Group 1: Macro Environment - The market is focused on the Federal Reserve's shift from a hawkish to a dovish stance, with internal disagreements among officials regarding interest rate cuts [3][19] - The People's Bank of China has committed to maintaining a moderately loose monetary policy and increasing counter-cyclical adjustments [3][19] Group 2: Copper Market Fundamentals - Domestic TC quotes for copper concentrate remain at historically low levels, indicating persistent tightness in supply [4][20] - January's estimated electrolytic copper production is 1.1636 million tons, a 1.2% month-on-month decrease but a 14.7% year-on-year increase [4][20] - November's net imports of refined copper fell by 58.16% year-on-year to 161,700 tons, while scrap copper imports increased by 5.87% month-on-month [4][20] - Global visible copper inventories rose by 126,000 tons to 924,000 tons by December 31 [4][20] Group 3: Market Sentiment and Price Outlook - Despite weak fundamentals and high inventory expectations, market sentiment remains optimistic due to expectations of a dovish Federal Reserve and strong performance in precious metals [5][21] - The copper price has reached new historical highs, but there is a significant divergence between weak fundamentals and optimistic market sentiment, leading to potential volatility [6][21] - The premium of U.S. copper over LME copper is losing arbitrage opportunities, indicating a shift in market dynamics [6][21] Group 4: Nickel and Stainless Steel - Indonesian nickel ore premiums remain stable at $25.5 per wet ton, while Philippine nickel ore premiums have increased to $9.0 per wet ton [7][22] - January's refined nickel production is expected to rise by 35.8% month-on-month to 37,200 tons [7][22] - The stainless steel market shows a total inventory of 977,000 tons, with a week-on-week decrease of 2.78% [8][23] Group 5: Aluminum Market - December aluminum prices showed a month-on-month increase, with aluminum oxide futures rising by 2.6% and electrolytic aluminum by 6.1% [9][25] - The average operating rate of aluminum processing enterprises decreased to 61.5% in December, indicating a seasonal slowdown [10][26] - Social inventories of aluminum ingots increased by 64,000 tons to 660,000 tons in December [11][26] Group 6: Silicon and Polysilicon - December industrial silicon futures decreased by 2.96%, while polysilicon futures increased by 2.65% [12][27] - Industrial silicon production is expected to decline by 3.2% month-on-month, while polysilicon production is projected to decrease by 3.5% [12][27] - The overall inventory of industrial silicon increased by 17,200 tons to 50,000 tons in December [13][28] Group 7: Lithium Carbonate - Weekly lithium carbonate production increased by 259 tons to 22,420 tons, with a projected month-on-month decrease of 1.2% in January [14][29] - Demand for ternary materials and lithium iron phosphate is expected to decline in January, with a forecasted decrease in production [14][29] - Social inventory of lithium carbonate decreased by 168 tons to 109,605 tons, indicating a slowing down of the destocking process [15][29]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the commodities market outlook for 2026, specifically highlighting precious metals and industrial metals, with a bullish stance on gold and copper prices [1][2][3]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Gold Price Forecast**: The target price for gold is set at $5,000 for 2026, with projections of $6,000 for 2027 and 2028. This represents a significant increase from the $1,700 price point when the bullish rating was issued in November 2022. Key drivers include central bank purchases, expectations of interest rate cuts, concerns over U.S. fiscal sustainability, and persistent inflation [2][3]. - **Impact on India**: As a major importer of gold, high prices will likely widen India's current account deficit. The government may respond by increasing import duties to curb inflows, which could also affect demand for wedding jewelry. However, high gold prices may enhance its role as a savings tool, increasing household wealth [2][3]. - **Oil Price Outlook**: Oil prices are expected to decline to the $60 range by the end of 2025 due to significant oversupply, with supply growth projected to outpace demand growth by three times. This could lead to a daily surplus of approximately 1.6 million barrels, impacting India's import bills and inflation positively [4]. - **CPI Impact**: A $10 drop in oil prices could reduce overall CPI by approximately 0.3 to 0.5 percentage points, providing more policy space for the Reserve Bank of India [4]. - **Agricultural Commodities**: The changing international trade policies are expected to have varied impacts on key commodities like cotton, sugar, and wheat. Improved U.S.-China trade relations may negatively affect India's cotton exports as China may increase its purchases of U.S. cotton [5]. - **Copper Price Forecast**: Copper prices are anticipated to rise to $12,500 in the first half of the year, with an annual average slightly below $12,100. This is attributed to frequent issues in the mining sector and strong demand from the power and data center industries [7]. - **Geopolitical Risks**: Geopolitical risks are believed to have peaked, with improving conditions expected to enhance predictability in the market. Central bank activities will continue to influence market dynamics through interest rates, liquidity, and risk preferences [8]. Other Important Insights - **Market Dynamics**: The concept of the "Crocodile Cycle" is introduced, suggesting that while energy prices may decline, industrial and precious metals could see price increases, indicating a need to focus on sub-sector performance rather than the overall commodities market [8]. - **Aluminum Price Outlook**: While copper prices are expected to drive aluminum prices higher, the outlook for aluminum is tempered by new capacity coming online in Indonesia [7]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the commodities market outlook and its implications for various stakeholders.

