ALUMINUM PACKAGING

Aluminum & Copper Market Outlook in the U.S.: Costs, Supply Chains, and the Drive of AI & Clean Energy SO OK TRADING | October 4, 2026 In an era where technology and clean energy are rapidly reshaping the world, the United States is facing immense pressure in the supply chains of strategic metals — Aluminum and Copper. These two metals are not only vital industrial raw materials but also the “core drivers” of future innovation, powering everything from Electric Vehicles (EVs) to AI Data Centers and renewable energy systems. Import tariffs, supply constraints, and global resource competition are shaking the foundations of the metals industry worldwide. The U.S., in particular, must adapt swiftly to safeguard its economic and technological stability. This article will explore: The current situation of the U.S. aluminum and copper markets The direction of investment and usage in the age of AI and clean energy The future trends of recycling and material substitution Together, these insights reveal how aluminum and copper are set to become the pillars of the new global economy.

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Oil, Naphtha & Plastics Q4/2026: Industry Outlook and Thai Market Trends

Thailand Metal Outlook 2036: Aluminum, Copper & Steel SO OK TRADING | 3 OCT 2026 Thailand is entering a major turning point in its metal industry, driven by Electric Vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and the rapidly growing Green Economy. This article explores the outlook for aluminum, copper, and steel — three core metals shaping Thailand’s industrial future — analyzing usage trends, growth rates (CAGR), and how industries are adapting toward sustainability.

Global Aluminium Outlook October 2026 — Analysis by SO OK TRADING The global aluminium market (LME) has entered a short-term consolidation phase after a strong rally in the previous quarter. The latest spot price stands at $3,156.50 per ton, while the 3-month futures are quoted at $3,169.50 per ton. The spread of +$13 clearly reflects a Contango structure — signaling that supply is sufficient and there is no immediate rush for physical demand. Although prices have corrected to $3,170 per ton, the overall sentiment remains a “Buy on Dip” opportunity, as the market continues to face a structural supply deficit. Demand growth driven by the Green Transition — electric vehicles (EVs), solar energy, and renewable infrastructure — underpins the long-term bullish outlook. This analysis explores bullish drivers and risk factors, provides insights from leading global financial institutions, and outlines the price outlook for Q4 2026, enabling businesses and investors to craft confident procurement strategies in a market that remains strong yet volatile.

Deep Dive Analysis: Mid West Japan Premium (MJP) Q4/2026 Sharp Decline and Strategic Insights for Buyers Japan’s aluminum market (Mid West Japan Premium – MJP) is entering a critical turning point in Q4 2026. After surging to a decade-high of $395/mt in Q3, the October–December contract negotiations now reveal a dramatic reversal — shifting decisively from a Seller’s Market to a Buyer’s Market. Key pressures include the recovery of Middle Eastern supply, falling premiums in Europe and the U.S., and strong resistance from Japanese buyers. Together, these forces are driving prices down by 29–34%, settling within the range of $260–$280/mt. This marks a structural change, highlighting the strongest buyer leverage seen in years. In this analysis, SO OK TRADING explores every dimension of the market — from the core drivers and precise price outlook to the downstream impacts on Automotive, Semiconductors, and Construction industries. Our insights are designed to empower procurement teams with confidence in cost strategies heading into late 2026. ✨ SO OK TRADING – FAST | SHARP | RELIABLE Your trusted partner with deep expertise in non-ferrous metals, delivering strategic intelligence for sharper decision-making.

Thailand’s Aluminum Industry: Structure, Production, and Future Outlook SO OK TRADING | 30 SEP 2026 Thailand’s aluminum industry is emerging as a vital pillar in the global supply chain, particularly in the automotive, construction, and packaging sectors. Although the country does not possess bauxite mines or primary smelters, it has built strong competitiveness through secondary production, recycling aluminum scrap, and producing billets for extrusion. This approach reduces energy consumption by up to 95% compared to primary production, aligning perfectly with global decarbonization and sustainability goals. As the world accelerates toward a Low‑Carbon Economy and stricter environmental measures such as the EU CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) take effect, Thailand’s aluminum industry must adapt rapidly. This includes advancing production technologies, improving waste management, and integrating renewable energy to maintain competitiveness in international markets. SO OK TRADING, as a trusted partner in Thailand’s non‑ferrous metals sector, provides deep insights into production structures, smelting processes, popular aluminum grades, and both global and domestic market outlooks. These perspectives highlight the industry’s transformation toward a sustainable, value‑added future.

