Tsingshan in Talks with Global Traders for $3B Aluminum Smelter in Indonesia

[Aluminum Express - May Bauxite Imports] According to the General Administration of Customs of China, in May 2026, domestic bauxite imports reached 23.03 million metric tons in May 2026, marking a 16.7% month-on-month rise and a 31.5% year-on-year increase. For the January–May period of 2026, total domestic bauxite imports stood at 100.758 million metric tons, up 18.1% year on year. Domestic imports of Guinean bauxite hit 19.607 million metric tons in May 2026, climbing 19.4% month-on-month and surging 48.3% year-on-year.Over January to May 2026, cumulative domestic imports of Guinean bauxite amounted to 82.572 million metric tons, representing a 24.5% year-on-year growth. (Customs HS Code: 26060000)

[SMM Aluminum Express] China's inventory of secondary aluminum alloy ingots in major consumption areas stood at 23,100 mt today, down 453 mt from the pre-holiday level, continuing the destocking trend.

[Ex-China Premium Collapse vs. Accelerated Domestic Destocking, Aluminum Prices Under Pressure in Short-Term Fluctuations] China side, the accelerating destocking pace is a highlight, but absolute inventory remains in a relatively high range. In the absence of new macro positives, SHFE aluminum follows LME aluminum under pressure, but supported by domestic destocking, the decline is relatively controllable. Short-term aluminum prices are expected to be in the doldrums.