicon steel market. At the current stage, price transmission pace across the industry was smooth, with upstream and downstream price adjustments well-connected and no significant bottlenecks. Downstream transformer and power equipment manufacturing enterprises maintained stable operating rates, with production pace steady and orderly. Driven by the continued advancement of power grid infrastructure expansion and new energy supporting projects, end-user just-in-time procurement remained robust. Many traders and downstream producers restocked raw material inventory in moderate quantities at low prices.
May 10, 2026 17:08[Intensified Competition Due to Loose Supply, Non-Oriented Silicon Steel May Run Stable Next Week] According to market surveys, traders gradually resumed production after the holiday, but spot transactions were sluggish, with merchants mainly following up on orders left over from before the holiday. Meanwhile, arriving resources continued to replenish after the holiday, social inventory accumulated steadily, and spot supply was relatively sufficient. Currently, the downstream motor and home appliance industries are gradually entering the traditional demand off-season. Combined with supply fluctuating at highs, competition among various brands of silicon steel intensified, end-user purchase willingness remained weak, and spot prices encountered resistance obviously.
May 10, 2026 17:00SMM May 9 News: Metals market: Overnight, domestic market base metals mostly fell. SHFE copper rose 0.53%. SHFE aluminum fell 0.16%, SHFE lead fell 0.15%. SHFE zinc fell 1.19%. SHFE tin fell 1.13%. SHFE nickel fell 0.67%. In addition, the most-traded alumina futures fell 1.37%, and the most-traded foundry aluminum futures fell 0.24%. Overnight, ferrous metals mostly fell. Iron ore was flat at 816.5 yuan/mt, stainless steel fell 1.05%, rebar edged up slightly, and hot-rolled coil rose 0.14%. Coking coal and coke: coking coal fell 0.39%, coke fell 0.43%. Overnight, overseas market metals showed mixed performance. LME base metals showed mixed performance. LME copper rose 1.59%. LME aluminum rose 0.34%, LME lead was flat at $1,977.5/mt. LME zinc fell 0.17%. LME tin fell 1.26%. LME nickel fell 0.89%. Overnight precious metals : COMEX gold rose 0.27%, with COMEX gold gaining 1.71% on the week; COMEX silver rose 0.82%, with COMEX silver gaining 5.76% on the week. Overnight, the most-traded SHFE gold futures fell 0.21%, with its weekly gain at 3.24%; the most-traded SHFE silver futures rose 0.09%, with SHFE silver gaining 11.4% on the week. As of 8:39 AM on May 9, overnight closing prices: Macro front China: [Li Qiang Chaired State Council Executive Meeting: Advancing Local Government Debt Risk Resolution and Strengthening Full-Chain Management of Mineral Resources] Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council executive meeting on May 9 to study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches on the current economic situation and economic work, as well as at the symposium on strengthening basic research. The meeting noted that efforts should be made to align thinking and actions with the CPC Central Committee's scientific assessment of the situation, further strengthen confidence, seize opportunities amid changes, drive development through overcoming difficulties, consolidate and expand the momentum of steady and positive economic growth, and strive for a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan period. Macro policies should focus on being fully and effectively utilized, with proactive implementation and continuously improved effectiveness. Strengthening the domestic economic circulation is expected to seek breakthroughs in supply-demand coordination and integrated upgrading, implement and improve measures to expand and upgrade the service sector, and strengthen the planning and construction of water networks, new-type power grids, computing power networks, next-generation communication networks, urban underground pipeline networks, and logistics networks . Social welfare efforts should focus more on stabilizing employment and ensuring basic needs, and do well in education, healthcare, childcare, agriculture, rural areas, and farmers. Greater efforts and more concrete measures should be taken to strengthen basic research, place basic research high on the agenda, identify key directions and priority areas based on the country's urgent and long-term needs, increase investment through multiple channels, and foster a sound research ecosystem. It is necessary to effectively address risks and challenges, continue to advance risk resolution in areas such as real estate, local government debt, and small and medium-sized financial institutions, closely monitor and