[SMM Aluminum Market Flash] SMM VP Wang: Indonesia Aluminum Mirrors Nickel's Path, A Decade Behind, Full Chain by 2036

According to SMM statistics, as of Thursday this week, the social inventory of secondary aluminum alloy ingots in China's major consumption regions decreased slightly by 400 mt WoW to 62,500 mt, ending seven consecutive weeks of inventory buildup. On one hand, insufficient input tax invoices forced some secondary aluminum smelters to cut production, tightening market supply; on the other hand, traders increased shipments as the spot-futures price spread widened, which, combined with downstream procurement and manufacturers' repurchase activities, accelerated spot circulation. In the short term, supported by invoice source constraints and the spot-futures price spread, social inventory may continue modest destocking, but weak demand will limit the scope for destocking.

Establishment of the new trade centre at Geelong is another way of consolidating Capral Aluminium’s presence in regional Victoria. This marks a significant development for the company as it seeks to extend its reach to serve the needs of regional Victoria. This is just one more step taken by the company in investing in the Australian manufacturing industry. The Geelong aluminium trade centre has been established to improve access to a comprehensive range of aluminium products for local businesses, manufacturers, fabricators and tradespeople. Customers will benefit from a wide selection of aluminium extrusions, sheet, plate and rolled products, supported by expert local assistance and Capral’s extensive national supply network.

New Zealand has opened a safeguard investigation into imports of certain aluminium extrusion products, according to a notification circulated by the country to the World Trade Organization Committee on Safeguards on May 28, 2026. The investigation was initiated by New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and relates to aluminium alloy profiles, bars and rods manufactured using extrusion processes. The products under review fall under tariff classifications 7604.21.00 00B, covering hollow profiles, and 7604.29.09 00F for other aluminium extrusion products. According to the notification, the investigation covers extrusions produced from alloys belonging to the 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 series under the Aluminium Association classification system.