[SMM Aluminum Flash News] AISTER Wins USD 4.3 Million Contract for Aluminum Catamaran

Trade between Libya and Brazil showed clear divergence in Q1 2026. Libya’s aluminum scrap exports to Brazil surged, driving total exports up 347.4% YoY to about USD 1.7 million. Meanwhile, Brazil’s exports to Libya fell 57.2% to USD 94.19 million, though Brazil still maintained a trade surplus of about USD 92.4 million. Brazilian exports mainly included iron ore, poultry, beef, tobacco and coffee, with iron ore accounting for about 36.8% of the total. Overall bilateral trade fell 56.5% YoY to USD 95.9 million, while rising aluminum scrap flows reflected changing dynamics in recycled resource trade.

[Geopolitical Tensions Boost LME, China Inventory Buildup and Weakening Demand Under Pressure] In the short term, the core pattern of LME outperforming SHFE in the aluminum market is difficult to reverse. The strength in LME will support room for SHFE aluminum to catch up after the holiday, but high inventory and weak demand in China will suppress overall gains. Going forward, the focus should be on the pace of aluminum ingot destocking in China and the strength of rigid demand release from downstream resumption of work and production resumptions.

[SMM Express] Today, the inventory of secondary aluminum alloy ingots in China's major consumption areas increased by 363 mt from the pre-holiday level (April 30) to 30,900 mt, maintaining a slight inventory buildup trend.