[SMM Silicone Weekly Review: Silicone DMC Transaction Center Continued to Rise, Shipments Performance of Downstream Products Diverged] The transaction center of China's silicone DMC market moved up this week, with mainstream transaction range at 14,700-15,000 yuan/mt, up 100 yuan/mt WoW. Regional quotations showed slight divergence. Monomer enterprises in Shandong quoted 14,700 yuan/mt, while mainstream quotations in other regions reached 15,000 yuan/mt. Additionally, some enterprises primarily used their supplies for internal consumption, with only small volumes for exports, quoting higher at 15,500-15,900 yuan/mt.

The cobalt chloride market sentiment this week remained largely unchanged from the previous week, with bulls and bears continuing to wrestle and the stalemate yet to be broken. Supply side, top-tier enterprises maintained firm quotations, with mainstream quotations hovering around 116,000 yuan/mt, supported by solid cost support, with some transactions concluded at around 114,000 yuan/mt. Small and medium-sized producers, under pressure from capital recovery and shipments, lowered quotations to 112,000-114,000 yuan/mt, but actual shipments were limited, generally at 2-3 truckloads. Demand side, downstream enterprises gradually depleted inventory and began considering moderate restocking at low levels, with market inquiries becoming more active and transactions recovering slightly. Overall, the market still lacked clear momentum to drive a price breakthrough. Although low prices appeared from time to time, considering factors such as enterprise performance, capital conditions, and shipment volumes, they were unlikely to significantly impact the market. Currently, downside room was very limited, with raw material costs providing strong support. The cobalt chloride market is expected to remain largely stable in the near term.

This week, prices of 304 stainless steel scrap off-cuts in east China rose, with a quotation range of 10,550-10,650 yuan/mt. In Foshan, the same-specification stainless steel scrap off-cuts also strengthened, with a price range of 10,050-10,450 yuan/mt. From a raw material cost perspective, the current cost of producing stainless steel entirely from stainless steel scrap was approximately 14,761.4 yuan/mt, while the cost using entirely high-grade NPI reached 15,134.31 yuan/mt. Stainless steel scrap prices further strengthened this week. SS futures surged significantly, driven by SHFE nickel's rally amid geopolitical conflicts, which in turn transmitted to the spot market and pushed stainless steel spot prices higher in tandem. The alternative raw material high-grade NPI also rose in sympathy, bullish sentiment continued to build, and stainless steel scrap prices followed suit, maintaining a strong trend. The recent rapid rise in high-grade NPI prices further widened the cost advantage of stainless steel scrap over high-grade NPI. This core competitive edge continued to drive steel mills' preference for stainless steel scrap even amid persistent tax invoice issues plaguing the industry. Meanwhile, smelting margins at stainless steel mills gradually recovered, production enthusiasm remained high, production schedules stayed high, and procurement demand for stainless steel scrap remained solid, providing firm support for price rises. Overall, the stainless steel scrap market this week exhibited a further strengthening pattern characterized by "futures leading, raw material linkage, and demand support." Various supportive factors jointly dominated market trends, and although tax invoice issues persisted, they did not significantly constrain the strong price momentum. Stainless steel scrap prices were expected to hold up well in the near term.

[SMM Magnesium Weekly Review: Dual Support from Costs and Stockpiling — Magnesium Ingot Prices Stopped Falling and Stabilized This Week] This week, China's magnesium industry chain overall showed a stable-to-firm trend, moving sideways. Raw material dolomite relied on supply from neighboring provinces due to production halts in major producing areas, while downstream primary magnesium smelting operating rates rose to form rigid demand support. Combined with high transportation costs, prices remained stable overall with delivery-to-factory prices consolidating at highs. The Chinese market for magnesium ingots consolidated at lows and stabilized, benefiting from pre-holiday restocking that drove transaction recovery and enterprise sentiment to hold prices firm amid rising smelting costs. The export market remained sluggish as ex-China clients chased lower prices and new orders were weak. Magnesium powder and magnesium alloy markets operated steadily in tandem — the former maintained production based on demand supported by stable domestic and export orders and sufficient raw material inventory, while the latter moved in line with magnesium ingot prices, with processing fees remaining firm and benefiting long-term from demand support driven by tightening regulatory standards for two-wheeled electric vehicles under the new national standard. The overall industry chain supply-demand pattern showed localized divergence but remained generally stable.

