STEEL SCRAP

Global Nickel Market Outlook (Nickel Outlook) October 2026 – 2036 SO OK TRADING | FAST | SHARP | RELIABLE | October 2, 2026 ✨ Introduction The year 2026 marks a pivotal turning point for the global nickel market — a strategic metal driving the clean energy economy and future technologies. Nickel is not only a key raw material in the stainless steel industry but also the backbone of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and advanced energy storage systems. In October, the nickel market is shifting from a state of oversupply to a more balanced and tightening market, reflecting a restructuring of the global supply chain. At the center of this transformation is Indonesia, the dominant producer shaping global price direction. ⚙️ Industry Overview Supply: Indonesia has cut mining quotas by over 30%, reducing output to 250–270 million tons in 2026 → tightening supply and raising costs. Demand: Recovery across regions: Europe +1.8% United States +0.9% Africa +26.3% Geopolitics: With North and South America’s share of production down to just 7%, the U.S. and its allies are accelerating long-term agreements to secure supply chains.

**Global & Thailand Steel Industry Outlook 2026–2027 From Oversupply Crisis to Green Steel Transition** Article by SO OK TRADING | September 26, 2026 The global steel industry is at a critical turning point. Oversupply pressures (Global Oversupply) and sluggish demand recovery continue to weigh heavily on the market, while China remains a dominant player, exporting massive volumes of steel worldwide and driving down prices across regions. In Thailand, the steel sector faces a dual squeeze: rising production costs and the influx of cheap imported steel. This has forced Thai producers to rethink strategies in order to maintain competitiveness in an increasingly challenging environment. SO OK TRADING’s analysis of the 2026–2027 outlook highlights “Green Steel” (low-carbon steel) as the key to reshaping both the Thai and global steel industries. Transitioning toward sustainable production and adopting new technologies will be essential for regaining competitiveness and securing long-term resilience in the global market. ✨ SO OK TRADING — Your Business Partner FAST | SHARP | RELIABLE

Global Economy Q4/2026: As Superpowers Slow, ASEAN Accelerates SO OK TRADING | 15 SEP 2026 The world is entering the final quarter of 2026 amid the most intense economic pressures in recent years — from a new round of energy price crises erupting in the Middle East to inflation surging once again worldwide, forcing many central banks to return to tighter monetary policies. Major economic powers — the United States, Europe, China, Japan, and India — each face unique challenges, ranging from stagflation and deflation risks to soaring energy costs. Yet, on the other side of the globe, ASEAN continues to demonstrate resilient growth and is increasingly seen as the new “Growth Engine” of the global economy in the coming decade. This analysis by SO OK TRADING provides an in‑depth outlook on the global economy in Q4/2026, along with investment trends across key commodities and industries — from energy and precious metals to clean technology and EVs that are rapidly reshaping the global economic landscape. ✨ FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE SO OK TRADING — Your trusted business partner in a world that changes faster than ever

Zinc Price Surges Beyond $4,000 – The Perfect Storm Shakes the Global Metals Market SO OK TRADING | September 9, 2026 September 2026 marks a turning point in the global metals market as zinc prices break through the $4,000 per metric ton threshold, reaching a new four-year high of $4,156 on the London Metal Exchange (LME). This dramatic surge reflects severe supply-side disruptions, which analysts worldwide have dubbed a “Perfect Storm” — a combination of China’s power curbs, smelter production cuts, and critically low zinc inventories that have pushed the market into acute shortage. This rapid price escalation not only highlights strong buying pressure in the global market but also directly impacts downstream industries in Thailand. Key sectors such as galvanized steel, automotive, and electronics manufacturing are now facing significantly higher production costs in line with global market dynamics. As a trusted partner in the non-ferrous metals business, SO OK TRADING provides in-depth analysis of this situation, offering insights and strategies to help Thai enterprises plan procurement and manage risks effectively. FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE SO OK TRADING – The Non-Ferrous Metals Specialist from Thailand

Thailand Packaging Outlook 2026–2030 : SO OK TRADING : September 7, 2026

Steel 2026: Thailand’s Turning Point — From True Costs to Green Construction

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Thailand’s steel industry is at a critical turning point. With cheap steel imports flooding in from abroad and rising energy costs putting pressure on operations, Thai producers must adapt quickly to maintain competitiveness. SO OK TRADING’s 2026 outlook highlights that “Green Steel” (low-carbon steel) will be the key to revitalizing Thailand’s steel sector. Alongside this, the 4S Strategy will play a vital role in building a sustainable industrial ecosystem. In this article, we will explore: The current situation and challenges facing Thailand’s steel industry The 4S Strategy for sustainable production and global competitiveness Cost structures, profit margins, and steel price trends in 2026 Business insights and pathways toward Green Steel transformation ✨ SO OK TRADING — Your Trusted Business Partner FAST | SHARP | RELIABLE

Thailand’s steel industry is standing at a critical crossroads, entering a new era of “Green Steel.” While domestic demand continues to grow steadily, driven by construction, automotive, and machinery sectors, the influx of cheap imported steel has intensified competition, forcing Thai producers to accelerate adaptation in both technology and environmental responsibility. The years 2026–2027 mark a decisive turning point. The industry faces four simultaneous challenges — soaring energy costs, volatile shipping rates, scrap shortages, and aggressive dumping from Chinese imports. Yet, this period also presents a golden opportunity: advancing into low‑carbon steel production to strengthen sustainability and global competitiveness. SO OK TRADING stands ready as your trusted business partner, guided by the principle of FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE. We are committed to delivering high‑quality steel products that meet both international standards and sustainability goals, driving Thailand’s steel industry toward a stronger and greener future.

