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2026 SMM (3rd) South China Non-Ferrous Metals Annual Conference

2026 SMM Germany Solar & Energy Storage Forum

Africa Critical Minerals Conference 2026

2026 SMM ASEAN Automotive Supply Chain Conference

Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference & Expo 2026

Shanghai Metals Expo 2026

Indonesia Nickel & Cobalt & EV Industry Conference 2024

CLNB 2024 9TH CHINA NEW ENERGY EXPO

2026 SMM H1 London Seminar

AICE 2026 SMM (21st）Aluminum Industry Conference & Expo

Ford Motor Company announced that it will launch a comprehensive product and technology strategy in Europe over the next three years. Under this new strategy, its FordPro division will transform from a pure automaker into a productivity partner, leveraging software and services to maximize returns. Ford plans to launch five all-new passenger vehicles in Europe by the end of 2029, all manufactured in Europe.

Ford Announces New European Strategy, to Launch Five New Passenger Cars Within Three Years

Cui Dongshu, Secretary General of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA),stated that the national passenger vehicle industry inventory stood at 3.54 million units at the end of April, up 90,000 units MoM and up 40,000 units compared to April 2025, forming a trend of sustained inventory growth. Among this, manufacturer inventory accounted for 29.8%, which was relatively high. The April forecast optimism was 36%, and the post-April satisfaction in early May was 7%. Expectations were low but satisfaction was even worse, mainly due to the significant impact of high oil prices. The team's optimism for the May market dropped to 27%, which was a relatively low level in recent market optimism assessments. Even after repeated downward adjustments, expectations have yet to turn more optimistic.

National Passenger Vehicle Industry Inventory Reached 3.54 Million Units at April Month-End

On May 20, data from South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy showed that total automobile exports in April reached $6.17 billion, down 5.5% compared to the same period last year. Among them, exports to North America, Latin America, and Oceania were up 2.4%, 23.7%, and 20.1% YoY respectively, but due to the ongoing war between the US and Iran, exports to the Middle East plunged 38.7%; exports to the EU and Asia declined 13.1% and 31.7% respectively. The data also showed that due to disruptions in some auto parts supply chains and consumers waiting for new and facelifted versions of major car models to launch, China's automobile production fell 6.1% YoY to 362,000 units.

South Korea's Total Auto Exports Reached $6.17 Billion in April, Down 5.5% YoY

On May 20, Cui Dongshu, Secretary General of the CPCA (China Passenger Car Association), stated that looking ahead, as automakers ramp up sales promotions and the volume push window opens in late May, retail sales are expected to rebound again, with the monthly YoY decline likely narrowing compared to the first ten days of the month. Meanwhile, the market divergence trend will continue, with new energy vehicles and low-priced entry-level car models still expected to outperform traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and mid-to-high-end joint venture brands.

Cui Dongshu of CPCA: As Automakers Intensify Sales Promotions in Late May, Retail Volume Is Expected to Rebound Again

On May 20, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the National Energy Administration issued a notice, proposing to support new energy power generation projects that have not yet commenced grid connection engineering construction, as well as new energy power generation projects that cannot be connected to grid due to constraints on new energy accommodation, to carry out multi-user green electricity direct connection after completing the corresponding change procedures.

[SMM PV News Flash] Two Departments Promote Development of Multi-User Green Electricity Direct Connection

According to the *Global EV Outlook 2026* report released by the International Energy Agency on the 20th, amid the energy crisis, governments and consumers around the world are accelerating the shift toward EVs. Global EV sales are expected to reach 23 million units in 2026, accounting for nearly 30% of global new car sales. The report showed that global EV sales grew 20% YoY in 2025, surpassing 20 million units for the first time and accounting for a quarter of global new car sales.

IEA: Nearly 30% of New Cars Globally Will Be EVs in 2026

On May 21, Guangzhou Penghui Zhi Energy Technology Co., Ltd. was established, with a business scope including energy storage technology services, motor vehicle charging sales, NEV battery swapping facility sales, and EV charging infrastructure operations.

[SMM New Energy News] Great Power Energy and Others Invested in Establishing a New Energy Technology Company

Indonesia ESDM New HPM Formula & Nickel Market Updates

2025-2026 Global PV Market Review & Outlook: Navigating Geopolitics and Policy Shifts

SMM FREE WEBINAR: Sulfur Market: 2025 Review and 2026 Outlook

Impact of Iran Situation on Aluminum & Zinc Chains: A China-Based Market Outlook

SMM Africa Webinar: Strategic Sharing & Insights of Copper, Aluminium, New Energy, and Iron Ore Market

Lithium Is Moving Again — What It Really Means for BESS Costs and Procurement Strategy

Asia Copper and Aluminum Scrap 2025 Market Review and 2026 Outlook

SMM Aluminium Year-End Review: Indonesia 's Value Chain Acceleration - Tighter Quotas, Refinery Ramps & the Path to Aluminum Powerhouse Status

SMM Online Webinar: Nickel in Turmoil - Decoding Indonesia’s Policy Evolution & The Future of Global Supply

The 4th National Excellent PhD Student Forum on Magnesium Materials

Category	Price Description	Change	Date
Raw Materials	Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate USD/tonne	+435.88	May 21
Raw Materials	Battery-Grade Lithium Hydroxide (Coarse Particles) USD/tonne	+432.76	May 21
Cathode material	China Lithium Ferrous Phosphate (EV Type, Powder Compact Density 2.50g/cm³ min) USD/tonne	+110.09	May 21
Battery separator	China 9μm Wet-process Separator USD/m²	+0.002	May 21
Electrolyte	China Lithium Hexafluorophosphate USD/tonne	+94.42	May 21
Electrolyte	China Electrolyte (for LFP Battery) USD/tonne	+7.08	May 21

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