SMM April 29: SHFE aluminum 2605 fluctuated upward in early trading, with overall aluminum prices still operating within the recent lower range. Some downstream enterprises had completed pre-holiday stockpiling, and overall restocking sentiment pulled back today. Affected by low aluminum prices, overall market shipment sentiment was weak. Some sellers maintained relatively high quotations due to the impact of declining aluminum prices. Some offered lower prices for cargoes with invoices dated next month due to invoice shortages. The market quotation range was wide, with mainstream transactions concentrated around SMM A00 aluminum -20 to +20 yuan/mt. Today's east China market shipment sentiment index was 2.75, down 0.16 MoM; purchasing sentiment index was 2.90, down 0.74 MoM. On the last day before the Labour Day holiday, downstream processing enterprises in central China had basically completed early stockpiling, and with next month's policies unclear, traders' concerns over insufficient invoice quotas suppressed transactions for cargoes with invoices dated next month, with overall market buying sentiment being sluggish. However, some holders worried about insufficient invoices and tended to offload cargoes in bulk, causing price collapse in some shipment prices. Ultimately, actual transaction prices in the central China market ranged from parity to a discount of 30 yuan to the central China price. Today's central China market shipment sentiment index was 2.84, up 0.01 MoM; purchasing sentiment index was 2.33, down 0.08 MoM. Inventory side, aluminum ingot inventory in major consumption areas fell 1.4 MoM today, with all three regions showing destocking trends.

Today's daytime session saw platinum futures prices continue to edge down. The most-traded PT2606 contract on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange closed at 483.85 yuan/gram in the morning session, down 0.81%. The SGE Pt9995 versus Guangzhou Futures Exchange PT2606 was inverted by 1-2 yuan/gram. Spot side, mainstream spot quotations showed discounts basically flat compared to the previous trading day. Morning session spot platinum trader mainstream quotations were at a discount of 1-3 yuan/gram to PT2606. Many enterprises temporarily withdrew from market quotations due to invoicing rectification and the approaching holiday. Transaction side, according to SMM, a small volume was traded at around a 3 yuan/gram discount to Guangzhou Futures Exchange contracts in the morning session. Downstream enterprises showed low purchase willingness and mostly adopted a wait-and-see approach. The overall market was dominated by a strong holiday atmosphere, with both trading and investment activity remaining subdued.

This week (April 24–April 30), SMM copper wire and cable enterprise operating rate was recorded at 65.9%, down 1.09 percentage points WoW. Copper prices hovered at highs this week, compounded by earlier concentrated procurement having front-loaded part of subsequent demand, and wire and cable industry orders continued their weak trend with operating rates declining further. End-use demand showed divergence: power sector orders remained subdued, mainly dragged by earlier demand release; while new energy and construction sector orders were relatively stable. Inventory side, despite the approaching Labour Day holiday, enterprises remained cautious in stockpiling sentiment due to elevated copper prices, with raw material inventory edging up 2.58% WoW; on finished product inventories, some wire and cable enterprises suspended quotations during the Labour Day holiday, and some end-users cautiously picked up goods in advance, driving finished product inventories down 2.42% WoW. Looking ahead, the wire and cable industry operating rate is expected to continue to pull back next week. Most enterprises have relatively short Labour Day holiday periods, with some choosing production cuts or continued production. Therefore, SMM expects next week (May 1–May 7) copper wire and cable operating rate to continue declining 3.12 percentage points WoW to 62.78%.

