Rio Tinto Boosts Canadian Smelter Output Amid Rising U.S. Demand and Global Aluminum Price Surge

[SMM Aluminum Alloy Brief] Futures side, the aluminum alloy 2606 contract opened today at 23,660 yuan/mt, with the closing price before the midday session at 23,475 yuan/mt, down 185 yuan/mt from the previous settlement, a decline of 0.78%. Spot side, ADC12 market prices continued their downward trend today, with enterprises generally lowering prices. On one hand, weakening aluminum prices loosened cost support; on the other hand, downstream demand remained persistently weak, order release was limited, and increasing low-priced resources in the market further intensified price competition. Under the weak supply-demand dynamics, enterprises mostly resorted to passive price cuts to facilitate shipments, with limited willingness to hold prices firm.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Vedanta has announced a major restructuring plan to demerge its businesses into four independent companies (Vedanta Aluminium Metal, Vedanta Iron and Steel, Vedanta Power, and Vedanta Oil and Gas), effective May 1, 2026. The demerger aims to simplify the group’s corporate structure, create focused sector-specific companies, and attract direct investment from global investors, sovereign wealth funds, retail participants, and strategic partners.

Trump stated that extending the ceasefire agreement with Iran was "extremely unlikely." Meanwhile, Vance plans to head to Pakistan later on Monday. He emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz would not be opened until the relevant agreement was signed. In addition, the ceasefire agreement is set to expire on the evening of the 22nd Washington time (i.e., the morning of the 23rd Beijing time), and if it expires, the situation could become as severe as a bomb going off. On the issue of the blockade against Iran, Trump said he would consider the suggestions put forward by Pakistan. He also denied the claim that the US had been dragged into the conflict by Israel.