Aluminum futures rose amid disturbances from some market news, while downstream processing enterprises' purchasing sentiment was sluggish [SMM Spot Aluminum Midday Review]

Published: Jul 20, 2026 17:10

SMM, July 20 -

In early trading, the SHFE aluminum 2606 contract's trading center was higher than the same period of the previous trading day. Affected by supply-side factors for aluminum ingot, some sellers raised their offers. However, due to the off-season, market procurement sentiment remained relatively weak, compounded by ample market circulation. Transaction prices continued to trend lower, with mainstream deals declining from parity against the SHFE 08 contract to a discount of 20 yuan/mt against the SHFE 08 contract. Today, east China's shipment sentiment index was 3.16, up 0.05 DoD; the procurement sentiment index was 2.92, up 0.02 DoD.

Today, aluminum futures were boosted by some market news, but downstream processing enterprises in central China showed subdued procurement sentiment, significantly dampening market transaction mood. However, suppliers demonstrated a strong willingness to hold prices firm, leading to high offers. As absolute prices further rose after the market opened, traders lowered their quotes. Ultimately, the actual transaction price range in central China centered around a discount of 120-150 yuan/mt against the SHFE 08 contract. Today, central China's shipment sentiment index was 3.03, up 0.04 DoD; the procurement sentiment index was 3.00, down 0.03 DoD.

Inventory side, aluminum ingot inventory in major consumption areas fell 0.05 DoD today, with destocking mainly in Guangdong and Wuxi.

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 for 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
2026 H1 China Aluminum Plate/Sheet and Strip Exports Up 18.7% YoY
1 min ago
2026 H1 China Aluminum Plate/Sheet and Strip Exports Up 18.7% YoY
Read More
2026 H1 China Aluminum Plate/Sheet and Strip Exports Up 18.7% YoY
2026 H1 China Aluminum Plate/Sheet and Strip Exports Up 18.7% YoY
According to customs data, China's exports of aluminum plate/sheet and strip in June 2026 were 354,000 mt, up 10.6% MoM and up 44% YoY. From January to June 2026, cumulative exports of aluminum plate/sheet and strip were 1.7894 million mt, up 18.7% YoY.
1 min ago
China's Aluminum Production Rises 4.7% YoY in June 2026, NBS Data Shows
24 mins ago
China's Aluminum Production Rises 4.7% YoY in June 2026, NBS Data Shows
Read More
China's Aluminum Production Rises 4.7% YoY in June 2026, NBS Data Shows
China's Aluminum Production Rises 4.7% YoY in June 2026, NBS Data Shows
According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in June 2026, China's aluminum production reached 3.979 million mt, up 4.7% YoY; and the cumulative production from January to June of this year was 23.187 million mt, up 3.8% YoY.
24 mins ago
Middle East Situation Volatile and Uncertain, Aluminum Prices Consolidate and Adjust [SMM Aluminum Morning Meeting Summary]
44 mins ago
Middle East Situation Volatile and Uncertain, Aluminum Prices Consolidate and Adjust [SMM Aluminum Morning Meeting Summary]
Read More
Middle East Situation Volatile and Uncertain, Aluminum Prices Consolidate and Adjust [SMM Aluminum Morning Meeting Summary]
Middle East Situation Volatile and Uncertain, Aluminum Prices Consolidate and Adjust [SMM Aluminum Morning Meeting Summary]
[Mideast Situation Remains Volatile and Uncertain, Aluminum Prices Consolidate and Adjust] Overall, the Middle East situation remains volatile, market concerns over interest rate hikes persist, and supply continues to recover. However, the destocking pattern is difficult to reverse in the short term. Amid the tug-of-war between longs and shorts, aluminum prices are expected to consolidate and adjust in the near term. Going forward, close attention should be paid to the progress of production resumptions and the trend of geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, changes in LME aluminum ingot inventories, and the condition of downstream processing orders in China.
44 mins ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?Sign in here