According to Polaris Power Network, on March 27, China Southern Power Grid launched the first batch of tenders for information technology projects in 2026. A total of 5 lots and 24 packages were involved, including 15 system construction projects, 2 special research projects, 5 business support projects, and 2 equipment procurement projects.

[Secondary Lead Market Update] Today, the mainstream transaction prices for secondary refined lead on an ex-factory, tax-exclusive basis were 15,350 yuan/mt, while downstream buyers found the ex-factory price of 15,400 yuan/mt difficult to accept.

According to BJX.com.cn, Guiyang Power Supply Bureau’s first batch of distribution network construction projects planned for 2026 totaled 523 projects, all of which were AC projects, including 174.19 km of new 10(20) kV lines, 316 distribution transformers, distribution transformer capacity of 100,905 kVA, and 279.69 km of low-voltage lines.

According to BJX.com.cn, the Shaanxi-Henan ±800 kV UHV DC transmission project received approval from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). The project has a total investment of 19 billion yuan, transmission capacity of 8 million kW, and supporting coal power and new energy projects. The project plans to build a new sending-end converter station with a conversion capacity of 8 million kW using conventional DC technology; a new receiving-end converter station with a conversion capacity of 8 million kW using flexible DC technology; and one new ±800 kV DC transmission line with a length of 728 km. The overall project is expected to be completed and put into operation in 2028.

According to Cailian Press, the optical fiber concept rebounded amid intraday volatility, with SDGI hitting the daily limit-up after Hangdian Holding earlier touched limit-up; Zhongtian Technology, SDGI, YOFC, and TDG Holding also rose in tandem. On the news front, a research report by China Securities said that in February this year, China exported 3,779.9 mt of optical fiber worth 790 million yuan, up 63.6% and 126.8% YoY, respectively. Converted into kilometers, China’s optical fiber exports in February were about 25.2 million core-km, accounting for about 65% of China’s monthly effective optical fiber production.

[SMM Copper Wire and Cable Operating Rate Flash] According to SMM, the operating rate of China’s major copper wire and cable enterprises was 71.99% in March, up 16.18 percentage points MoM and down 1.61 percentage points YoY. Among them, the operating rate of large enterprises was 77.48%, that of medium-sized enterprises was 49.73%, and that of small enterprises was 47.26%. The operating rate is expected to rise 0.64 percentage points MoM to 72.63% in April.

Today, the most-traded BC copper 2605 contract opened at 85,020 yuan/mt. Its center fluctuated upward and, after touching a high of 84,940 yuan/mt, began to decline. Near the close, it hit a low of 84,260 yuan/mt and finally settled at 84,410 yuan/mt, down 0.09%. Open interest reached 6,279 lots, an increase of 157 lots from the previous trading day, while trading volume came in at 3,298 lots, a decrease of 1,106 lots from the previous trading day. The SHFE copper 2605 contract closed at 95,340 yuan/mt. Based on the BC copper 2605 contract price of 84,410 yuan/mt, its after-tax price was 95,383 yuan/mt. The price spread between the SHFE copper 2605 contract and BC copper was -43 yuan/mt, with the backwardation remaining in place and narrowing from the previous day.

Korea’s battery industry is expanding beyond EVs into ESS and other applications. As a result, competition is shifting from product performance toward broader supply chain capabilities. InterBattery 2026 highlighted this transition.

While maintaining a growth structure centered on EVs, South Korea’s battery industry is accelerating its expansion into energy storage systems (ESS) and non-automotive application fields, entering a new phase of transformation. As a result, the basis of competition is shifting from product performance to broader supply chain capabilities. At InterBattery 2026 held in March, major South Korean battery producers showcased a diverse range of products for ESS, AI infrastructure, and industrial applications, underscoring this shift. The industry’s focus is now moving from the single EV market to a broader landscape of energy and industrial applications.

India will engage with Argentina, Indonesia, and Oman next month to secure supplies of critical steelmaking raw materials. Discussions will occur during a major international steel summit in India. The focus includes coking coal, iron ore, lithium, and ferronickel. Indonesia, possessing the world's largest nickel reserves, is targeted as a key supplier of ferronickel for stainless steel. Meanwhile, Oman provides iron ore, and Argentina is a target for lithium and other critical minerals to support state-run NMDC Limited. This initiative aligns with India's strategy to ensure steady raw material supplies to scale up domestic steel production and advance its clean energy transition.