Thai Steel Industry 2026: Standing Strong Amid Global Pressure and Chinese Imports SO OK TRADING | 12 July 2026 The year 2026 marks a turning point for Thailand’s steel industry — a sector caught between rising domestic prices and fierce foreign competition. While local steel prices have surged 10–15 percent due to higher scrap costs and a weaker Thai Baht, production capacity has dropped below 30 percent as cheap Chinese imports flood the market. This imbalance has reshaped the entire supply chain, forcing Thai manufacturers to rethink strategies, upgrade standards, and embrace innovation. From construction steel driven by mega‑projects in the EEC zone, to structural and fabricated steel under new Anti‑Dumping measures, every segment is adapting to survive in a market where “Supply is overflowing, but production is stagnant.” Amid these challenges, SO OK TRADING stands as a trusted partner for high‑quality construction steel — offering certified TIS rebar and deformed bars, transparent pricing, and reliable nationwide delivery. With over 20 years of experience in international trade and industrial sourcing, the company continues to support Thailand’s infrastructure growth through precision, speed, and integrity. “We’re not just selling steel — we’re building confidence for every project.”

ZINC OUTLOOK 2026–2027 – Riding the Zinc Surge into a New Industrial Era Article by SO OK TRADING | July 10, 2026 Zinc prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME Zinc) have soared to a multi‑year high of USD 3,622 per ton (Cash), reflecting the intense momentum in the base metals market that is rapidly reshaping global industry. In 2026–2027, zinc is emerging as a true “strategic metal” — connecting infrastructure, electric vehicles, and clean energy. Amid tight supply and surging energy costs, businesses worldwide are closely watching price trends that could mark a pivotal turning point for the metals market in this century.

“Thai Steel in 4 Cost Shocks: Pivot to Green Steel and H2 2026 Outlook” SO OK TRADING | 24 June 2026 The Thai steel industry is now at a critical turning point — facing pressures from rising energy costs, soaring shipping rates, and fierce competition from cheap imported steel. Yet within this crisis lies a new opportunity: the global transition toward Green Steel, recycled steel that is environmentally friendly and aligned with international standards. In this article, SO OK TRADING takes you through:

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“Scrap Metal – From Recycled Waste to Strategic Global Resource” A new era of metals has begun!

“Steel Price War 2026: Asia Falls, the West Rises — Thai Buyers Gain the Edge While Producers Struggle to Survive, Analyzing Global Trends and Green Steel Opportunities” The global steel market has entered one of the fiercest “two‑world battles” of the year: Asia: Oversupply and China’s slowdown have pushed iron ore prices down to around $101–102 per ton, dragging rebar, hot‑rolled coil, and wire rod prices lower across the region. The West: The US and EU imposed import tariffs of up to 50%, while energy and coking coal costs surged by 16%, driving steel prices upward despite weak demand. Thailand’s situation: Buyers benefit: Cheaper imports from China and Vietnam have pulled retail prices down by more than 8%. Producers under pressure: Electricity and shipping costs have soared by over 50%, squeezing margins and forcing reliance on state measures such as Anti‑Dumping and CBAM. Tin Plate packaging: Sales dropped by -1.2% to -4.5%, but raw material costs fell 9–10%. With a recycling rate of 92%, Tin Plate remains aligned with ESG and Green Steel trends.

Steel Price Storm 2026 – Turning Crisis into Opportunity By SO OK TRADING | May 17, 2026 The Thai steel market is heating up like never before! Prices have already surged 10–15%, and another round of increases is expected in Q2 as electricity and energy costs continue to climb

2026 is the year when “metals across the world are boiling.” From steel to aluminum, from copper to tin, every price chart is surging like an unstoppable economic wave. Soaring energy costs, heated geopolitics, and new technologies such as EVs and AI have become the driving forces shaking the global metals market. Thai steel prices have risen by 10–15%, while non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, and tin have all climbed to their highest levels in years. This is not just about “price numbers” — it is a signal of a major transformation in the industrial world. SO OK TRADING invites you to look deeper into the “boiling metals” — when every ton of steel and metal becomes the power propelling the new global economy.

Global Steel Market – April 2026 April 11, 2026 | BY SO OK TRADING This April, the global steel market is “boiling” as every region faces heavy shocks from soaring energy costs, import tariffs, and lingering economic uncertainty. Raw materials and finished steel products are moving in “different directions,” creating a clear split in market trends. In the West, especially the U.S. and Europe, prices are surging due to import tariffs and skyrocketing energy costs. Meanwhile, Asia — led by China and ASEAN — remains volatile and sluggish. Scrap steel, however, has emerged as the “rising star” of the Green Steel era, with demand intensifying worldwide. Thailand’s steel producers are under pressure from a “quadruple cost shock” — energy, freight, electricity, and imported scrap costs — pushing steel prices up immediately by 10–15%. If energy issues remain unresolved in May, another round of price hikes is likely. This article dives deep into the global and Thai steel market in April, while also looking ahead to Q2/2026 — expected to be the “most volatile quarter of the year.” It offers insights for businesses and investors to prepare for the changes that lie ahead.

LME on Fire! Commodities Surge Amid Global Energy Crisis Global Metals & Energy Market Analysis – March to Q2/2026 by SO OK TRADING The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and escalating conflicts in the Middle East have pushed oil prices beyond $110 per barrel, triggering one of the most volatile rallies in recent years. Industrial and precious metals are soaring, with copper and aluminum hitting record highs driven by demand from AI and clean energy sectors.

Steel Scrap: Circular Economy Revitalizing Thailand’s Steel Industry Steel scrap in Thailand is no longer just “waste.” It has become the strategic resource driving the production of Green Steel through Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF), which emit far less carbon than traditional ore-based methods. From local collectors and sorting yards to major mills like G Steel and GJ Steel, the supply chain is evolving into a Green Supply Chain that global markets are closely watching.