ensure all parties fulfill their work safety responsibilities, and resolutely prevent major and extraordinarily serious accidents. ( Xinhua News Agency ) [General Administration of Customs: In the first 4 months, China's goods trade imports and exports grew 14.9%, with electromechanical product exports up 17.6%] According to customs statistics, in the first 4 months of 2026, China's total goods trade imports and exports reached 16.23 trillion yuan, up 14.9% YoY (the same hereinafter). Of this, exports totaled 9.33 trillion yuan, up 11.3%; imports totaled 6.9 trillion yuan, up 20%. In April, China's total goods trade imports and exports reached 4.38 trillion yuan, up 14.2%. Of this, exports totaled 2.48 trillion yuan, up 9.8%; imports totaled 1.9 trillion yuan, up 20.6%. [Four departments: Explore direct connection of nuclear power, hydrogen energy and other energy sources to supply computing facilities, and continuously increase the share of green electricity in computing facilities] The Plan proposes enhancing the diversified power supply capacity of computing facilities. Based on actual conditions such as the scale of computing facility grid connections, power grid voltage levels, power grid new energy penetration rates, power quality requirements, and computing facility business types, standards for energy supply planning and construction of computing facilities are to be established and improved. It explores direct connection of nuclear power, hydrogen energy and other energy sources to supply computing facilities. Computing facilities are encouraged to deploy grid-forming ESS to enhance power supply stability and active support capability for the power system. [Three departments issued the Implementation Opinions on Standardized Application and Innovative Development of AI Agents] The Cyberspace Administration of China, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology jointly issued the Implementation Opinions on Standardized Application and Innovative Development of AI Agents. The Implementation Opinions specify that AI agent development should adhere to the basic principles of safety and controllability, standardization and orderliness, innovation-driven development, and application-led guidance, and put forward measures in four areas: First, consolidating the development foundation by improving the technology base and building standards and protocols. Second, safeguarding the security baseline by clarifying product guidelines, preventing security risks, improving governance systems, and strengthening industry self-discipline. Third, strengthening application-led guidance by proposing 19 typical application scenarios in areas such as scientific research, industrial development, consumption stimulation, people's well-being, and social governance. Fourth, building an innovation ecosystem by promoting industrial cooperation and strengthening application promotion. [China's Warehousing Index remained in expansion in April, with the warehousing industry maintaining a stable and positive operational trend] The China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing released the April China Warehousing Index today (May 9). The index continued to stay in expansion territory, with the warehousing industry maintaining a stable and positive operating trend. In April, China's warehousing index was 51%, remaining in expansion territory for two consecutive months. In terms of sub-indices, the new orders index, facility utilization rate index, and end-of-period inventory index remained in expansion, while the average inventory turnover index maintained a relatively high level of prosperity, indicating steady growth in warehousing business demand, good cargo turnover efficiency, and smooth supply chain connectivity. By product category, the peak production and construction season drove a rebound in warehousing demand for bulk commodities such as chemicals, coal, and machinery equipment, while Labour Day holiday stockpiling boosted notable growth in warehousing demand for consumer goods such as food, home appliances, and agricultural by-products. In terms of market expectations, the business activity expectations index in April was 55.1%, remaining at a relatively high level, reflecting enterprises' continued optimistic expectations. Overall, the warehousing industry operated steadily in April, market vitality continued to be released, and Q2 got off to a good start. (CCTV) [Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE): Geopolitical Situation Stabilizing, Freight Rates Rising on Most Routes] The SSE weekly report stated that the military conflict in the Middle East continued to maintain a ceasefire, with the geopolitical situation relatively stable, though the future