Against the backdrop of global sustainable development, the recycled metal industry is gaining importance. As the conflict between resource shortages and growing demand intensifies, countries are increasing policy and technology investment in this sector to promote a green economy. Japan, as a key recycled resource hub in Asia, possesses advanced technologies (such as aluminum dross processing) and closed-loop recycling models, and plans to expand the scale of e-waste recycling. However, its domestic capacity to absorb secondary aluminum is limited, necessitating expansion into markets outside China; secondary copper capacity is also expanding simultaneously. Sino-US trade issues have also highlighted the necessity of supply chain stability. Against this backdrop, with the theme "Voice of Low Carbon, Global Resonance," the will be held in Tokyo, Japan, on May 11–12, 2026. At this conference, will participate as an attending company, with Chairman Javier Riba Mas and Asia Manager Jose Maria Lozoya Fontanals in attendance. Global sustainability highlights the importance of the recycled metal sector. With resource shortages intensifying, countries (notably Japan, Asia's recycling hub) are advancing tech and policies. Japan aims to expand e-waste recycling but needs markets outside China for secondary aluminum; secondary copper output is also growing. Sino-US trade tensions further emphasize supply chain stability. 2026 SMM (3rd) Global Renewable Metal Industry Chain Summit (Theme: Voice of Low Carbon, Global Resonance ) is scheduled for May 11–12, 2026 , in Tokyo, Japan . At this conference, RIBA FARRE will attend, with Chairman Javier Riba Mas and Asia Manager Jose Maria Lozoya Fontanals in attendance. Your Trusted Global Partner in Non-Ferrous Metals Processor with more than 85 years experience Your Trusted Global Partner with Over 85 Years of Expertise in Non-Ferrous Metal Processing Comercial Riba Farré was established in 1940 and has long been deeply engaged in the non-ferrous metal recycling sector. Leveraging profound industry experience , the enterprise has firmly established itself in the Spanish domestic market while fully expanding into global markets. Drawing on years of accumulated expertise, we rigorously benchmark against London Metal Exchange quotations daily, updating purchase and sale prices in real time. Riba Farré firmly believes that long-term, sustainable business operations never rely on short-term arbitrage transactions, but rather on a solid corporate structure and persistent, dedicated operations. Our current industry standing is a powerful testament to this philosophy. Comercial Riba Farré se creó en 1940 y desde entonces ha desarrollado su actividad en el sector del reciclaje de metales no férricos. Nuestra EXPERIENCIA nos ha permitido consolidarnos dentro del mercado español y los mercados internacionales. Es la misma experiencia que nos permite garantizar la máxima actualización diaria de los precios de compra y venta de material según la Bolsa de Londres. En Riba Farré estamos convencidos que un NEGOCIO próspero no se basa en transacciones rápidas que ofrezcan beneficios inmediatos, sino en una estructura sólida y en el trabajo constante a lo largo de los años. Y nuestra posición actual confirma esa convicción. The outstanding development of an enterprise is inseparable from a professional, efficient, and motivated core team . The company continuously conducts skills training and implements people-oriented management to constantly enhance the team's overall capabilities. Meanwhile, it is equipped with industry-leading production equipment to fully ensure refined processing and sorting of non-ferrous metals. We consistently introduce cutting-edge intelligent equipment to achieve efficient operations with state-of-the-art capacity. Gran parte de este éxito se debe a la alta calificación, y a la motivación de nuestro EQUIPO . Dos aspectos que Riba Farré potencia cada día mediante la formación continua y el trato personalizado. Nuestro equipo está además plenamente respaldado por la mejor MAQUINARIA para el tratamiento y la clasificación de metales no férricos. Creemos que la máxima eficacia solo se consigue incorporando las máquinas más innovadoras en cada momento. In addition to the core metal recycling business, the group operates the RAEECICLA dedicated division, which specializes in the recycling and processing of e-waste and used electrical appliances. También, a parte de Riba Farré, contamos con RAEECICLA, la división de residuos informáticos y electrónicos. Main Products Productos principales Copper, aluminum, brass, lead, zinc Stainless steel, bronze, nickel, tin Cobre, aluminio, latón, plomo, zinc Acero inoxidable, bronce, níquel, estaño Our Advantages Nuestras ventajas Stable and controllable quality with fully standardized processing Flexible allocation tailored to various supply needs Long-term stable cooperation building reliable partnerships Global presence: Spain, Colombia, China, and India Calidad estable y controlada, procesamiento estandarizado en todo el ciclo. Suministro flexible adaptado a todo tipo de necesidades. Cooperación estable a largo plazo y alianzas comerciales fiables. Presencia global: España, Colombia, China e India. Key Reasons to Choose Riba Farré Por qué elegir Riba Farré Over 80 years of deep industry expertise Extensive global presence across international markets A hands-on producer, not merely a trade intermediary Committed to sustainable circular development Más de 80 años de experiencia consolidada en el sector. Fuerte presencia y expansión en mercados internacionales. Procesador industrial, no solo intermediario comercial. Compromiso firme con la economía circular y la sostenibilidad. Contact Information Contacto +34 932 643 630 INFO@RIBAFARRE.COM SMM Conference Contact Zhang Xiaoyao Mobile: +86 15729506965 Email:

