Main sea freight index at Baltic Exchange plummets to below 600 points mark

In the short term, the core pattern of LME outperforms SHFE is unlikely to reverse. Strength in the overseas market will support SHFE aluminum's post-holiday catch-up potential, but high domestic inventory and weak demand will cap overall gains. Going forward, key focus will be on the pace of China aluminum ingot destocking and the strength of rigid demand release from downstream production resumptions.

DISA has launched the DISAMATIC C5 vertical green-sand moulding line, designed for high efficiency and low operating cost. The system can produce 400 uncored or 340 cored moulds per hour, delivering up to 20% higher output than comparable machines while reducing maintenance needs and total cost of ownership. The company said the C5 improves casting quality, cutting grinding and rework by about 50%, and offers fast installation with compatibility for existing pattern plates. Overall, the new line enhances productivity and supports faster return on investment for foundries.

South Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups, together with TIPA, has launched the “2026 Carbon Reduction R&D for Core Export Items” project, focusing on developing carbon reduction technologies for high-emission products such as aluminium and steel to address CBAM-related cost pressures. The project, open for applications in May, covers fuel substitution, process optimisation and resource recycling, with support for real-world implementation and verification. Running until 2030 with a total budget of about USD 73 million, the initiative aims to enhance SMEs’ export competitiveness under tightening global carbon regulations.