SHFE Aluminum Futures Fluctuate as Central China Market Sees Low Buying Sentiment and Sluggish Transactions

General Administration of Customs data showed that aluminum scrap imports in May 2026 stood at approximately 152,000 mt, down 11.1% MoM from 171,000 mt in April and also below the 160,000 mt recorded in May 2025, initially establishing a pullback trend in imports this year.

[SMM Aluminum Alloy Daily Review] Futures side, the aluminum 2608 contract opened at 23,495 yuan/mt today, and after rising to an intraday high of 23,655 yuan/mt, bulls quickly exited, sending prices into a one-way decline. The market remained under pressure through the session without any notable rebound, and fell to a low of 23,200 yuan/mt before closing at that level by the morning close, a daily drop of 1.17%, or down 345 yuan/mt from the settlement price. Spot side, the ADC12 market overall maintained a steady trend today, with SMM ADC12 standing flat from the previous trading day at 24,100 yuan/mt. In the absence of fresh bullish or bearish drivers, enterprises generally adopted a wait-and-see approach, prioritizing selling at stable prices. It is expected that ADC12 prices will cont