The aluminum ingot market showed a mild recovery, while aluminum billet processing fees remained under pressure [SMM South China Spot Aluminum Daily Review]

Published: Mar 17, 2026 17:20

SMM, March 17:

Aluminum ingot: Today, sentiment in the Foshan A00 spot aluminum market recovered moderately. The rebound in early-session futures prices drove spot prices higher, and suppliers took the opportunity to accelerate cashing out. Traders showed moderate willingness to purchase, while major players held prices firm in procurement, but downstream buyers were unwilling to rush to buy amid continuous price rise. In the afternoon, futures moved downward, buyers turned cautious, and transactions started steady before weakening, with overall performance showing a mild rebound.

Aluminum billet: Today, the average processing fees for SMM 6063 aluminum billet (Guangdong) were 70 yuan/mt for Φ90/100 and 20 yuan/mt for Φ120 and above, down 80 yuan/mt from yesterday. The rise in the base price caused processing fees to continue to decline, while weaker intraday futures prices intensified downstream bearish sentiment, with procurement mainly driven by immediate needs. After futures surged and then pulled back, offers were lowered accordingly. Market inquiries were scarce, transactions were sluggish, and even volume discounts remained ineffective in stimulating deals.
 

 

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Mar 19)
1 hour ago
Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Mar 19)
Read More
Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Mar 19)
Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Mar 19)
The following table shows the ferrous and nonferrous metals movement on the SHFE and DCE on 19 Mar , 2026
1 hour ago
Alvance Boosts Aluminium Output by 10% at UK's Only Primary Plant, Enters US Market Amid Tariff Changes
1 hour ago
Alvance Boosts Aluminium Output by 10% at UK's Only Primary Plant, Enters US Market Amid Tariff Changes
Read More
Alvance Boosts Aluminium Output by 10% at UK's Only Primary Plant, Enters US Market Amid Tariff Changes
Alvance Boosts Aluminium Output by 10% at UK's Only Primary Plant, Enters US Market Amid Tariff Changes
[SMM Aluminum Express News] Alvance British Aluminium has boosted output by ~10% at its Lochaber smelter in Fort William, Scotland (UK’s only primary aluminium plant), thanks to recent US tariff changes. The GFG Alliance-owned facility (48,000 tpy capacity, hydro-powered) now exports about half its production to the US for the first time. Managing Director Tom Uppington: “We increased production in response to shifting trade flows after US tariffs, entering the US market while serving UK and European customers.” President Trump set a 50% global tariff on steel/aluminium imports, but the UK secured a preferential 25% rate (vs. 50% for Canada), making UK metal more competitive. The US still relies on imports for automotive and aerospace sectors.
1 hour ago
Secondary Aluminum Alloy Ingots Inventory Down 3,460.6 MT, Continues Destocking Trend
Common.Time.hoursAgo
Secondary Aluminum Alloy Ingots Inventory Down 3,460.6 MT, Continues Destocking Trend
Read More
Secondary Aluminum Alloy Ingots Inventory Down 3,460.6 MT, Continues Destocking Trend
Secondary Aluminum Alloy Ingots Inventory Down 3,460.6 MT, Continues Destocking Trend
[SMM Aluminum Flash Update] According to SMM statistics, the social inventory of secondary aluminum alloy ingots decreased by 3,460.6 mt WoW on Thursday, maintaining a destocking trend.
Common.Time.hoursAgo