situation still faces significant uncertainty. This week, China's export container shipping market remained stable, with freight rates on most routes edging up slightly, driving the composite index higher. On May 8, the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index stood at 1,954.21 points, up 2.2% from the previous period. US dollar: The US dollar index fell 0.43% overnight, closing at 97.86. On a weekly basis, the US dollar index declined for two consecutive weeks, down 0.36% for the week. Data released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday showed that non-farm payrolls increased by 115,000 in April, marking the first consecutive growth in nearly a year and the largest two-month gain since 2024, far exceeding the Bloomberg survey median economist forecast of 65,000. March data was also revised up to 185,000. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.3%, in line with expectations. (Wallstreetcn) "Fed whisperer" Nick Timiraos: An increasing number of seller-side institutions and Fed watchers are removing or delaying interest rate cut expectations from their outlooks, including several forecasters who adjusted after the April non-farm payrolls data release. Currently, half of them believe there will be no rate cuts this year (given the inertia characteristic of such forecasts, this camp is likely to continue growing). Additionally, Chicago Fed President Goolsbee stated that all rate options are currently on the table, not just rate cuts. At the end of April, the US Fed kept rates unchanged, with three officials opposing language in the statement that implied the next move could be a rate cut, arguing that the possibility of rate hikes should be preserved. Goolsbee's remarks reflected a shift among US Fed policymakers—no longer considering near-term interest rate cuts, primarily because the energy price shock triggered by the Iran war has pushed up inflation. He reiterated that both rate cuts and rate hikes remain on the table, and expressed anxiety about inflation, noting that price pressures exist beyond the energy shock. (Jin10 Data) As consumers worried about the impact of inflation on personal finances and buying conditions, US consumer confidence fell to a new all-time low in recent weeks. University of Michigan data showed that the preliminary May consumer sentiment index fell from 49.8 in April to 48.2. Consumers expected prices to rise at an annual rate of 4.5% over the next year, a slight pullback MoM; long-term inflation expectations for the next 5 to 10 years stood at 3.4%. As Americans' anxiety over overall living costs intensified, compounded by a sharp rise in gasoline prices, consumer confidence remained depressed. American Automobile Association (AAA) data showed that the average US gasoline price this week surpassed $4.50 per gallon for the first time since July 2022, having risen over 50% since the outbreak of the Iran war. Survey director Joanne Hsu stated: "About one-third of consumers spontaneously mentioned gasoline prices, and about 30% mentioned tariff issues. Overall, consumers still feel the impact of cost pressure, with the primary driver being surging prices at the pump." The preliminary May current conditions index fell to 47.8, a record low; the expectations index rebounded for the first time since January. Consumers' assessment of their current financial situation dropped to the lowest level since 2009, and the buying conditions indicator also fell to a five-month low. (Jin10 Data) On the macro front: Data to be released next week include China April CPI YoY, China April PPI YoY, US April existing home sales annualized, Germany April CPI MoM final, Germany May ZEW Economic Sentiment Index, Eurozone May ZEW Economic Sentiment Index, US April NFIB Small Business Optimism Index, US ADP employment weekly change for the week ending April 25, US April non-seasonally adjusted CPI YoY, US April seasonally adjusted CPI MoM, US April seasonally adjusted core CPI MoM, US April non-seasonally adjusted core CPI YoY, Japan March trade balance, France Q1 ILO unemployment rate, France April CPI MoM final, Eurozone Q1 GDP YoY revised, Eurozone Q1 seasonally adjusted employment QoQ final, Eurozone March industrial output MoM, US April PPI YoY, US April PPI MoM, UK Q1 GDP YoY preliminary, UK March three-month GDP MoM, UK March manufacturing output MoM, Canada March wholesale sales MoM, US initial jobless claims for the week ending May 9, US April retail sales MoM, US April import price index MoM, US May NY Fed Manufacturing Index, US April industrial output MoM, and China April total electricity consumption YoY (TBD). In addition, the following events warrant attention next week: US Treasury Secretary Bessent visits Japan to