1. According to Jiaolian.com, only some coal mines have completed acceptance inspections and resumed production, while most suspended mines are still awaiting rectification approvals. Although supply guarantee policies have signaled increased production, prompting some mines to submit applications for increased production, the lengthy approval process and stringent safety supervision at production sites limit the potential for increased production in the short term, and the tight supply situation has not yet been substantially improved.
2. According to Mysteel, customs clearance volume at the Gantt Maodu border crossing remains below previous levels, significantly lower than the previous peak. Port inventory has fallen below 1.7 million tons, indicating tight availability of spot resources.
3. According to data released by shipping survey agency SGS, Malaysia's palm oil exports from September 1st to 20th are estimated at 830,742 tons, a 49.53% increase compared to the 555,572 tons exported in the same period last month.
4. The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) predicts that Malaysia's palm oil exports will stabilize at approximately 16 million tons in 2027. Indonesia's exports are also expected to decline by nearly 3 million tons in 2027. Malaysian palm oil production is projected to increase slightly by 1.4% month-on-month to 1.81 million tons in August 2026.
Supported by weather uncertainties and a favorable energy market, crude palm oil prices are expected to remain above 4,700 ringgit per ton in October and for the remainder of the year.
5. According to SMM research, the RKEF nickel-iron plant in Indonesia's IMIP industrial park has begun reducing production today, with some production lines currently operating at approximately 30%-40% of normal capacity. Market feedback indicates that El Niño has led to less rainfall in the region, reducing the supply of cooling and protective water for equipment. If the current operating level continues for half a month, it is estimated that it will affect the production of high-nickel pig iron by approximately 50,000-70,000 tons.
6. According to Colorful Mongolia, in accordance with the "Agreement on Border Ports and Their Management System between China and Mongolia," border ports between China and Mongolia will be closed during statutory holidays of both sides. Currently, the Erenhot, Ganqimaodu, Mandula, and Arxan highway ports between China and Mongolia have all confirmed that they will be closed for seven days from October 1st to 7th this year during the National Day holiday.
7. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange in Argentina announced on Tuesday that Argentina's soybean production for the 2026/27 season is projected at 53.6 million tons, and corn production at 66 million tons. The 2025/26 season saw soybean production at 50.1 million tons and corn production at 64 million tons.
8. Indonesia's meteorological agency stated that the rainy season, which begins in November, is expected to be shorter than usual, with 61% of the land area experiencing a delayed rainy season. Farmers are adjusting their planting plans to cope with potential crop impacts.
9. Vivek Dhar, a commodities analyst at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, stated that increased aluminum production in China and Europe is insufficient to reverse the global aluminum market's supply-demand gap (shortage) this year. However, Dhar pointed out that with increased supply from India and Indonesia, coupled with the expected gradual recovery of supply in the Middle East, the global aluminum market is expected to shift to a surplus by 2027.
10. According to the London Metal Exchange (LME) Commitment of Traders report, as of the week ending September 18, 2026, investment funds held 39,800 net long positions in LME copper, a decrease of 827 contracts from the previous week; and 144,100 net long positions in LME aluminum, a decrease of 3,542 contracts from the previous week.
