“U.S.–Iran Ceasefire Deal: Oil Falls, Gold Surges — The World Watches a Major Diplomatic Game as Conflict Moves to the Negotiating Table, Reshaping Geopolitics and Energy Economics — SO OK TRADING Insight”: May 26, 2026

An analysis of the aluminum market in 2026 indicates a likely continued market deficit and upward price pressure, driven by constrained supply and resilient demand from green energy sectors. However, significant volatility is expected due to policy uncertainties and the potential for new Indonesian supply to eventually balance the market. Key Drivers and Projections for 2026 Supply Side Analysis Capacity Constraints: China's primary aluminum output is approaching its self-imposed 45 million-tonne capacity cap, limiting global supply growth. Power Challenges: Smelters outside of China face intense competition for power from energy-intensive sectors like AI data centers, which are willing to pay higher prices for long-term contracts. This has kept significant capacity offline in Europe and the US. Production Disruptions: Outages and potential shutdowns at existing smelters in Iceland and Mozambique further tighten the market. Scrap Supply Pressure: The EU's planned implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and potential scrap export tariffs in spring 2026 are expected to impact global scrap flows, creating regional shortages and price volatility. New Capacity: Indonesia is a key source of new supply, with several projects in the pipeline. However, analysts suggest the pace of the ramp-up may be slower than expected due to infrastructure and policy challenges, meaning it is unlikely to fully offset near-term tightness. Demand Side Analysis Green Transition Demand: Demand from "green" sectors such as solar panels, new energy vehicles, and energy transition infrastructure remains strong, providing fundamental support for the market. Substitution Effect: Aluminum's wide price discount relative to copper has encouraged substitution in electrical applications, acting as a tailwind for demand and prices. Construction and Automotive: The construction and automotive industries continue to be major consumers, with growing demand for lightweight, low-carbon aluminum products. Price Forecasts and Volatility The market is expected to remain in a deficit in 2026, with estimates ranging from 200,000 to 600,000 tonnes. This structural tightness is leading most analysts to forecast sustained or rising prices. Bullish Views: Analysts at Bank of America project prices of $3,000/tonne as early as 2026. J.P. Morgan also expects prices to approach $3,000/tonne in Q1 2026. ING forecasts an average price of $2,900/tonne for the year. Bearish/Conservative Views: Goldman Sachs is an outlier, forecasting prices to decline to $2,350/tonne by Q4 2026, anticipating a market surplus later in the year. SMM forecasts a "high first, then lower" pattern, with prices finding equilibrium in the $2,700–$2,800/tonne range by year-end. Premiums: Regional premiums, particularly the US Midwest premium, are expected to remain high and volatile due to tariffs and regional supply dynamics, creating a disconnect from the LME benchmark price. In essence, 2026 is projected to be a year of high volatility where participants need to focus on scenario readiness rather than relying on a single price forecast, as geopolitical and energy policies significantly influence regional supply and costs

Solar Energy 2026: The Turning Point Toward the Smart Solar Era in Thailand and the World Article by SO OK TRADING | 26 JULY 2026 In 2026, the world is moving into a new era of clean energy — shifting from “install as fast as possible” to “manage intelligently.” The solar industry is evolving into Smart Solar Systems, integrating solar panels with energy storage (BESS) and artificial intelligence (AI) to create more efficient and sustainable power networks. Thailand is no exception. The year 2026 marks a structural turning point for the Thai solar industry — from new laws unlocking Solar Rooftop installations to BOI incentives that drive factories and businesses toward becoming truly Smart & Sustainable Industries. Moreover, innovative solutions such as Floating Solar and Agrivoltaics are gaining momentum. These technologies allow for greater electricity generation without requiring additional land, while also creating dual income streams for Thai farmers in the future. This article will take you deep into the latest solar panel and battery technologies, as well as the future outlook for the solar energy industry worldwide and in Thailand during 2026–2035, a period set to transform the energy landscape forever. ✨ SO OK TRADING — Your Trusted Business Partner FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE

Aluminum Paste – The Metal Behind Lightweight & Strong AAC Blocks! Did you know? Aluminum Paste is not just a metallic pigment for coatings — it is the secret core of modern construction. Especially in the world of AAC Blocks (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete), which dominate the global building materials market, aluminum paste plays a crucial role. When mixed into cement slurry, aluminum reacts with alkaline compounds to release hydrogen gas. This causes the concrete to “rise” like bread, forming a uniform porous structure. The result is lightweight yet strong blocks with excellent thermal insulation and soundproofing — all while being eco‑friendly