SHFE Copper to Post Small Gains (2016-3-25)

[Weekly Operating Rates in the Aluminum Processing Industry: China's Aluminum Processing Sector Sees Modest Growth Amid Peak Season Demand] This week, the weekly operating rate of leading downstream aluminum processing enterprises in China edged up 1 percentage point WoW to 62.9%.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Alba is exporting 40–60% of its aluminium via Saudi Arabia's Jeddah port (1,400 km overland) since the Strait of Hormuz route is effectively closed. CEO Ali Al Baqali said transportation costs haven't risen significantly, and deliveries remain on time despite force majeure and production cuts. Alba has ~1 month of alumina stock left, hasn't imported via Red Sea yet, but received extra supply from Ma'aden in Saudi Arabia.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle made landfall near Coen, Far North Queensland, Australia, around 7:30 AM on March 20, 2026, as a Category 4 system (after peaking as Cat 5 offshore). It brought winds >250 km/h, 200–500 mm rain, flash flooding, and storm surge—one of the strongest cyclones to hit the region in decades. Rio Tinto shut down its Weipa bauxite operations (including Amrun and Andoom mines) as a precaution against destructive winds, heavy rain, and risks to infrastructure. The Weipa area supplies key global bauxite for aluminium production. Emergency evacuations occurred in remote communities like Lockhart River.