Group 1 - The company announced that as of December 31, 2025, it has repurchased approximately 15.43 million shares, representing 0.4108% of the latest total share capital [1] - The highest repurchase price was 4.32 yuan per share, while the lowest was 3.93 yuan per share [1] - The total amount spent on the repurchase was approximately 64.45 million yuan [1]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the non-ferrous metals industry is "Positive" (maintained) [4] Core Views - Demand expectations for aluminum have been raised, leading to a strong breakthrough in aluminum prices [3] - Copper prices are experiencing high-level fluctuations after breaking historical highs, with significant inventory accumulation in domestic markets [5] - The lithium sector is entering an upward price cycle driven by strong demand, despite being in the off-season [79] - Cobalt prices are expected to continue rising due to tight raw material supply [91] Summary by Sections Industry Overview - China's manufacturing PMI for December exceeded expectations at 50.1, compared to the forecast of 49.2 [8] - Initial jobless claims in the U.S. for the week ending December 27 were lower than expected at 199,000 [8] Market Performance - The non-ferrous metals sector outperformed the Shanghai Composite Index, with a weekly increase of 0.41% [11] - The sector's PE_TTM is 28.46, while the PB_LF is 3.51, indicating a premium over the broader market [20] Copper - London copper prices increased by 2.39%, while Shanghai copper prices decreased by 0.49% [25] - Domestic copper inventory saw a significant increase of 30.11%, while London copper inventory decreased by 7.45% [25] Aluminum - London aluminum prices rose by 1.79%, and Shanghai aluminum prices increased by 1.59% [37] - The profit margin for aluminum enterprises increased by 7.18% to 6,862 CNY/ton [37] Lithium - Carbonate lithium prices rose by 5.90% to 118,500 CNY/ton, while lithium spodumene prices increased by 3.89% to 1,548 USD/ton [79] - The lithium sector is expected to see a reversal in supply-demand dynamics, leading to a price increase [79] Cobalt - MB cobalt prices rose by 1.53% to 24.88 USD/pound, and domestic cobalt prices increased by 10.11% to 490,000 CNY/ton [91] - Domestic smelting margins for cobalt increased by 74.85% to 96,700 CNY/ton [91]

Core Insights - The year 2025 witnessed significant market movements in the non-ferrous and precious metals sectors, driven by geopolitical events and macroeconomic factors, leading to record price increases for gold and silver [3][4]. Copper Market - In late November to December 2025, copper prices surged, reaching historical highs of $12,960 per ton on the LME and over ¥100,000 per ton in Shanghai [5]. - The copper supply faced constraints due to structural issues, including declining resource grades and insufficient capital expenditure, alongside natural disasters [5]. - Demand for copper remained robust, driven by the dual forces of new energy and AI, leading to a three-phase price increase throughout the year [5]. - The investment strategy for 2026 suggests maintaining a focus on copper until mid-year, then diversifying into both copper and aluminum investments [5]. Aluminum Market - In early November 2025, aluminum prices rose sharply, driven by a significant increase in trading volume and a shift of capital from copper to aluminum [9]. - The rise in aluminum prices was supported by a tight supply situation and a growing belief in aluminum's long-term potential as a substitute for copper [9]. - The outlook for aluminum remains bullish, with expectations of a widening global primary aluminum deficit by 2026 [9]. Alumina Market - In July 2025, alumina prices experienced a notable increase despite a backdrop of oversupply, influenced by delayed market responses and macroeconomic sentiment [11]. - The market dynamics indicated a potential for further price declines in 2026, driven by cost pressures and competitive market conditions [11]. Zinc Market - In the fourth quarter of 2025, zinc prices began to rise due to domestic supply shortages and a shift in market dynamics towards replenishing inventories [13]. - The zinc market is transitioning from a bear market to a structural bull market, with expectations of a 2% increase in global zinc demand in 2026 [13]. Gold Market - From January to April 2025, gold prices surged due to geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, reaching $3,500 per ounce [17]. - The latter part of 2025 saw gold prices peak at $4,381 per ounce, driven by political pressures on the Federal Reserve and economic instability [22]. Silver Market - In late 2025, silver prices broke through a significant resistance level, reaching $80 per ounce, supported by high trading volumes and low domestic inventories [23]. - The price dynamics were characterized by strong investor interest and significant deviations from equilibrium price levels [23].