meet with the Japanese Prime Minister, the Bank of Japan Governor, and the Finance Minister; the Bank of Japan releases the Summary of Opinions from its April monetary policy meeting; permanent FOMC voter and New York Fed President Williams participates in a panel discussion on monetary policy; Chicago Fed President Goolsbee participates in a Q&A session hosted by a local chamber of commerce; 2028 FOMC voter and Boston Fed President Collins delivers a speech at the Boston Economic Club; 2026 FOMC voter and Minneapolis Fed President Kashkari participates in a discussion hosted by a local chamber of commerce; the Bank of Canada releases its monetary policy meeting minutes; 2026 FOMC voter and Dallas Fed President Logan participates in a dialogue on the energy sector; 2026 FOMC voter and Cleveland Fed President Hammack delivers opening remarks at an online discussion on central bank independence; US Fed Governor Barr delivers a speech; permanent FOMC voter and New York Fed President Williams participates in a discussion; the National Energy Administration releases total electricity consumption data around the 15th of each month. Crude oil: Overnight, the two benchmark oil futures moved sideways, with WTI down 0.14% and Brent up 0.19%. On a weekly basis, WTI futures declined 7.12% and Brent fell 7.32%. Renewed Middle East conflicts persisted, and market concerns over the fragility of ceasefire agreements remained. According to information obtained by CMG reporters on May 8, ship-tracking data showed that as of the morning of May 8 local time, no large vessels had transited the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours. This reportedly marked the second consecutive day since May 7 with no large commercial ships passing through the strait. (CCTV) US energy services company Baker Hughes stated in its closely watched report that US energy enterprises increased oil and natural gas rig counts for the third consecutive week, marking the first three-week streak of increases since early February. Data showed that for the week ending May 8, the total US oil and natural gas rig count—a leading indicator of future production—increased by 1 to 548, the highest since early April. (Webstock Inc.) According to foreign media reports, sources said that since shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, enterprises including Saudi Aramco's trading arm (Aramco Trading) and UAE national oil company Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) have continued to transport crude oil cargoes through the strait. Although current shipment volumes represent only a fraction of what flowed before Iran closed this oil passage nearly 10 weeks ago, the actions of both companies serve as a reminder to the market that some supply can still reach global markets. According to sources, Adnoc was among the first companies to attempt shipping crude oil, fuel, and natural gas cargoes out through the strait. The company supplied Upper Zakum crude to clients, a grade typically loaded at Zirku Island, but in this case delivered in Fujairah waters outside the Persian Gulf. According to Vortexa data, at the end of April, a very large crude carrier (VLCC) loaded with Abu Dhabi crude turned off its transponder and sailed out of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. Kpler data showed that as of Thursday, another VLCC, Fujairah Energy, remained anchored in waters near Abu Dhabi, carrying half a cargo of crude obtained from Zirku Island via ship-to-ship transfer. A charter agreement indicated that the vessel had been temporarily chartered by Adnoc, with plans to load crude between May 15 and 17 for delivery to Asia. (Jin10 Data) Citi stated that the current base case scenario projects Brent crude oil prices to average $110 in Q2 2026, then decline to $95 in Q3 and $80 in Q4. Fitch expects Brent crude prices to remain at $100–110 per barrel during the Strait of Hormuz blockade from May to July, before pulling back to $70 per barrel by September. Additionally, JPMorgan analysts said US gasoline prices "could very well" rise to $5 per gallon, as refineries are prioritizing jet fuel production at the expense of other products. The analyst team noted in a Friday report that in Asia, the region currently hardest hit by the energy crisis, the price shock triggered by the Iran war is transmitting significantly faster through refined product markets such as jet fuel and diesel than through the crude oil market. If refinery operations continue to be constrained by limited crude supply, fuel prices could become "the primary transmission channel for demand destruction." "In this scenario, even if refined product crack spreads widen significantly, crude prices could still stabilize around $100 per barrel. At that point, the next phase of the shock would look less like a traditional crude oil price spike and more like a refining and end-user fuel supply crisis." The product most visibly impacted currently is jet fuel, which is prompting refineries to maximize jet fuel output as much as possible, typically at the cost of reduced diesel production. The knock-on effects have also spread to gasoline production. Analysts said: "This perhaps explains why US gasoline prices have already risen to $4.55 per gallon, and why the risk of gasoline prices reaching $5 can no longer be ignored." (Jin10 Data) Recommended Reading:
