Slightly Improved Trading Sentiment in Central and East China, Stockpiling Demand Released [SMM Spot Aluminum Midday Comment]

Published: Jul 17, 2026 18:59

SMM News, July 17:

In early trading, the center of SHFE aluminum 2606 contract trading moved above the level seen at the same time in the previous trading day. Affected by the off-season, market purchasing sentiment remained weak today, but overall purchasing sentiment rose WoW from yesterday, and circulating supply in the market was still relatively ample. Market transactions were done at parity to a discount of 20 yuan/mt against the SHFE aluminum 08 contract. Today, the shipments sentiment index in the east China market was 3.11, unchanged WoW; the purchasing sentiment index was 2.9, up 0.01 WoW.

Today, trading sentiment in the central China market continued to rebound WoW from the previous two days. With Friday coinciding, downstream processing enterprises’ stockpiling demand was released to some extent, and trading firms engaging in both spot and futures market maintained strong stockpiling sentiment, providing solid support to market prices. In addition, suppliers showed a pronounced willingness to hold prices firm and hold back from selling. Ultimately, the actual transaction price range in the central China market hovered at a discount of 110-140 yuan/mt against the SHFE aluminum 08 contract, with a trend of continued strengthening. Today, the shipments sentiment index in the central China market was 2.99, up 0.05 WoW; the purchasing sentiment index was 3.03, up 0.12 WoW.

Inventory side, today’s aluminum ingot inventory in major consumption areas fell 0.3 MoM, with the main destocking areas being 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
EU Industry Chief Proposes Ban on Waste Exports to Non-OECD Nations
11 hours ago
EU Industry Chief Proposes Ban on Waste Exports to Non-OECD Nations
Read More
EU Industry Chief Proposes Ban on Waste Exports to Non-OECD Nations
EU Industry Chief Proposes Ban on Waste Exports to Non-OECD Nations
BRUSSELS, Sept 4 (Reuters) – The EU's industry chief Stephane Sejourne has proposed a sweeping ban on waste exports, including aluminium scrap, to non-OECD nations, his cabinet said Friday.Sejourne had been set to present trade measures on Sept 23 that would only limit scrap exports. But internal talks showed that tool would cover just half of such exports. He withdrew it and now pursues a delegated act under the Waste Shipment Regulation, banning waste shipments to non-OECD countries except some EU candidates.The OECD excludes major scrap destinations like China and India. Europe's aluminium industry has long sought export duties since spring, with the announcement delayed to September as Reuters reported in June.
11 hours ago
EU Industry Chief Proposes Broad Ban on Waste Exports to Non-OECD Countries
11 hours ago
EU Industry Chief Proposes Broad Ban on Waste Exports to Non-OECD Countries
Read More
EU Industry Chief Proposes Broad Ban on Waste Exports to Non-OECD Countries
EU Industry Chief Proposes Broad Ban on Waste Exports to Non-OECD Countries
The EU's industry chief Stephane Sejourne has decided to propose a broad ban on exports of waste, includingaluminium scrap, to non-OECD countries, a statement from Sejourne's cabinet said on Friday.Sejourne had been expected to present long-awaited trade measures on September 23, which would have only limited exports of aluminiumscrap."In the internal discussions, it appeared that the tool proposed could only cover around a half of the scrap export. As a result, the Executive Vice-President has decided to withdraw the proposal and to explore a proposal, independent from trade instruments," the statement said."We are now working on a delegated act under the Waste Shipment Regulation. This delegated act will ban exports of waste, including aluminiumscrap to non-O
11 hours ago
Eontec: Deeply Deploying Magnesium Alloy Material Applications in NEV and Other Fields, H1 Net Loss of 52.9325 Million
13 hours ago
Eontec: Deeply Deploying Magnesium Alloy Material Applications in NEV and Other Fields, H1 Net Loss of 52.9325 Million
Read More
Eontec: Deeply Deploying Magnesium Alloy Material Applications in NEV and Other Fields, H1 Net Loss of 52.9325 Million
Eontec: Deeply Deploying Magnesium Alloy Material Applications in NEV and Other Fields, H1 Net Loss of 52.9325 Million
13 hours ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?Sign in here