[SMM Announcement] Regarding the Addition of the SMM 50% Ion-membrane process caustic soda solution POT, ex-works, VAT included, yuan/tonne Shanxi, China,

Dear User,

To better serve upstream and downstream enterprises in the aluminum industry chain, assist the market in promptly grasping price dynamics of caustic soda—a key auxiliary material for alumina production—and meet the reference needs of various parties for 50% ionic membrane liquid caustic soda transactions and settlements in different regions, Shanghai Metals Market (SMM), based on thorough market research and data accumulation, has decided to officially commence the daily publication of the "50% Ion-membrane process caustic soda solution POT, ex-works Shanxi, China, VAT included, yuan/tonne" starting December 29, 2025. This will provide a fair and timely price reference for market transactions of this product.

General Principles of SMM Price Methodology: Shanghai Metals Market (hereinafter referred to as SMM) is a fully independent third-party service provider. SMM does not participate in any substantive transactions but maintains close communication with buyers or sellers in the market as an observer or organizer and provides related services to the market. SMM continuously develops, reviews, and revises its methodology through communication with industry professionals, adopting the most common product specifications, trade terms, and conditions within the industry. Equal importance is given to normal transactions that meet the standard specifications. SMM reserves the right to exclude any price information deemed less reliable or unrepresentative from its price assessments.

SMM publishes daily metal spot prices (or price indices, including for the Chinese market, markets outside China, and global markets), commonly referred to as SMM Prices. SMM has established corresponding methodologies for all published SMM Prices (all of which are available for inquiry on SMM's official website news.metal.com). These methodologies stipulate the methods and procedures for generating and publishing SMM Prices, which are strictly followed. To align with the actual conditions of the spot market, SMM will make necessary revisions to the SMM Price methodologies and will announce such revisions on the SMM official website before their formal implementation. For any questions or suggestions regarding SMM Prices and their methodologies, please contact SMM customer service (contact information can be found on SMM's official website news.metal.com).

Aluminum  Team
SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd.
December 26, 2025