2026 Aluminum Plate/Sheet, Strip and Foil Enterprise Chinese New Year Break Arrangement [SMM Analysis]

Published: Feb 12, 2026 14:23

Save

SMM February 12:

According to an SMM survey of 19 aluminum plate/sheet, strip and foil enterprises (with a combined annual capacity of approximately 6.22 million mt), the industry demonstrated strong production resilience during the 2026 Chinese New Year holiday, with the overall impact of the holiday falling to a record low. Leveraging mature holiday production support systems and sufficient raw material stockpiling, leading enterprises maintained largely continuous production line operations. Only a small number of small and medium-sized enterprises, constrained by limited order volumes, arranged short breaks of 2–4 days, which had a minimal impact on overall industry supply. In terms of logistics, transport capacity dropped sharply before the holiday. Most enterprises ensured urgent order deliveries through measures such as advance inventory reduction and self-arranged logistics. Truck transport is expected to gradually resume after the eighth day of the lunar new year.

Looking ahead after the holiday, with the traditional peak consumption season of "Golden March, Silver April" approaching, coupled with the export rush window period driven by adjustments in battery export tax rebate policies, orders previously suppressed by high aluminum prices are expected to be released intensively. Currently, sample enterprises generally have robust orders on hand, with relatively ample finished product inventories and raw material stockpiling, laying the foundation for a rapid post-holiday production ramp-up. The industry's operating rate is projected to rebound steadily in late February.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

Common.Time.minsAgo

China's Secondary Aluminum Alloy Ingot Inventory Down 81 mt, Continues Mild Destocking Trend

[SMM Flash] Inventory of secondary aluminum alloy ingots in China’s major consumption hubs fell by 81 mt from the previous day today, maintaining a mild destocking trend.

Common.Time.minsAgo

1 hour ago

Uncertainty Still Surrounds the Geopolitical Situation in the Middle East, and Aluminum Prices Still Have Short-Term Upward Momentum [SMM Aluminum Morning Meeting Summary]

[SMM Aluminum Morning Briefing: The Geopolitical Situation in the Middle East Remains Unclear, and Aluminum Prices Still Have Upward Momentum in the Short Term] Overall, macro geopolitical risks are providing support at the bottom. Although the continued buildup in domestic social inventory is exerting bearish pressure on aluminum prices, the geopolitical situation in the Middle East remains unclear. If the conflict continues, expectations for global aluminum supply to tighten are strong, and aluminum prices still have solid upward momentum. In the short term, aluminum prices are expected to hold up well.

1 hour ago

SHFE Aluminum Saw Wide Swings for Multiple Days, While Alloy Followed the Uptrend Strongly [SMM Cast Aluminum Alloy Morning Comment]

[SMM Cast Aluminum Alloy Morning Comment: SHFE Aluminum Has Seen Wide Swings for Many Days, While Alloys Rose Strongly in Tandem] Yesterday, the SMM ADC12 price increased by 500 yuan/mt, with the center of market quotations shifting up significantly. Most producers raised prices by 500–600 yuan/mt. Recently, raw material prices have continued to strengthen, and the cost side has risen rapidly, providing a clear boost to enterprise quotations. However, downstream demand remained relatively stable. Most enterprises reported that orders and inquiries were generally average, while downstream procurement still mainly focused on restocking as needed. Supported by cost pressure and market expectations, enterprises showed a relatively clear willingness to raise prices. In the short term, against the backdrop of cost support and mild supply release, ADC12 prices are expected to hold up well. The medium-term trend still depends on the recovery of end-use consumption. If orders in the die-casting industry increase significantly, the price center is expected to move further upward; if the demand recovery falls short of expectations, coupled with a continued increase in the supply-side operating rate, prices will shift into high-level consolidation.

1 hour ago