Summary of Key Points from Conference Call Records Industry Overview - **Precious Metals and Industrial Metals**: The report covers the silver and gold markets, along with copper and aluminum sectors, providing insights into price forecasts and investment opportunities. Silver Market Insights - **Short-term Risks**: The silver market faces short-term correction risks due to margin hikes, which may lead to price declines. However, the long-term outlook remains positive with a projected average price of 16,000 RMB/kg for next year [1][2]. - **Historical Context**: The volatility in silver prices is linked to past events, such as the 2011 margin hikes that led to significant price drops. Current conditions suggest a potential 20% correction from peak prices [2][4]. - **Valuation**: Companies like Shengda Resources and Yuguang Gold Lead are considered undervalued, with P/E ratios around 10 or lower, presenting good investment opportunities post-correction [4]. Gold Market Dynamics - **Market Drivers**: The gold market is influenced by central bank purchases and ETF investments, with stablecoin issuers like Tether significantly increasing their gold reserves to 104 tons, which is expected to support ongoing demand [5][6]. - **Stock Performance**: Gold stocks have underperformed relative to commodity prices due to interest rate expectations. Current valuations are considered low, with an average P/E of 12 times at gold prices around 1,000 USD/oz, indicating a buying opportunity [7]. Copper Price Forecast - **Price Expectations**: Copper prices are expected to rise, with an average forecast of 11,500 to 12,000 USD per ton, potentially reaching highs of 13,000 to 15,000 USD due to factors like interest rate cuts and supply constraints [8][9]. - **Beneficiary Companies**: Companies such as Minmetals Resources, Zijin Mining, and Luoyang Molybdenum are expected to benefit from rising copper prices due to significant production increases and strong silver by-product yields [9][10]. Aluminum Market Outlook - **Short-term Volatility**: The aluminum market may experience short-term fluctuations, but the long-term outlook is positive, with prices expected to stabilize above 21,500 RMB/ton, potentially reaching 24,000-25,000 RMB/ton [11][13]. - **Investment Opportunities**: Companies like Shenhuo Co., Yunnan Aluminum, and Zhongfu Industrial are highlighted as key players that will benefit from rising aluminum prices and improving EPS [19][20]. Cost Factors and Profitability - **Cost Analysis**: The cost of alumina is expected to decrease, which will enhance profitability across the industry. The projected drop in alumina prices to 2,600-2,700 RMB/ton could increase profits by approximately 1,000 RMB per ton [18]. - **Long-term Investment Strategy**: The aluminum sector is viewed as a strong investment opportunity due to low valuations and expected improvements in profitability, with a focus on companies that can provide dividends and have strong growth potential [17]. Additional Recommendations - **Stock Picks**: Specific companies recommended for investment include Yunnan Aluminum, Zhongfu Industrial, Shenhuo Co., and Tianshan Aluminum, with a focus on their growth potential and market positioning [20][21]. This summary encapsulates the key insights and projections from the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the precious metals and industrial metals sectors.