May 10, 2026 16:33SMM May 9: The rare earth market in April, especially in terms of oxides, generally showed a trend of rising prices and declining volumes. Specifically: Pr-Nd oxide saw a price increase of 7.07% in April, while dysprosium oxide and terbium oxide both edged up in April. Affected by supply disruptions in the recycling segment, rare earth oxide production all contracted MoM in April. On the foreign trade front: according to data from the General Administration of Customs, rare earth import and export data in the first four months both grew YoY. Since entering May, downstream demand has shown no improvement, market inquiry enthusiasm has been low, and prices of Pr-Nd oxide, dysprosium oxide, and terbium oxide have generally moved lower. Currently, the tight rare earth supply pattern is unlikely to improve in the short term, and whether downstream demand can recover and whether foreign trade exports can remain strong will influence the direction of the rare earth market going forward. Pr-Nd Oxide Rose 7.07% in April; Dysprosium Oxide and Terbium Oxide Edged Up Slightly in April Light rare earth prices: Taking the historical price trend of Pr-Nd oxide as an example, according to SMM quotes: the average price of Pr-Nd oxide on April 30 was 772,500 yuan/mt, compared with 721,500 yuan/mt on March 31, representing an increase of 51,000 yuan/mt in April, with a monthly gain of 7.07%. Entering May, Pr-Nd oxide was generally in a pullback trend, and on May 8, the average price of Pr-Nd oxide was 757,500 yuan/mt. Medium-heavy rare earth prices: Taking the trend of dysprosium oxide as an example, according to SMM quotes: the average price of dysprosium oxide on April 30 was 1,375 yuan/kg, compared with 1,365 yuan/kg on March 31, representing an increase of 10 yuan/kg in April, with a monthly gain of 0.73%. Entering May, dysprosium oxide prices pulled back, with the average price on May 8 at 1,340 yuan/kg. Taking the trend of terbium oxide as an example, according to SMM quotes: the average price of terbium oxide on April 30 was 6,125 yuan/kg, compared with 6,080 yuan/kg on March 31, representing an increase of 45 yuan/kg in April, with a monthly gain of 0.74%. Entering May, terbium oxide prices declined, and as of May 8, the average price edged down slightly to 6,110 yuan/kg. Pr-Nd Oxide and Medium-Heavy Rare Earth Production Both Declined MoM in April Production: Pr-Nd oxide : Pr-Nd oxide production contracted MoM in April. Affected by the dual factors of equipment maintenance and insufficient raw material inventory, recycled Pr-Nd oxide output saw a notable contraction. Meanwhile, some raw ore separation enterprises also experienced production shutdowns, further exacerbating the tightening on the supply side. The simultaneous contraction on both the raw ore side and the recycling side led to a relatively notable MoM decline in Pr-Nd oxide supply in April. Medium-heavy rare earth oxides: In April, medium-heavy rare earth production also saw a slight MoM reduction. Among them, ion-adsorption ore separation enterprises maintained relatively stable overall operating conditions, with no significant fluctuations in production pace. However, production cuts at scrap recycling enterprises dragged down the overall output level of medium-heavy rare earth oxides. As scrap recycling accounts for a certain proportion in the medium-heavy rare earth supply system, production cuts in this segment affected total monthly production, resulting in a slight MoM decline in medium-heavy rare earth oxide production. Imports and exports: According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China's rare earth exports in April totaled 5,308.6 mt, up 10.9% YoY; cumulative rare earth exports from January to April reached 19,887.6 mt, up 4.9% YoY. China's rare earth imports in April totaled 8,780.7 mt, down 30.44% YoY; cumulative rare earth imports from January to April reached 40,857.8 mt, up 9.5% YoY. Outlook Regarding the outlook for rare earths, supply side, oxide production contracted in April, and the tight short-term supply situation showed no signs of easing, with