India’s imported aluminium scrap prices were mixed in the week ended 16 December, amid largely stable LME prices, with selective gains and declines across key grades. BigMint assessed Middle East-origin Tense (8-9 per cent) at USD 1,930 per tonne, unchanged w-o-w, while US-origin Tense (6-7 per cent) also remained stable at USD 2,000 per tonne.
UK-origin Zorba 95/5 edged up by USD 10 per tonne to USD 2,285 per tonne, whereas US-origin Taint Tabor HRB (3 per cent) slipped USD 10 per tonne to USD 2,205 per tonne. Middle East-origin Extrusion 6063 declined USD 10 per tonne to USD 2,650 per tonne, while UK-origin Wheel prices eased USD 15 per tonne to USD 2,655 per tonne w-o-w.
LME prices nearly stable w-o-w; inventories fall
At the close on 15 December, LME aluminium three-month prices stood at USD 2,881 per tonne, easing by USD 15 per tonne from USD 2,896 per tonne recorded on 8 December. Meanwhile, inventories at LME-registered warehouses declined to 519,600 t, down by 6,200 t from 525,800 t a week earlier, indicating continued tightening in available supply.
LME aluminium prices remained largely rangebound in the week ended 15 December, supported by declining exchange inventories and recent US Federal Reserve rate cuts, which helped improve overall market sentiment. However, persistent demand concerns in China and expectations of a year-end seasonal slowdown limited any upside. Prices averaged around USD 2,880 per tonne during the week, while LME inventories continued to fall, reflecting ongoing supply tightness. Looking ahead, aluminium prices are expected to stay rangebound in the near term, with supply-side support offset by weak seasonal demand and thin year-end trading, while a clearer direction may emerge early next year as post-holiday demand and policy cues improve.