PM Modi Dedicates India's First Automated Dry-Bulk Cargo Terminal to Nation

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Indonesian bauxite mines generally observe the national public holidays (libur nasional) and collective leave days (cuti bersama) in March 2026, as confirmed by industry players, though exact implementation varies by company policy (e.g., essential operations like maintenance or shifts may continue with adjustments). This creates a potential 7-day extended break (18–24 March), aligning with government SKB (joint ministerial decree) on holidays and cuti bersama for 2026.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] The Aluminium Association of India (AAI), representing major domestic producers, has urged the government to exempt aluminum products from the recent 50% cut in RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) rates. Previously, aluminum exports qualified for ~3% RoDTEP benefits for Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) units and ~2.2% for SEZ units. AAI warned that the cut could strain exports amid rising global trade barriers (e.g., tariffs, CBAM), shrinking opportunities, and competition. It also called for 2026-27 RoDTEP rates to be set based on actual unrebated taxes borne by exporters, ensuring fair compensation for both DTA and SEZ units. This aims to maintain competitiveness for Indian aluminum in international markets.

[Short-Term Bullish Momentum Weakened, While Tight Supply Outside China Underpinned the Aluminum Market] Against the backdrop of continued tightening liquidity on the LME, LME aluminum still had upside momentum, with strong support from prices outside China, and the backwardation structure was likely to persist in the short term. China remained in a phase of high inventory and weak spot fundamentals, with upward momentum clearly weaker than that outside China. Amid divergent domestic and external drivers, the SHFE/LME price ratio was expected to continue weakening, and aluminum prices were expected to continue fluctuating at highs in the short term.