Summary of Key Points from Conference Call Records Industry Overview - **China's Economic Growth**: In the first three quarters of 2025, China's economy grew by 5.2%, laying a foundation for the annual target of 5% growth. The forecast for 2026 includes a recovery in infrastructure and manufacturing investments, optimistic export conditions, and a retail growth rate in the service sector potentially reaching 6% [1][5][12]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Investment Forecasts**: - Infrastructure investment is expected to rebound to over 5% growth in 2026, while manufacturing investment is projected to stabilize around 5% due to technological and pricing factors [1][7]. - Real estate investment is anticipated to see a reduced decline, although inventory pressures remain, necessitating enhanced destocking policies [1][10]. - **Export Performance**: - Strong export performance in 2025 is expected to continue into 2026, with a growth rate of approximately 5%, supported by industrialization in emerging markets and a potential easing of trade tensions [1][11]. - **Fiscal and Monetary Policy**: - The fiscal policy for 2026 is projected to be proactive, with new special bond issuance potentially increasing to 4.6 trillion yuan and a broad deficit rate around 9.5%. Monetary policy may maintain liquidity stability, with a possible reserve requirement ratio cut of 50 basis points [1][13]. - **Inflation and Economic Growth**: - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to stabilize above 0.5%, while the Producer Price Index (PPI) is projected to gradually recover to around -0.5%. Overall, inflation is anticipated to return to approximately 0%, with GDP growth expected at 5% [1][16]. Additional Important Insights - **Consumer Market Trends**: - The current consumer spending rate in China is about 40%, lower than in developed countries. The service sector is expected to drive GDP growth, with retail growth in services projected at 6% for 2026, up from 5.4% in 2025 [1][6]. - **Banking Sector Dynamics**: - The banking sector is experiencing a dividend-driven market, supported by stable dividend yields and effective risk management. The performance of large banks remains strong, with a focus on maintaining dividend stability [3][24]. - **Wealth Management Growth**: - The scale of investable assets for residents has surpassed 300 trillion yuan, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 15%. This growth is expected to continue, driven by a shift towards higher-return assets [40][41]. - **Securities Market Performance**: - The securities market saw a 73% increase in IPOs in 2025, with significant growth in bond underwriting as well. The overall market remains active, with daily trading volumes significantly increasing [36][37]. - **Investment Banking Trends**: - Investment banking is expected to benefit from a supportive regulatory environment, with a focus on enhancing capital market inclusivity and adaptability. The growth in IPOs and refinancing activities indicates a recovery trend in the sector [39][44]. Conclusion The conference call highlighted a cautiously optimistic outlook for China's economy in 2026, with expected growth in infrastructure, manufacturing, and exports. The banking and securities sectors are positioned for continued growth, supported by favorable fiscal and monetary policies. Investors should monitor these trends closely to identify potential opportunities and risks in the market.

Investment Rating - The report initiates coverage with an "Accumulate" rating for Nanshan Aluminum [3][9]. Core Views - Nanshan Aluminum is positioned as a rare growth target in the electrolytic aluminum sector, with significant confidence demonstrated through dividends and share buybacks [2][8]. - The company is expanding its alumina production capacity in Indonesia, which is expected to contribute positively to its performance [8][9]. - The domestic electrolytic aluminum capacity is nearing its ceiling, while global supply growth is slowing, suggesting potential upward pressure on aluminum prices in 2026 [9][11]. Company Overview - Nanshan Aluminum focuses on high-end aluminum material manufacturing and operates a fully integrated aluminum processing industry chain, covering energy, alumina, electrolytic aluminum, aluminum profiles, and aluminum sheets [19]. - As of the end of 2025, the company has an alumina production capacity of 5.4 million tons, with 1.4 million tons in China and 4 million tons in Indonesia [19]. - The electrolytic aluminum capacity is 680,000 tons domestically, with plans for an additional 250,000 tons in Indonesia [19]. Financial Analysis - For 2023, the total revenue is projected at 28.84 billion yuan, with a year-on-year decline of 17.5%, while net profit is expected to be 3.47 billion yuan, down 1.2% [7]. - Revenue is forecasted to grow to 33.48 billion yuan in 2024, with a net profit of 4.83 billion yuan, reflecting a significant recovery [7]. - The company maintains a low debt ratio of 17.56% as of Q3 2025, indicating strong financial health [33]. Industry Overview - The domestic electrolytic aluminum capacity is approaching a limit of 45.53 million tons, with a current operational capacity of 44.43 million tons [37]. - The supply side is constrained by strict regulations and the need for capacity replacement, while overseas production is expected to face delays due to power supply issues [38][42]. - Demand for aluminum is being driven by sectors such as new energy vehicles and electronics, which are compensating for weaker construction demand [51][54]. Key Highlights - The company is actively expanding its alumina production in Indonesia, which is expected to enhance its cost advantages and contribute to revenue growth [8][9]. - Nanshan Aluminum is committed to shareholder returns, with a dividend payout ratio of no less than 40% of distributable profits from 2024 to 2026 [8][35]. - The report anticipates that the company's net profit will reach 5 billion yuan in 2025, with a corresponding PE ratio of 12.2x [9].

