[SMM Aluminum Flash] According to SMM statistics, today the social inventory of secondary aluminum alloy ingots in China’s major consumption regions decreased by 2,965 mt from last Thursday, with destocking accelerating after the holiday.

SMM, March 5: In early trading, SHFE aluminum 2602 fluctuated upward, with the price center higher than the previous trading day. Affected by the US-Iran conflict, aluminum prices continued to rise. Impacted by high aluminum prices today, buying sentiment declined while selling sentiment increased. The spot-futures price spread was currently relatively strong, and some traders were still purchasing for hedging. Bullish sentiment was strong in the market, and sellers held prices firm. Today’s mainstream transaction prices were from the average price to +10 yuan/mt. Today, the east China market shipments sentiment index was 2.98, up 0.3 MoM; the purchasing sentiment index was 2.96, down 0.23 MoM. Geopolitical conflict affected Aluminum Bahrain’s shipments, intensifying sentiment of financial constraints. Traders in the central China market remained bullish. Although downstream processing enterprises were constrained by weaker-than-expected orders and inventories not yet fully depleted, resulting in relatively weak purchasing sentiment, traders’ purchases boosted overall market transactions, and premiums remained relatively firm. Ultimately, actual transaction prices in the central China market ranged from central China price +10 yuan to central China price -30 yuan, with mainstream transaction prices concentrated at central China price -10 yuan to -20 yuan. Today, the central China market shipments sentiment index was 2.77, up 0.07 MoM; the purchasing sentiment index was 2.4, up 0.08 MoM. Inventory side, aluminum ingot inventory in major consumption areas increased 13,000 mt MoM today. Affected by seasonality, all three regions saw inventory buildup. In the short term, after the Chinese New Year, aluminum ingots continued to see seasonal inventory buildup. Affected by bullish sentiment, premiums are expected to remain on a narrowing trend.

[SMM Flash] SHFE data showed that on March 4, the total registered volume of cast aluminum alloy warrants was 62,228 mt, down 1,114 mt from the previous trading day. Among them, the total registered volume in Shanghai was 5,949 mt, down 121 mt from the previous trading day; Guangdong was 20,908 mt, down 181 mt; Jiangsu was 7,930 mt, down 150 mt; Zhejiang was 20,740 mt, down 422 mt; Chongqing was 4,384 mt, down 150 mt; and Sichuan was 1,203 mt, down 90 mt.

Broad declines in North American scrap copper prices, with #1 and #2 copper wire down modestly while aluminum scrap remains flat.

On Tuesday, March 3rd, Norsk Hydro stated that QatarEnergy has issued a declaration suspending the production of certain downstream products within Qatar, including urea, polymers, methanol, and aluminum.

SMM, March 4: Aluminum ingot: Today, Foshan A00 spot aluminum was affected by the geopolitical situation in Iran, with heightened fluctuations in market sentiment. Discounts edged down slightly before recovering. Mainstream quotations against the front-month contract were -170 yuan/mt, with some cargoes quoted at -180 yuan/mt, down 10-20 yuan/mt WoW from last Friday. Intraday transactions were concentrated at -20~-10 yuan/mt. A major buyer in Foshan swept up cargoes at -10 yuan/mt. Lower-priced cargoes were relatively abundant, and a small number of quotations rebounded to near parity. Downstream purchases were mainly driven by rigid demand, with deliveries to plants at -10 yuan/mt, and overall purchasing sentiment remained sluggish. Aluminum billet: Today, the average processing fee for SMM 6063 aluminum billet (Guangdong) was 180 yuan/mt for Φ90/100, and 130 yuan/mt for Φ120 and above, down 20 yuan/mt from yesterday. Affected by expectations of tightening overseas supply, the base price rose significantly, and aluminum billet processing fees were somewhat under pressure. Meanwhile, downstream post-holiday resumption progressed slowly, and purchases were mainly driven by rigid demand, with buyers pushing for lower prices. If aluminum futures prices continued to rise, suppliers would continue to raise processing fees, while market trading sentiment was relatively average.

