Jingmen Jinquan New Materials Co. has registered a CNY1 bln project to produce 100,000 t/yr of high‑tap‑density lithium iron phosphate (LFP) with the Jingmen municipal service bureau. Construction is planned to start in October 2026, with a two‑phase

China A-share component sector jumped in early trade. Yihao New Materials rose more than 17%; Taijing Technology hit the daily limit. Baoding Technology, Sanhuan Group, Shengyi Technology, Fenghua High-Tech and Huazheng New Materials also advanced.

Energy: 1. South Korea did not import crude oil from Iran in May. 2. Market news: Japan extends its policy requirement to reduce private oil reserves. 3. Spokesperson for the German Ministry of Economic Affairs: There is currently no need to release more German strategic oil reserves. 4. US Energy Secretary Wright: The US will not impose an oil export ban to curb oil prices. A gasoline tax reduction period may be implemented this summer to help lower gasoline prices. The goal is to fully fill the strategic oil reserves. 5. Britain intercepted a sanctioned Russian "shadow fleet" oil tanker in the English Channel, marking the first time Britain has led an interception of such a vessel. 6. According to Reuters: Ship tracking data shows that the "Disra" liquefied natural gas tanker sailed eastward and has passed through the Strait of Hormuz after the US and Iran announced a peace agreement. Precious Metals and Mining: 1. Shortages are expected to continue; JPMorgan Chase reiterates its aluminum price target of $4,000 per ton. 2. Reserve Bank of India: As of June 5, India's gold reserves stood at $114.58 billion, up from $112.6 billion the previous week. 3. Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister: The Singapore Exchange will establish an over-the-counter gold clearing system and launch a central bank vault custody service before October. 4. The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) is considering moving its morning gold auction earlier to accommodate the needs of Asian traders. Agriculture: 1. Indian Finance Minister: Increased volatility in fertilizer prices poses a challenge to India. 2. According to the New York Post: Trump threatens to impose a 100% tariff on French wine over the digital tax issue. Iran Situation: 1. The US and Iran confirmed they have reached a memorandum of understanding, which will be formally signed in Switzerland this Friday (June 19). 2. Trump: The Strait of Hormuz will be permanently toll-free; if a final agreement is not reached, strikes against Iran will resume. 3. According to CNN: The US military received orders to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, but uncertainties remain throughout the week.