Frequent disturbances in alumina news, aluminum prices fluctuate rangebound [SMM Aluminum Futures Brief Comment]

Published: Jun 4, 2025 18:03

》Check SMM aluminum product quotes, data, and market analysis

SMM News on June 4:

 

Today, the most-traded SHFE aluminum 2507 contract opened at 20,005 yuan/mt, with a high of 20,110 yuan/mt, a low of 19,975 yuan/mt, and closed at 20,075 yuan/mt, up 0.43%. Trading volume was 97,500 lots, and open interest was 190,000 lots.

 

SMM Commentary: Although the increase in US steel and aluminum tariffs to 50% is bearish, China's direct aluminum semis exports to the US have been restricted by high tariffs for years, so the actual incremental impact is limited. It mainly affects overall market sentiment, suppressing global aluminum trade liquidity, particularly impacting countries highly dependent on US exports, and exacerbating regional supply surplus pressure in the short term. On the fundamental side, domestic aluminum smelters' operating capacity remains stable. Notably, some aluminum smelters in north China have increased the proportion of liquid aluminum used in alloying, reducing casting ingot volumes and affecting the arrival of goods in major consumption areas. On the demand side, some downstream sectors are showing expectations of an off-season slowdown. Demand for PV aluminum is decreasing, and automotive aluminum demand is expected to weaken in mid-to-late June. Construction aluminum demand remains lukewarm, but currently benefits from orders from State Grid, keeping the operating rate of aluminum wire and cable high. Overall, short-term market sentiment may suppress aluminum prices due to tariff impacts. Meanwhile, domestic aluminum ingot inventory has declined more than expected, supporting aluminum prices and spot premiums. Although some sectors are showing expectations of a weakening off-season, the overall decline is better than expected, and demand resilience remains. It is expected that the most-traded SHFE aluminum contract will maintain a fluctuating trend in the short term, with solid support below. If macro pressures do not escalate significantly, prices may show mild strength.

 

Today, the most-traded alumina 2509 contract opened at 3,036 yuan/mt, with a high of 3,086 yuan/mt, a low of 3,010 yuan/mt, and closed at 3,063 yuan/mt, up 0.89%. Trading volume was 316,000 lots, and open interest was 300,000 lots.

 

SMM Commentary: According to SMM statistics, alumina's weekly operating capacity continued to rebound, reaching 86.67 million mt/year as of last Thursday, up MoM, further alleviating spot supply pressure and slowing the rise in spot prices. Recent overseas alumina transactions have been sluggish, with relatively small price fluctuations. As domestic prices continue to rise, alumina imports have shifted from losses to profits, and the domestic alumina import window is gradually opening. In the short term, with the gradual resumption of production from some alumina maintenance and production cuts, alumina supply pressure is expected to gradually ease. The average profit of the alumina industry has entered a profitable state, and the market has strong expectations for alumina production resumptions. Alumina futures prices have taken the lead in pulling back, which may drive spot prices weaker. Subsequent attention should be paid to changes in the capacity of domestic alumina enterprises and the supply of imported alumina.

 

[The information provided is for reference only. This article does not constitute direct advice for investment research and decision-making. Customers should make decisions cautiously and should not replace their own independent judgment with this information. Any decisions made by customers are not related to SMM.]

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
Fed Governor Milan Pushes for Over 100 Basis Points Cut, Contradicts Barkin on Caution
17 hours ago
Fed Governor Milan Pushes for Over 100 Basis Points Cut, Contradicts Barkin on Caution
Read More
Fed Governor Milan Pushes for Over 100 Basis Points Cut, Contradicts Barkin on Caution
Fed Governor Milan Pushes for Over 100 Basis Points Cut, Contradicts Barkin on Caution
Federal Reserve Governor Milan pointed out that it is necessary for the US Fed to cut interest rates by more than 100 basis points this year. At the same time, he is very much looking forward to the performance of Kevin Warsh as Fed Chairman. However, Richmond Fed President Barkin emphasized that monetary policy must remain cautious until inflation fully pulls back to the target level, thereby ensuring the stability of the labour market.
17 hours ago
Democratic Senators Demand Delay in Fed Nomination Amid Criminal Investigation
17 hours ago
Democratic Senators Demand Delay in Fed Nomination Amid Criminal Investigation
Read More
Democratic Senators Demand Delay in Fed Nomination Amid Criminal Investigation
Democratic Senators Demand Delay in Fed Nomination Amid Criminal Investigation
All 11 Democratic members of the US Senate Banking Committee jointly sent a letter to the committee's chairman, Tim Scott, requesting that all nomination processes for the prospective Fed Chairman, Kevin Warsh, be postponed until the criminal investigation into current Fed Chairman Powell and other board members is concluded. However, Scott stated that Warsh's confirmation was a done deal.
17 hours ago
Fed to Keep Large Banks' Capital Levels Unchanged, Postpones Stress Test Reforms Until 2027
17 hours ago
Fed to Keep Large Banks' Capital Levels Unchanged, Postpones Stress Test Reforms Until 2027
Read More
Fed to Keep Large Banks' Capital Levels Unchanged, Postpones Stress Test Reforms Until 2027
Fed to Keep Large Banks' Capital Levels Unchanged, Postpones Stress Test Reforms Until 2027
The US Fed has announced that it will maintain the capital levels of large banks unchanged during the upcoming stress test cycle (corresponding to the 2026 cycle). At the same time, the US Fed is planning multidimensional reforms to this annual test, aiming to enhance its transparency. The US Fed's Vice Chair for Supervision, Bowman, revealed that adjustments to the stress capital buffer requirements for large banks will be postponed until 2027. This move is intended to provide the US Fed with sufficient time to evaluate potential flaws that may be exposed in its testing models when assessing banks' financial conditions under simulated economic downturn scenarios.
17 hours ago