Aluminium ingot inventory rose from pre-holiday levels

As of October 19, 2023, domestic aluminium ingot inventory stood at 626,000 mt, down 10,000 mt from October 16, no change from October 12, and up 130,000 mt before the holiday. Despite being at a five-year low for this period, post-holiday inventory pressure is high due to sluggish downstream industries and negative market rumors. SMM states the future inventory trend is unclear.

As of the week ending October 19, inventories in many major regions were slightly decreasing. East China's inventory fell, with Shanghai's inventory down by 5,000 mt due to imported aluminium ingots moving to the South China market. Wuxi's inventory was stable at 176,000 mt, with no significant outflow despite decreasing arrivals. South China's post-holiday inventory remained steady at 167,000 mt, slightly lower than Wuxi, due to a decline in arrivals and weak demand from downstream extrusion industries. Gongyi's inventory decreased by 3,000 mt due to weak arrivals and shipments. SMM will continue to monitor future supply direction and changes in aluminium supply and demand.