SME 2026 Conference: Day 1 Concludes with Base Metal Market Outlook 2026 and Ni-Co-Li Update

Shanghai Metals Expo (SME) 2025 took place from November 24th to 27th, organized by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. and SMM Trading Center Co., Ltd. It was located at the Grand Hyatt Shanghai in China. The conference showcased a diverse array of events spanning various topics and formats. Some of the highlighted events included the 2025 SMM Base Metal Year-End Strategy Conference, 2025 SMM Lead and Zinc Annual Conference, Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone Bulk Trade Investment Promotion Seminar, SME 2025 Main Forum and Metal Industry Outlook Seminar, Gaojing Town Bulk Trade Industry Ecosystem Investment Promotion Conference, and more.

Under the theme of “Building a Global Metal Community of Shared Destiny · Promoting New Industrial Development Amidst Major Changes,” the conference aimed to establish itself as an annual industry event serving as an “information hub, pricing benchmark, trading platform, and networking circle.”

During the 2025 SMM Base Metal Year-End Strategy Conference, Frank Liu, Director of Big Data at SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd., presented a speech on the Market Outlook for Base Metals in 2026. Additionally, Xizhi Yao, Chief Analyst and General Manager of Market Research Center at China Aluminum International Trading Group Co., Ltd., discussed the Analysis of the Competitive Landscape in the Aluminum Industry Chain from a Dual-Dimensional Perspective.

Furthermore, a Trading Strategy Interview focused on the Nickel, Cobalt, and Lithium markets, delving into topics such as resource supply landscape restructuring, battery technology iteration, regional green barriers, and cost structure reshaping. Panelists included industry experts from Nantong Reshine New Material Co., Ltd., Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Industry Group Co., Ltd./Tianqi Lithium Corporation, and Guangzhou Great Power Energy and Technology Co., Ltd.

Another Trading Strategy Interview turned the spotlight on Copper, Aluminum, and Tin, examining the global macroeconomic outlook and its effect on the metal market. The discussion centered on challenges like anti-globalization, geopolitical issues, industry chain localization, and mining protectionism. Panelists comprised professionals from Western Mining Co., Ltd. Marketing Branch, Shanghai Eagle Metal Materials Co., Ltd., Yunnan Tin Co., Ltd., and Vitol(China) Energy Co. Ltd.

In addition, a speech by Yuan Tian, Key Account Manager at Sungrow Renewables Development Co., Ltd., explored the concept of Green and Low Carbon – The Development Path of Base Metals Under the “Dual Carbon” Goals. The 2025 SMM Lead and Zinc Annual Conference included a presentation by Jingjuan Zhang, Manager of Shaanxi Soft Micro Trading Co., Ltd., who offered suggestions on the Terms of Lead and Zinc Ore Import Contracts.

At the conference, attendees engaged with a wide range of topics, discussions, and insights to foster collaboration, innovation, and growth in the metal industry as a global collective. The event successfully brought together industry professionals, thought leaders, and experts to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and explore new opportunities in a rapidly evolving market landscape.