Global Aluminium Market Overview & Outlook — September 29, 2026 SO OK TRADING Insight: From Structural Tightness to a New Price Era in the Clean Energy Transition ✍️ Introduction By late September 2026, the global aluminium market continues to trade at elevated levels of USD 3,240–3,260 per metric ton, reflecting persistent structural tightness in supply and the accelerating demand for clean energy. Aluminium is now at a pivotal turning point — evolving from a conventional industrial metal into a “strategic metal of the future”, powering electric vehicles, solar energy, wind turbines, and AI data centers. Despite short-term pressures from China’s economic slowdown and expectations of U.S. Federal Reserve rate hikes, the medium- to long-term outlook remains firmly bullish. Prices are expected to establish a higher base between 2027–2033, driven by clean energy demand and rising carbon costs.

China: The Global Aluminum Powerhouse SO OK TRADING | 28 SEP 2026 As the world moves toward clean energy and future technologies, aluminum has become one of the most strategic metals of our time. From electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy infrastructure to aerospace and sustainable packaging, aluminum plays a vital role across industries. China, as the world’s largest producer and exporter of aluminum, accounts for more than half of global output. It is also the hub of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. Unsurprisingly, China is recognized as the “Global Aluminum Powerhouse”, shaping the direction of the international market. This article by SO OK TRADING provides an in-depth look into China’s aluminum market — covering production structures, key players, pricing references, and market outlook for 2026–2027. It also explores opportunities and strategies for Thai businesses to manage costs and mitigate risks in the evolving global metals landscape. SO OK TRADING — FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE Your trusted partner in the world of strategic metals.

In a world rapidly accelerating toward clean energy and a low‑carbon economy, aluminum has emerged as a strategic metal driving the future of global industries — from electric vehicles (EVs) to renewable energy infrastructure and large‑scale AI data centers. Among the nations shaping this transformation, Russia stands out as a key player. With an annual production capacity of 3.5–4 million tons, accounting for 5–6% of global output, and led by UC RUSAL, Russia has become the cornerstone of the full‑scale transition into the era of Green Aluminum. Powered by Siberian hydropower and strengthened by world‑class innovations such as ALLOW and ALLOW INERTA, which reduce carbon emissions to near zero, Russia is not only a major producer but also a global standard‑setter in aluminum — at a time when every country must adapt to increasingly strict environmental regulations. This article by SO OK TRADING will take you deep into: The strength and potential of Russia’s aluminum industry The impact of war and sanctions reshaping global supply chains Market outlooks for both the global stage and Thailand between 2026–2030 And the critical role of the Green Transition in defining the future of the low‑carbon economy ✨ Aluminum Russia is not just about metal — it is about the future of a world economy driven by clean energy and sustainability. SO OK TRADING — FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE

Aluminum Can Industry 2027–2032: Advancing the Circular Economy and Emerging Growth Markets By SO OK TRADING | September 24, 2026 The global aluminum can packaging industry is entering a pivotal transformation between 2027 and 2032. Once valued primarily for convenience and low cost, aluminum cans are now becoming the cornerstone of the Circular Economy and a key driver toward Net Zero under increasingly stringent global environmental regulations. In the next 5–6 years, aluminum cans will evolve beyond being simple beverage containers. They will stand as a symbol of sustainability and innovation, expanding into premium beverage categories as well as rapidly growing new markets such as premium pet food cans, which are gaining significant traction worldwide. Thailand, as a manufacturing hub in the ASEAN region (EEC Hub), is set to play a crucial role in advancing this industry. With a highly efficient closed-loop recycling system and strong domestic producers, Thailand is well-positioned to accelerate its presence in the global market. SO OK TRADING is ready to be your trusted business partner — FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE — in building a sustainable and globally competitive future for aluminum packaging.