[SMM Weekly Magnesium Review: The Short-Term Volatile Pattern in the Magnesium Market Remained Unchanged, with Downstream Resumption and Geopolitical Developments Becoming Key Variables] This week, the domestic dolomite market held steady, with the supply side showing regional structural divergence: top-tier enterprises in the Wutai area halted production, while other major producing regions replenished capacity in a timely manner, keeping overall national supply broadly stable. On the demand side, operating rates at primary magnesium enterprises in Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Inner Mongolia remained stable, rigid demand was released in an orderly manner, and raw material inventory was ample, reinforcing the foundation for market stability. The domestic magnesium ingot market consolidated at high levels, the tug-of-war between sellers and buyers intensified, and prices fluctuated rangebound. On the supply side, support came from costs and tight spot cargo, enterprises showed strong reluctance to sell, low-priced supply was scarce, and bargaining room was extremely limited. On the demand side, both domestic and overseas demand were weak: in domestic trade, downstream buyers only restocked for rigid demand and purchasing intensity was relatively weak; in export markets, escalation in the Middle East situation disrupted shipping and pushed up ocean freight rates, export shipments were suspended, overseas purchasing plans were delayed, and amid the supply and demand stalemate, prices lacked momentum for a one-way move. The export market for magnesium ingot was hit by fluctuations in ocean freight rates and international developments, with strong wait-and-see sentiment across the industry, weak transactions, and rising uncertainty. The magnesium powder market, supported by raw materials, stayed stable with slight adjustments, mainly fulfilling earlier orders; new orders were few, and both domestic and export markets remained cautious. The magnesium alloy market held up well: magnesium ingot and aluminum ingot prices reinforced cost support, enterprise operating rates rebounded slightly, and demand recovered as downstream die-casting plants gradually resumed operations. Market transactions were mild, and prices were expected to remain largely stable in the short term.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] East Hope Group to be mentioned that they have reached an MoU to acquire 5 bauxite IUP in Indonesia from PT Bino Artomas Mineral Group. The 5 IUPs has never been on operation yet; however, geology review has been conducted in the Indonesian lab. It will cost around USD 200 - USD 250 mn for all 5 IUP with an area of more than 100,000 hectares in Ketapang, North Kayong, and Melawi. Current status: East Hope will gather geologist team to conduct the geology review again based on the Chinese lab. 5 IUP mentioned: PT Panca Raja Perkasa PT Cakra Internusa PT Rejeki Jaya Mandiri PT Bino Artomas Mineral PT Ridatama Cahaya Abadi

Chongqing Shunbo Aluminum Alloy (Shunbo Alloy) has announced that its Anhui Phase II project will prioritize aluminum plate and strip products for battery foil blanks, battery casings, 3C products, and green packaging. The company highlights that these sectors align with the rapid growth of new energy vehicles (NEVs) and new energy storage systems (ESS). The project includes a 630,000-ton/year low-carbon aluminum alloy flat ingot line and a 50,000-ton/year high-performance aluminum plate and strip line. Production and sales are projected to scale from 120,000 tons in 2026 to 400,000 tons by 2028.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Guinea Bauxite & Alumina Exports in January 2026. Ministry of Mines and Geology reports: Total bauxite 20.26 million tons; alumina 46,764 tons. Bauxite Highlights (top contributors): 1. SMB: 6.57 Mt (32 vessels) – leading exporter 2. Chalco: 2.64 Mt (14 vessels) 3. CBG: 1.64 Mt (28 vessels) 4. Zhicheng Guinee Mining/GBT: 0.94 Mt (5 vessels) 5. CDM China: 0.94 Mt (5 vessels) Other key volumes: 6. Cobad: 0.82 Mt 7. AMC: 0.79 Mt 8. BAM: 0.63 Mt 9. KBM: 0.58 Mt Alumina: 1. Friguia: 46,764 tons (2 vessels) – sole reported exporter