Report Industry Investment Rating The document does not provide an overall industry investment rating. Core Viewpoints - The policy of exempting VAT on the sale of homes held for over 2 years by individuals starting from 2026 will promote the activity of the second - hand housing market and drive the linkage effect between first - hand and second - hand housing [7][8]. - For copper, although price increases may suppress domestic demand, the long - term driving logic remains unchanged, and short - term adjustments provide opportunities for long - term buying [9][10]. - Glass is expected to be strong in the short - term and fluctuate in the medium - term [11]. - For live pigs, the pressure on supply will be concentrated in January, and there are opportunities to short near - month contracts at high prices [12]. Summary by Related Catalogs Real Estate - **Policy Impact**: Starting from January 1, 2026, individuals selling homes held for over 2 years will be exempt from VAT, while those held for less than 2 years will be taxed at a 3% levy rate. This policy will reduce the cost of housing sales, stimulate housing consumption, and promote the activity of the second - hand housing market [7][8]. Metals Copper - **Supply - side**: The 2026 copper concentrate long - term benchmark price TC is set at $0/ton, and policies may lead to structural changes in the smelting industry [9]. - **Demand - side**: The long - term consumption recovery expectation is strong, especially driven by emerging industries such as computing power centers. However, high prices may suppress domestic demand [9][10]. - **Trading Strategy**: Short - term price adjustments are good entry points for long - term buying [10]. Glass - **Short - term Drivers**: Environmental protection issues in Hubei may lead to production cuts, the 01 contract's position - to - warrant ratio is unfavorable to shorts, and low prices in Hebei have stimulated market stocking [11]. - **Medium - term Outlook**: The market may fluctuate due to high inventory levels and weakening basis [11]. Live Pigs - **Market Situation**: In late December, there was a structural shortage of pigs, but the overall inventory change was small. The price increase in late December led to re - stocking, and the pressure will be postponed to January [12]. - **Supply and Demand in January**: The group's January sales plan may be slightly reduced, but the need to avoid selling during the Spring Festival will increase supply pressure. Demand in January may not increase significantly, and prices are expected to rise weakly [12]. Other Metals - **Gold**: Inflation is moderately falling [14]. - **Silver**: It is in a high - level adjustment [14]. - **Zinc**: It shows a fluctuating and strengthening trend [14]. - **Lead**: Inventory increases are pressuring prices [14]. - **Tin**: Supply has been disrupted again [14]. - **Aluminum**: It shows a strengthening and fluctuating trend [14]. - **Alumina**: It continues to be at the bottom [14]. - **Cast aluminum alloy**: It follows the trend of electrolytic aluminum [14]. - **Nickel**: There is a game between capital and industrial forces, and attention should be paid to the emergence of structural opportunities [14]. - **Stainless steel**: The fundamentals limit its elasticity, and attention should be paid to Indonesian policy risks [14]. Chemicals - **PX, PTA**: They are in a high - level fluctuating market. PX supply is increasing while demand is decreasing, and PTA supply is recovering while downstream profits are being squeezed [69][72][73]. - **MEG**: The upside space is limited, and it still faces medium - term pressure. Although there are expectations of load reduction, the inventory accumulation pattern is difficult to change [69][74]. - **Rubber**: It shows a wide - range fluctuation [75]. - **Synthetic rubber**: It is falling from a high level [78]. - **LLDPE**: The upstream inventory is transferred, and the basis is stable [81]. - **PP**: Multiple PDH units are planned to be overhauled in January, and the market is stabilizing and fluctuating [84]. - **Caustic soda**: Attention should be paid to the delivery pressure in January. The market is characterized by high production and high inventory [87][89]. - **Paper pulp**: It shows a fluctuating and strengthening trend [93]. - **Methanol**: It is strong in the short - term [102]. - **Urea**: The fluctuation center is moving up [107]. - **Styrene**: It shows short - term fluctuations [111]. - **Soda ash**: The spot market has little change [116]. - **LPG**: The CP in January is at a high level, and the night - session price has made up for the increase [118]. - **Propylene**: The spot supply