Futures: Overnight, LME lead opened at $1,953/mt. During the Asian session, LME lead fluctuated upward, touching a high of $1,963/mt. Entering the European session, LME lead moved sideways within $1,955.5-1,961.5/mt, then shifted to fluctuate downward, eventually closing at a low of $1,945/mt, down 0.33%. Overnight, the most-traded SHFE lead 2606 contract opened lower with a gap at 16,710 yuan/mt. Prices briefly dipped before rebounding slightly in the early session, but encountered resistance above. Subsequently, the overall trend shifted to fluctuate downward, probing a low of 16,645 yuan/mt near the session end, eventually closing at 16,650 yuan/mt, down 95 yuan/mt or 0.57%. Open interest stood at 63,800 lots, down 1,254 lots from the previous trading day. Macro front: The US Fed kept interest rates unchanged as expected, and Powell will remain as governor. Warsh's Fed Chairman nomination passed a Senate committee vote. Trump: now is a good time to cut interest rates; Powell stays at the Fed because no one else wants him. Trump: believes the Russia-Ukraine and Iran conflicts will end at roughly the same time; negotiations with Iran are being conducted by phone, very conveniently. Iran stated that if the US continues to seize ships, it will respond with "unprecedented military action." Putin proposed a "Victory Day" temporary ceasefire with Ukraine and put forward suggestions on Iran's nuclear program; Trump suggested a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine. World Gold Council: global central banks increased gold holdings at the fastest pace in over a year in Q1. Liu Haoling was appointed as CSRC vice chairman. China discovered 13 new 100-million-mt oil fields and 26 new 100-billion-m³ gas fields. Spot fundamentals: Yesterday, SHFE lead maintained narrow-range fluctuations. Ahead of the holiday, suppliers actively made shipments, but warrant quotations in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai remained scarce, with cargoes self-picked up from production site of primary lead smelters as the main source. Some quotations were lowered from the previous day, with mainstream production areas quoted at premiums of -20~+30 yuan/mt against SMM #1 lead average price on an ex-factory basis, while a few regions maintained quotations at premiums of +100 yuan/mt. Secondary lead side, regional tight supply persisted. Secondary lead smelters in North China, Southwest China and other regions made shipments following the market. Secondary refined lead was quoted at premiums of -50~+50 yuan/mt against SMM #1 lead average price on an ex-factory basis. Downstream enterprises successively went on holiday, procurement demand weakened notably, inquiries were also scarce, and spot market transactions were sluggish. Inventory: As of April 29, LME lead inventory decreased by 500 mt to 268,700 mt. As of April 27, SMM lead ingot social inventory saw slight destocking. Lead price forecast for today: Consumption side, as the Labour Day holiday approached, battery factories' periodic restocking largely concluded last week. Downstream just-in-time procurement follow-through was weak, and overall demand remained subdued. Supply side, constrained by tight raw material inventory, some secondary lead smelters adopted production cuts or halted operations, and spot cargo availability in the market continued to tighten; meanwhile, lead ingot destocking outside China continued, and China's primary lead social inventory also pulled back slightly. Currently, the lead market presents a weak supply-demand pattern, and lead prices are highly likely to maintain fluctuating trend in the short term.

[SMM Chrome Daily Review: Wait-and-See Sentiment Dominated with Limited Transactions, Chrome Market Remained Stable for Now] April 29, 2026: The ferrochrome and chrome ore market saw limited fluctuations...