the supply side continuing to provide certain support for rare earth prices. Demand side, the weak demand landscape is expected to continue suppressing rare earth market performance until downstream demand shows notable improvement. However, from customs export data, the 10.9% YoY growth in rare earth exports in April provided certain external demand support for rare earth prices. If rare earth export data continues to grow in May, it is expected to further boost market confidence. In addition, China and the US are currently maintaining communication regarding Trump's planned visit to China in mid-May. If this summit proceeds smoothly, the two sides may exchange views on issues such as trade and critical minerals supply chain stability. Given the US's concerns over rare earth supply chain security, if pragmatic progress is achieved in relevant communications, it could bring marginal improvement expectations for the rare earth export environment. However, the impact still needs to be cautiously assessed in conjunction with actual summit outcomes and subsequent policy developments. Overall, the rare earth market in the short term will continue to seek direction amid the tug-of-war between sellers and buyers across the supply chain, and changes in external demand as well as progress in China-US trade communications warrant continued attention. Recommended reading:
May 10, 2026 10:57The minutes of Tianhe Magnetics' investor briefing held on May 7 showed: 1. What is the trend in the revenue share of the NEV business, and how is the recovery in wind power, consumer electronics, and other segments? Tianhe Magnetics responded: Hello, thank you for your attention! The company's products are widely used in NEVs and parts, wind power, energy-efficient home appliances, consumer electronics, and other fields. Its clients are all industry leaders, and the company has been deeply integrated into the core supply chains of top-tier players in and outside China. During the reporting period, NEVs and parts remained the downstream segment with the highest share; wind power and consumer electronics segments recovered and grew YoY. The company adheres to a diversified strategy, deepens strategic cooperation with clients, strengthens client loyalty, and continues to expand downstream applications to support steady business growth. 2. What is the specific progress of "small-batch delivery" of dedicated magnets for humanoid robots, and what is the expected revenue contribution? Tianhe Magnetics responded: Hello, thank you for your attention! In the humanoid robot field, the company works closely with relevant clients to jointly conduct R&D and trial production of related projects. The specific revenue contribution is directly linked to the promotion and application progress of humanoid robots. 3. Against the backdrop of tightening rare earth export controls, how can the sustainability of the 44% ex-China business be ensured? Tianhe Magnetics responded: Hello, thank you for your attention! The company coordinates and obtains export licenses from the Ministry of Commerce in an orderly manner based on client orders to ensure the smooth and sustained operation of its export business. At the same time, the company actively expands markets outside China, deepens engagement with existing clients and develops new clients, increases efforts in developing zero-heavy-rare-earth products, and scales up product exports to ensure steady growth in ex-China performance. Tianhe Magnetics' Q1 2026 report disclosed on April 28 showed: the company achieved total operating revenue of 594 million yuan, up 13.12% YoY; net profit attributable to the parent company was 47.873 million yuan, up 33.41% YoY. Tianhe Magnetics' Q1 report showed: raw material prices remained at high levels, and selling prices of some sales orders were raised, which in turn affected related profit indicators. Tianhe Magnetics' annual report showed: 2025 was the inaugural year of Tianhe Magnetics' entry into the capital market, and the company embarked on a new phase of high-quality development. Positioned at the forefront of the industry, amid the trend of high-end, intelligent, and green development in the rare earth industry, the company anchored on technological innovation and intelligent management as its core, deepened collaborative partnerships with clients, continuously optimized its supply chain layout, steadily released capacity from IPO-funded projects, and progressively implemented automated production line upgrades and green process improvements. Meanwhile, the company actively expanded its product portfolio and industrial reach into injection-molded magnets, bonded magnets, and magnetic assemblies to provide clients with comprehensive rare