[SMM Analysis]Unwrought Aluminum Alloy Exports Surged 180% YoY in April, Imports Clearly Under Pressure

[SMM Analysis] Can Indonesia import sulfuric acid as a substitute after the sulfur restriction?

[SMM Analysis] After Sulfur Restrictions, Can Indonesia Import Sulphuric Acid as a Replace? Wait, let me reconsider the translation for better English style. [SMM Analysis] With Sulfur Restricted, Can Indonesia Import Sulphuric Acid as a Replacement?

According to Bloomberg on May 20 local time, the South Korean-flagged very large crude carrier, Universal Winner, appears to be attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. If successful, it would mark the first such passage by a vessel belonging to an East Asian country.

According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China's copper plate/sheet and strip exports totaled 12,246.37 mt in April 2026, up 5.46% MoM and up 14.01% YoY. From January to April, China's cumulative copper plate/sheet and strip exports reached 45,487.58 mt, up 16.14% YoY cumulatively.

According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China's copper enamelled wire exports totaled 13,716 mt in April 2026, up 3.77% YoY and up 19.24% MoM. From January to April 2026, China's cumulative copper enamelled wire exports reached 47,510.96 mt, up 4.98% YoY cumulatively. (HS code 85441100)

In April 2026, China's copper enamelled wire exports maintained high prosperity, with monthly exports of 13,716 mt, up 3.77% YoY, covering 133 countries and regions. By market, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea remained the top three markets, accounting for approximately 32% combined. Exports to Vietnam edged up 1.5%, while those to Japan and South Korea pulled back YoY. Exports to Turkey surged 544.3% YoY, jumping to fourth place; exports to Thailand declined 27.8% YoY, dropping to fifth.

[Will Refined Zinc Maintain Net Imports in April with Exports Increasing in May?] According to the latest customs data, refined zinc imports in April 2026 were 6,000 mt, down 8,400 mt or 58.27%% MoM, and down 78.62% YoY. Cumulative refined zinc imports from January to April were 49,000 mt, down 61.98% YoY cumulatively. Refined zinc exports in April were 3,900 mt, down 16.22% MoM and up 59.21% YoY.

[SMM Steel] US line pipe imports totaled 45,310 tonnes in March 2026, up 8.3% m-o-m but down 41.7% y-o-y, according to final census data from the US Department of Commerce. Import value increased to 48.05 million USD from 44.35 million USD in February but remained well below 103.81 million USD recorded in March 2025. South Korea remained the largest supplier with 27,844 tonnes, followed by India at 7,194 tonnes, Mexico at 2,924 tonnes, and Ukraine at 1,581 tonnes.

[SMM Steel] The European Commission launched a consultation on May 13 regarding draft CBAM rules that could allow EU importers to receive discounts on CBAM certificate costs if imported goods have already been subject to carbon pricing outside the EU. The proposal distinguishes between domestic and international carbon credits, with international credits limited to 10% of declared emissions and required to comply with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Currently, only Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam allow international credits within their carbon markets, according to ICAP. The consultation period will run until June 10.