and demand are tightening, and there is an expectation of a stop - falling and rebound [118]. - **PVC**: It shows a weak and fluctuating trend. The high - production and high - inventory structure is difficult to change in the short - term [126][128]. Energy - **Fuel oil**: It is in a narrow - range adjustment and may remain strong in the short - term [129]. - **Low - sulfur fuel oil**: The night - session price has fallen, and the spot price difference between high - and low - sulfur fuels is temporarily stable [129]. Shipping - **Container Freight Index (European Line)**: It is fluctuating at a high level. The key issues for the 2602 contract are the height of freight rates, the inflection point time, and the rate of price decline. For the 2604 contract, shorting at high prices has a relatively high probability of winning [131][141][142][143]. Agricultural Products - **Short - fiber, Bottle - chip**: They are fluctuating at a high level [145]. - **Offset - printing paper**: It is advisable to wait and see [148]. - **Pure benzene**: It shows short - term fluctuations [153]. - **Palm oil**: It has a short - term rebound, but the driving force is weak [156]. - **Soybean oil**: It moves within a range, and attention should be paid to the month - spread opportunities [156]. - **Soybean meal**: It fluctuates, and holiday risks should be avoided [163]. - **Soybean**: It is advisable to be cautious and wait and see before the festival [164]. - **Corn**: Attention should be paid to the spot market [167]. - **Sugar**: It is running weakly [171]. - **Cotton**: It maintains a fluctuating and strengthening trend [176]. - **Eggs**: They show short - term fluctuations [181]. - **Live pigs**: Contradictions continue to accumulate, and the price is strong before the festival [184]. - **Peanuts**: Positions are being reduced before the festival [189].

Core Viewpoint - The aluminum market is experiencing a complex situation with a significant drop in spot prices, a slight rebound in futures, and a rise in aluminum concept stocks, indicating a clash between short-term adjustments and long-term positive factors [9] Group 1: Market Performance - On December 30, the international aluminum market rose slightly to $2969 per ton, while domestic futures showed mixed performance, with the main 2602 contract closing at 22565 yuan per ton, up 0.13% [1] - The spot market saw a substantial decline, with prices in the Yangtze region dropping by 310 yuan per ton and in Guangdong by 320 yuan per ton, reflecting weak demand from downstream buyers [1][2] Group 2: Demand and Supply Dynamics - The significant drop in the spot market is attributed to a seasonal demand slump and high aluminum prices, leading to reduced purchasing intentions among downstream enterprises [2] - Downstream leading enterprises are operating at only 60.8% capacity, indicating a decrease in demand across various sectors [2] Group 3: Macro Factors - Uncertainties in overseas policies, particularly comments from former President Trump regarding the Federal Reserve, have created market concerns, although the direct impact on aluminum prices is limited [3] - Positive domestic economic indicators, including a rise in major stock indices and expectations for increased infrastructure investment, are providing strong support for aluminum prices [4] Group 4: Inventory and Cost Analysis - Short-term inventory pressures are evident due to stable production capacity and improved shipping conditions, leading to an increase of 44,000 tons in aluminum ingot and rod inventories [5] - Long-term support for aluminum prices is expected due to relatively low inventory levels compared to last year and stable production costs, with a cost support level estimated at around 20,000 yuan per ton [5] Group 5: Company Insights - Yun Aluminum Co., as a leader in "green aluminum," benefits from lower production costs due to its reliance on hydropower, allowing it to maintain profitability even at lower aluminum prices [6] - Tianshan Aluminum's integrated business model across the aluminum supply chain enhances its risk resilience, allowing it to offset losses in one area with profits from another [6] Group 6: Market Outlook - In the short term, the aluminum market is expected to face pressure with prices likely to fluctuate between 22,000 and 23,000 yuan per ton due to weak demand and inventory accumulation [7] - The medium to long-term outlook is optimistic, with anticipated demand growth from infrastructure investments and the rapid development of the new energy vehicle and photovoltaic industries, potentially raising aluminum prices to a range of 24,000 to 26,000 yuan per ton by 2026 [8]