earth permanent magnet solutions. In addition, the company accelerated its positioning in emerging sectors such as humanoid robots and the low-altitude economy to build momentum for long-term growth. In 2025, the company achieved operating revenue of 2.346 billion yuan, down 9.47% YoY, total profit of 170.908 million yuan, up 18.81% YoY, and net profit of 161.161 million yuan, up 18.43% YoY. In its annual report, when introducing its main business, products, and application fields, Tianhe Magnetics stated: The company is a leading high performance rare earth permanent magnet material provider in China. With the corporate vision of "being a leader in permanent magnet material innovation," the company is primarily engaged in the R&D, production, and sales of high performance rare earth permanent magnet materials such as sintered NdFeB and sintered SmCo, while extending its industrial reach into injection-molded magnets, bonded magnets, and magnetic assemblies to provide clients with comprehensive rare earth permanent magnet solutions. With independent R&D and technological innovation at its core, and guided by the application scenarios and development needs of downstream cutting-edge fields such as NEVs and auto parts, wind power generation, intelligent manufacturing, and 3C consumer electronics, as well as emerging industries such as humanoid robots and the low-altitude economy, the company effectively leverages the fundamental and pioneering role of rare earth permanent magnets as key strategic materials, continuously advancing the innovation and application of high performance, resource-efficient rare earth permanent magnet materials to drive downstream technological innovation, product upgrades, and industrial transformation. Regarding the company's business plan, Tianhe Magnetics stated in its annual report: 2026 is the second year since Tianhe Magnetics' listing and the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan. Standing at a new starting point, the company adopts "innovation" as its annual development theme, upholds the philosophy of "breaking conventions and embracing change," and continues to deepen its presence in the high performance rare earth permanent magnet material field. Leveraging its two rare earth bases in Baotou, the company plans to focus on core technology upgrades and high-end market expansion both in and outside China, seize the strategic opportunities of the global energy transition and intelligent development, and drive "development" through "innovation." Under the leadership of the board of directors, the company plans to further integrate resources, leverage its strengths, and systematically advance various initiatives around its business objectives to ensure high-quality and sustainable development. In 2026, the company plans to focus on the following initiatives: 1. With "innovation" at the core, continuously strengthen R&D investment and drive product and technology upgrades. 2. Pursue new frontiers: focus on expanding new products, new clients, and new markets. 3. Continuously strengthen production and quality management to improve yield and turnover efficiency. 4. Deepen the construction of digital smart factories to continuously enhance production efficiency. 5. Steadily advance IPO-funded and new project construction to expand capacity and support performance growth. (1) Continue to advance IPO-funded project construction. In 2026, the company plans to continue advancing the implementation of IPO-funded projects as planned. Upon full production, the company will reach an annual capacity of 12,300 mt. The company plans to continuously improve manufacturing efficiency through automated production line upgrades, digital management system deployment, and green production process transformation, ensuring capacity alignment across all stages from blank production to finished product inspection, and laying a solid foundation for performance growth. (2) Advance the Tianhe New Materials project construction. The Phase I of the "Tianhe New Materials Rare Earth Zero-Carbon Industrial Park (High Performance Rare Earth Permanent Magnets and Assemblies, Equipment Manufacturing and R&D Project)" invested and constructed by the company's subsidiary Tianhe New Materials has been launched. Upon completion, the project will further expand the business scale and enhance the company's overall profitability, market competitiveness, and risk resilience. 6. Enhance intelligent equipment manufacturing capabilities and cultivate new growth drivers. 7. Management empowerment: continuously strengthen organizational and talent development. 8. Continue to improve ESG efforts and promote sustainable development. 