Aluminium billet inventories fell 2,500 mt on week

Published: Apr 22, 2021 14:21

Save

SHANGHAI, Apr 22 (SMM) – The outbound quantity of aluminium billet increased 5,700 mt to 62,800 mt last week. Downstream demand warmed up, and the sentiment of receiving goods for rigid demand improved.

SMM data showed that aluminium billet stocks across the five major consumption areas — Foshan, Wuxi, Huzhou, Changzhou and Nanchang — in China decreased 1.5% or 2,500 mt from a week ago to 162,800 mt as of Thursday April 22. Aluminium prices continued to break through high levels, reaching 18,180 yuan/mt today. Although downstream demand improved, it was still mainly on purchasing for rigid demand at low prices, and the fear of high prices still existed. Inventories in Foshan, Wuxi and Changzhou fell by 1,200 mt, 2,800 mt and 2,800 mt respectively.

Aluminium contracts kept fluctuating with strong downstream demand, while the downstream was unwilling to restock. However, the downstream began to accept aluminium prices at 18,000 yuan/mt. Most companies purchased for rigid demand and kept inventories low. It is expected that aluminium billet inventories will also decrease next week compared with this week.

Aluminium billet Inventory data

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

2 hours ago

Alba Bahrain Smelter Hit by Iranian Missile and Drone Attack, Two Injured

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) confirmed its facility was targeted in an Iranian missile and drone attack on March 28, with two people sustaining minor injuries while damage assessments are ongoing. Alba's smelter had a capacity of 1.6 million tons in 2025 according to its website.

2 hours ago

Emirates Global Aluminium Reports Damage at Al Taweelah Site After Iranian Attacks

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Emirates Global Aluminium reported significant damage to its Al Taweelah site following Iranian missile and drone attacks at Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi. Several employees were injured, though none critically, as damage assessments remain ongoing. The smelter produced 1.6 million tonnes in 2025, with the company noting it holds substantial metal inventories both in transit and at overseas locations.

2 hours ago

Significant Contraction in Global Supply Gives Aluminum Prices Strong Upward Momentum [SMM Aluminum Morning Meeting Summary]

[Significant Global Supply Contraction Gives Aluminum Prices Strong Upward Momentum] Overall, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remained the core factor affecting the global aluminum market. A series of production cuts and damage incidents at Middle Eastern aluminum plants is expected to provide strong upward momentum for aluminum prices in and outside China, coupled with support from expectations of a gradual release of peak-season demand in China. In the short term, aluminum prices are expected to hold up well.

2 hours ago