1. Jiang Wei, Chairman of the China Iron and Steel Association, stated that the current situation for the steel industry is becoming increasingly complex and severe. Adhering to the "three fixed points and three no's" operating principles and strengthening self-discipline to control production and reduce inventory remain crucial measures to cope with the current complex market environment. The current period is a critical juncture for the industry to maintain profitability in 2026; controlling production pace and strictly managing enterprise inventory are the primary tasks for the steel industry to ensure profitability.
2. According to AmSpec, an independent inspection agency in Malaysia, Malaysia's palm oil exports from April 1st to 20th totaled 868,281 tons, a 25.6% decrease compared to the 1,166,586 tons exported during the same period last month.
3. Agricultural consulting firm AgRural stated on Monday that as of last Thursday, Brazil's 2025/26 soybean harvest had reached 92%, an improvement of 5 percentage points from the previous week and the same level as last year. AgRural added that Brazil's second corn crop is growing well, and current favorable weather conditions support market expectations for a bumper harvest.
4. The USDA's weekly crop progress report shows that as of the week ending April 19, US soybean planting was at 12%, in line with market expectations, compared to 7% at the same time last year and a five-year average of 5%. US corn planting was at 11%, also in line with market expectations, compared to 11% at the same time last year and a five-year average of 9%.
5. According to CONAB, Brazil's national commodity supply company under the Ministry of Agriculture, as of April 18, Brazil's soybean harvest was at 88.1%, compared to 85.7% the previous week, 92.7% at the same time last year, and a five-year average of 88.7%.
6. According to SMM, on April 20, a 1200-ton/day glass kiln in Anhui province underwent cold repairs, further reducing industry operating capacity. It is currently expected that there will still be planned cold repairs and capacity blockages for glass kilns in April and May.
7. According to customs data, China imported 29,974 tons of lithium carbonate in March, an increase of 13% month-on-month and 65% year-on-year. Of the total lithium carbonate imports, 18,000 tons were from Chile, accounting for 61% of the total; 8,292 tons were from Argentina, accounting for 28%; and 2,100 tons were from Indonesia, accounting for 7%.
8. Sources indicate that Zambian copper smelter and sulfuric acid producers Chambishi and Mopani will suspend production due to extended maintenance. Chambishi Smelter will be shut down from July to August, and Mopani from August 1 to September 15.
