SMM June 17 News:
Today, spot primary aluminum prices continued to decline by 10 yuan/mt compared to the previous trading day. SMM A00 aluminum ingot prices closed at 20,620 yuan/mt, while aluminum scrap market prices remained largely unchanged from yesterday. As the off-season in June progresses beyond the halfway mark, downstream scrap utilisation enterprises are experiencing sluggish order releases, with procurement primarily driven by immediate needs.
Today, the concentrated quotes for baled UBC aluminum scrap range from 15,350 to 15,850 yuan/mt (tax not included), while the concentrated quotes for shredded aluminum tense scrap range from 15,900 to 17,400 yuan/mt (tax not included).
In terms of price difference between A00 aluminum and aluminum scrap, the price difference between A00 aluminum and mechanical casting aluminum scrap in Shanghai widened by 25 yuan/mt to 1,850 yuan/mt compared to last Thursday, while the price difference between A00 aluminum and mixed aluminum extrusion scrap free of paint in Foshan narrowed by 150 yuan/mt to 1,505 yuan/mt compared to last Thursday.
It is expected that the aluminum scrap market will continue to fluctuate at highs. The tight supply situation for aluminum tense scrap is unlikely to change, providing solid price support. Wrought aluminum alloy scrap will continue to fluctuate rangebound with primary aluminum, but the combined risks of a high-level correction in primary aluminum prices and weak demand during the off-season may suppress upside room. The operating rate of downstream secondary aluminum enterprises may remain low, with a difficult balance between costs and orders. Additionally, after the listing of cast aluminum alloy futures, arbitrage activities may temporarily boost market activity, potentially increasing the price sensitivity of aluminum scrap as a core raw material. Caution is advised against short-term volatility risks.