9. Strengthen investor relations and market capitalization management to drive sustained enhancement of company value. When disclosing the risk of raw material price fluctuations, Tianhe Magnetics stated: The main raw materials required for the company's production are rare earth metals, which are relatively expensive and subject to notable fluctuations due to multiple factors including macro economy, trade environment, industrial policies, and market supply and demand. Although rare earth permanent magnet material enterprises can dynamically adjust product selling prices based on factors such as raw material price changes, some existing order prices are locked in, and price adjustments for new orders also involve negotiation cycles, so product price adjustments typically lag behind raw material price fluctuations. If raw material prices continue to swing wildly in the future and the company fails to respond in a timely and effective manner, it may adversely affect business performance. Countermeasures: To address this risk, the company continuously strengthens supply chain management, signs long-term agreements with major suppliers to establish stable partnerships, and implements a scientific raw material reserve strategy to smooth out the impact of price fluctuations. A review of the 2025 price performance of Pr-Nd alloy, a key raw material for NdFeB, showed: the average price of Pr-Nd alloy on December 31, 2025 was 735,000 yuan/mt, up 50.31% compared with its average price of 489,000 yuan/mt on December 31, 2024. The annual daily average price of Pr-Nd alloy in 2025 was 602,181.07 yuan/mt, up 117,476.52 yuan/mt or 24.24% YoY compared with the annual daily average price of 484,704.55 yuan/mt in 2024. A review of the price trend of Pr-Nd alloy in Q1 this year showed: the average price of Pr-Nd alloy on March 31 this year was 880,000 yuan/mt, up 145,000 yuan/mt or 19.73% compared with its average price of 735,000 yuan/mt on December 31, 2025. The daily average price of Pr-Nd alloy in Q1 this year was 913,035.71 yuan/mt, up 385,018.17 yuan/mt or 72.92% compared with the Q1 2025 daily average price of 528,017.54 yuan/mt. On May 8, the price of Pr-Nd alloy was 925,000–930,000 yuan/mt, with an average price of 927,500 yuan/mt, down 0.8% from the previous trading day. Currently, rare earth market prices continue to weaken. Pr-Nd market, downstream purchasing inquiries showed no improvement, and suppliers of oxides maintained a low-price selling strategy to facilitate shipments. However, Pr-Nd oxide futures prices recovered somewhat on the morning of May 8, narrowing the price decline of Pr-Nd oxide. Metal market, constrained by sluggish downstream inquiries, factories showed limited willingness to actively quote, and some suppliers chose to continue lowering their offers. However, as the decline in spot oxide prices narrowed, the actual decline in Pr-Nd alloy prices also narrowed. Nevertheless, downstream wait-and-see sentiment remained strong, and the market trading atmosphere did not see effective improvement. In the short term, Pr-Nd product prices are expected to move sideways amid the tug-of-war between upstream and downstream players.
May 9, 2026 18:27![Weak Supply and Demand, Cost Support: ADC12 Prices in Narrow-Range Doldrums [SMM Analysis]](https://imgqn.smm.cn/production/admin/votes/imageskkgTu20240508153005.png)
[SMM Analysis]Weak Supply and Demand, Cost Support: ADC12 Prices in Narrow-Range Doldrums
May 9, 2026 17:50Some major mills added maintenance shutdowns, and May supply pressure is lower than previous expectations. Demand side, sheets & plates demand is expected to weaken marginally in mid-to-late May. Hot-rolled coil inventory is expected to continue destocking over the next 2–3 weeks, with limited accumulation of supply-demand imbalances before month-end in May. The energy premium outside China is unlikely to ease in the short term, hot metal production continues at elevated levels, and coil prices are expected to continue fluctuating at highs in the near term. The pullback in coking coal prices driven by expectations of easing U.S.-Iran tensions and the periodic weakening of hot-rolled coil export order-taking are expected to cause prices to come under pressure briefly, with limited downside.
May 9, 2026 17:24[China Domestic Ore Brief] Iron ore concentrates prices in the Tangshan area edged up by 10-15 yuan, with current 66-grade iron ore concentrates priced at 990-995 yuan/mt on a dry basis, tax-inclusive, ex-factory. Recently, finished steel prices rose, improving steel mill profits. Combined with imported ore prices fluctuating upward, this drove domestic iron ore concentrates prices to rise. Looking ahead to next week, domestic ore supply remains tight. Demand side, domestic steel mills' high
May 9, 2026 17:08