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Real-time News
Israel Defense Forces: Initial reports indicate that alarms have been raised regarding enemy aircraft infiltration in the Miskaf-Am area. Further details are under investigation.On May 17th, it was reported that the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on May 16th, concluding its 11-month deployment. According to US sources, the USS Gerald R. Fords deployment lasted 326 days, breaking the record for the longest deployment by a US aircraft carrier since the Vietnam War. Since June of last year, the USS Gerald R. Ford has participated in US military operations against Venezuela and Iran. The extended deployment has led to fatigue among the USS Gerald R. Ford and its crew, resulting in numerous ship malfunctions. It is reported that the USS Gerald R. Ford issued 32 requests for wastewater treatment system maintenance by 2025. In March of this year, a fire broke out in the ships stern laundry room, injuring three sailors and requiring treatment for smoke inhalation by more than 200 others. The USS Gerald R. Ford was subsequently forced to withdraw from the Middle East theater of operations, undergoing repairs and maintenance in ports in Greece and Croatia.According to CNBC, Estonias defense minister warned that prices for European defense products have risen by more than 50%, complicating NATOs rearmament efforts and the urgent aid to Ukraine to counter Russia.The South Korean presidential office said on Sunday that South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will hold a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi next Tuesday.On May 17th, Hongqiao Holdings stated at its earnings conference on May 15th that, according to publicly available industry data, aluminum rod inventory has been continuously decreasing since mid-March 2026. This year, due to factors such as the later Spring Festival, the delayed off-season, and the impact of high aluminum prices on downstream restocking, the destocking pace of aluminum ingots has been relatively slow. However, recently, there have been signs of a marginal decline in electrolytic aluminum social inventory. The destocking trend still needs to be continuously observed in conjunction with subsequent downstream production, spot transactions, and delivery status. The relatively high level of aluminum ingot social inventory this year is mainly likely related to the following factors: First, the recovery of demand after the Spring Festival was somewhat delayed, leading to relatively cautious downstream delivery and restocking; second, the relatively high aluminum prices have had a certain impact on downstream procurement, resulting in a temporary accumulation of inventory in the upstream and distribution links; third, the inventory performance of different product forms varies, with the destocking pace of aluminum rods, aluminum ingots, and processed materials not being entirely consistent. Overall, with the continued release of downstream demand, there are signs of marginal improvement in aluminum ingot social inventory, but the specific timing and extent of destocking still depend on market supply and demand, price levels, and delivery schedules.
