[SMM Tin Flash: U.S. Media: Alibaba, Tencent, and ByteDance Turn to Domestic Suppliers to Cope with the Global Memory Chip Shortage]

According to market forecasts, global smartphone shipments in 2026 are expected to decline by about 7% YoY. This forecast is based on memory price assumptions for Q1 2026, and it is expected that, over time, price pressure and tight supply will begin to ease somewhat in H2 this year. In 2026, the global smartphone market will face significant challenges. Tightening memory supply and persistently high prices have continued to increase cost pressure on producers. At present, memory’s share in the smartphone bill of materials (BOM) has risen markedly, eroding producers’ profitability, with a more pronounced impact on entry-level devices. Since Q4 2025, smartphone producers have begun raising retail prices to maintain margins. However, continued price increases may weaken market demand, especially in price-sensitive emerging markets.

The following table shows the ferrous and nonferrous metals movement on the SHFE and DCE on 06 Mar , 2026

[SMM Tin Midday Review: The Center of the Most-Traded SHFE Tin Contract Moved Higher; Only a Small Volume of Rigid-Demand Transactions Were Concluded in the Spot Market This Morning]