RSI Ingot: The Future Strategic Material for a Sustainable Industrial World Today, the world is facing unprecedented challenges in energy and the environment. Reducing the use of natural resources and shifting towards recycled materials has become the core of the Circular Economy. One of the most prominent materials in this transformation is RSI Ingot (Remelt Scrap Ingot). In particular, recycled aluminum can save up to 95% of energy compared to traditional production from bauxite ore. RSI Ingot is no longer just a “low-cost alternative.” It has become a mandatory raw material for businesses seeking sustainability and competitiveness in the new era. From electric vehicles (EVs) to recycled packaging and green construction industries, RSI Ingot is now indispensable. As a trusted partner in the metal industry in Thailand, SO OK TRADING provides in-depth insights into RSI Ingot — from production characteristics and popular grades to global and ASEAN market outlooks — helping Thai businesses confidently embrace the new trends in the metal industry. SO OK TRADING | FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE

In today’s world, metals are no longer just “raw materials” — they have become indicators of economic strength and geopolitical risk. Among them, aluminum is increasingly recognized as a strategic metal of the clean energy and digital technology era. The movement of Premiums is not merely a number on the LME (London Metal Exchange) board. It is a signal reflecting the true cost of industry worldwide — from smelters in Asia to production lines in the United States. In this article, SO OK TRADING takes you deep into the global aluminum market outlook for Q4/2026 — analyzing both the Main Japanese Ports Premium (MJP) and the Midwest Premium (MWP), while decoding the pressures and supports that are reshaping the cost equation for buyers across the globe. Get ready for strategic insights that will help you “read the market game ahead of time” and “manage costs with precision” in an era where every ton of metal carries meaning far beyond its price.

Aluminum: RSI Ingot 3104 Production from UBC and the Global Circular Economy Outlook SO OK TRADING : September 23, 2026 As the world moves toward sustainability and carbon reduction, the beverage can industry stands out as one of the most complete “model cases” of the Circular Economy. At its core lies the Aluminum Loop — a system in which used beverage cans (UBC) are returned to the melting process to produce RSI Ingot 3104, which can then be rolled into sheets and continuously manufactured into new cans. This process not only reduces the consumption of natural resources but also cuts carbon emissions by more than 60% compared to primary aluminum production, while generating tremendous added value across the industrial supply chain. In this article, SO OK TRADING takes you inside the production of RSI 3104 from UBC scrap — from sorting, melting, and chemical composition adjustment to aluminum ingot casting — and provides an analysis of the future outlook of the Aluminum Loop, which is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the global circular economy. ✨ RSI 3104 — The Strategic Material of the Future for the Global Packaging Industry Follow this article to understand how “a single used can” can be reborn as “a brand-new can” within the world’s most sustainable recycling system.

Aluminum Packaging & Coil Market: Growth, Challenges, and Future Outlook SO OK TRADING | September 21, 2026 As the world moves toward sustainability and the circular economy, aluminum has emerged as the material of the future for the packaging industry. With its ability to be 100% recycled without loss of quality, aluminum meets the rising demand in the global food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. The global aluminum packaging market is projected to grow from USD 66.4 billion in 2025 to USD 92.1 billion by 2033. Meanwhile, the aluminum coil market is expected to expand from USD 95.4 billion in 2026 to USD 131.2 billion by 2035, driven by sustainability, recycling, and eco-friendly production technologies. SO OK TRADING, as Thailand’s trusted aluminum business partner, is committed to delivering deep insights and global market trends to help businesses and investors identify new opportunities in this rapidly growing industry. SO OK TRADING — FAST | SHARP | RELIABLE

Non-Ferrous Scrap: From “Waste” to “Strategic Resource” Non-Ferrous Scrap is rapidly transforming from “industrial waste” into a strategic resource. Nations worldwide are competing to secure this material to drive the Circular Economy and achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2050. The demand for copper and aluminum is surging at unprecedented levels, fueled by the growth of EVs, Energy Storage Systems (ESS), and AI Data Centers — positioning scrap as a critical backbone of the new industrial era. Thailand, as the ASEAN supply chain hub, holds immense opportunities. By upgrading sorting standards and certification systems, the country can rise as a leader in Green Industry and Circular Economy.

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Global Non-Ferrous Metals Price Outlook (September 21–25, 2026) Market Overview with Ceiling–Average–Floor Forecasts Article by SO OK TRADING | September 20, 2026 Introduction The global non-ferrous metals market this week continues to face pressure from major macroeconomic factors, particularly the interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) and Gulf States. These moves have strengthened the U.S. dollar, exerting short-term downward pressure on commodity prices. However, supply tightness across key metals remains a critical support, preventing prices from breaking below major support levels. Market Outlook The London Metal Exchange (LME) is currently in a “Consolidation to Rebound” phase. While prices were pressured in mid-September, strong physical demand helped them recover by the end of last week. Copper and Zinc, in particular, are supported by supply disruptions, keeping prices elevated. SO OK TRADING’s Perspective Toward the end of September, the non-ferrous metals market is expected to remain range-bound but shows potential for medium-term recovery. Metals with tight supply conditions—Copper, Aluminium, and Zinc—will remain the key focus. For procurement teams in Thailand, adopting hedging strategies and term contracts is recommended to mitigate price volatility. Monitoring external factors such as the U.S. dollar’s trajectory and China’s economic indicators (PMI) will be essential in gauging real demand trends across Asia. SO OK TRADING FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE Your trusted partner in the global non-ferrous metals market

