1. Satellite data shows that from July 20th to July 26th, 2026, the total iron ore inventory at seven major ports in Australia and Brazil was 14.403 million tons, a decrease of 594,000 tons compared to the previous period. Port inventories showed a slight downward trend, but the current inventory level remains at a high level for the year.
2. China National Cotton Reserves Corporation planned to list 8,006.3920 tons of reserve cotton for sale, and all 8,006.3920 tons were actually sold, achieving a 100% sales rate.
3. Starting August 1st, India mandated that all sugar dealers declare and regularly update their inventory status. Sugar dealers are prohibited from holding more than 4,000 quintals of sugar at any time and location nationwide, and their inventory must not exceed thirty days' worth.
4. According to SMM statistics, the daily operating capacity of domestic photovoltaic glass furnaces decreased by nearly 6,000 tons in July, mainly due to the top 7 companies. Smaller companies, however, saw a slower rate of production cuts in July, indicating that leading companies are also contributing to improved domestic supply. Glass prices are expected to rise subsequently due to the tightening supply.
5. According to SMM, several domestic lithium salt plants have recently announced maintenance shutdowns for August and September. Considering the impact of various types of maintenance, the total affected output in August is estimated at 9,000 to 9,500 tons, and in September, approximately 2,500 tons. Overall, the recent concentrated maintenance will cause a temporary reduction in supply.
6. After a six-month hiatus in environmental impact assessment (EIA) processing, CATL's Yichun lithium mine has made new progress. According to the Shanghai Securities News, on July 27, the Yichun Bidding Website released a draft for public comment on the "Environmental Impact Assessment Information Announcement for the Jiangxi Yifeng County Zhenkouli-Fengxin County Jianxiawo Lithium Mine Mining Project," indicating that the project's EIA has entered the public participation stage. 7. Citigroup issued a report stating that it holds a constructive view on the copper market in the coming weeks, maintaining its short-term copper price target of $14,500 per ton for the next 0-3 months and its year-end target of $15,000 per ton.