Oil Surge Shakes Global Metal Markets: MJP Q4/2026 Forecast SO OK TRADING | September 19, 2026 ✦ Introduction September 2026 marks a pivotal turning point in the global energy market as Brent crude oil prices surged to $104–113 per barrel, driven by geopolitical tensions and shipping attacks in the Middle East. This shockwave not only pushed energy costs higher but also disrupted the global metal cost structure, particularly impacting MJP Premiums and LME Aluminium Cash prices — key benchmarks for Thailand’s aluminium processing and electric vehicle (EV) industries. ✦ Context With energy costs soaring and the metal market entering a phase of “tightness,” Thai manufacturers face dual pressures from both global market dynamics and domestic cost structures. To navigate this environment, businesses must adopt proactive strategies, including risk hedging and supply chain adjustments. ✦ SO OK TRADING’s Perspective SO OK TRADING provides in‑depth analysis and survival strategies for Q4/2026, enabling Thai enterprises to safeguard margins and maintain competitiveness amid the era of expensive energy. Our insights aim to guide businesses toward sustainable growth despite global volatility.

Non-Ferrous Recycling 2026 – Transforming Scrap into Global Strategic Resources SO OK TRADING | September 18, 2026 In a world driven by clean energy and the circular economy, non-ferrous metals are no longer seen as “waste.” They are being elevated into global strategic resources, shaping the future of electric vehicles (EVs), digital infrastructure, and low-carbon technologies. The recycling industry is becoming the beating heart of the green transition — where Copper, Aluminum, Lead, and Zinc are not just raw materials, but the driving force behind a sustainable future. SO OK TRADING, as a trusted international partner from Thailand, is committed to delivering high-quality non-ferrous recycling to the global market. With expertise in Smart Sorting, AI Integration, and Circular Economy Solutions, we set new standards for metals in the low-carbon era. ✨ FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE SO OK TRADING – The true leader in Non-Ferrous business from Thailand

China’s Transition to Green Aluminum From Coal-Fired Smelters to a Clean Energy Future SO OK TRADING | 18 September 2026 China, the world’s largest producer and consumer of aluminum, accounting for more than 60% of global output, is undergoing a historic transformation. Once driven by coal-based energy and mass production, the industry is now entering a new era of Green Aluminum, powered by clean energy and advanced technologies. This shift is a direct response to mounting environmental challenges and global carbon regulations such as the EU’s CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism). This transition not only reflects China’s determination to reduce carbon emissions but also signals a strategic restructuring of the global metals market, which is moving toward a Circular Economy and quality-driven production. In this article, SO OK TRADING explores: Supply control policies and the 45 million tons annual production cap The shift toward high-tech products such as EV battery foil and aerospace materials Expansion of clean energy bases in Yunnan and Sichuan The impact of CBAM and China’s investment in ASEAN Global aluminum market outlook for 2026–2027 ✨ China is redefining the meaning of “Green Aluminum” This marks a pivotal turning point that the global metals industry must closely watch.

“Tuna Transformation: Reinventing Thailand’s Tuna Industry into the Era of Smart Protein & Premium Aluminum Packaging” SO OK TRADING : 18 SEPTEMBER 2026

Thai Beer Market 2026–2035: Competition, Premiumization & Packaging Revolution SO OK TRADING | FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE | 17 SEP 2026 ✨ Introduction The Thai beer market is entering a major transformation — from the fierce rivalry between Leo (Boon Rawd Brewery) and Chang (Thai Beverage) to new forces driven by Premiumization, RTD (Ready-To-Drink), and aluminum packaging innovations that align with sustainability and modern lifestyles. With a market value of THB 1.6–2.7 trillion, accounting for nearly 70% of the country’s alcohol beverage market, Thailand’s beer industry not only reflects evolving consumer behavior but also plays a pivotal role in the national economy and packaging sector.