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| Aluminum Scrap |
Global Markets Trend Lower Despite LME Gains
The global aluminum scrap market showed widespread price declines during the week of April 4–10, 2025, despite a modest increase in the LME aluminum cash settlement price. According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, only a few aluminum scrap categories bucked the downward trend across North America, China, India, and other major markets.
On April 10, the LME Aluminum Cash Settlement contract rose slightly to $2,343.50 per tonne, up from $2,285.00 the day before. The 3-Month Aluminum contract also closed higher at $2,388.00 per tonne. However, LME aluminum stockpiles dropped to 446,325 tonnes, indicating tighter supply but not enough to halt the scrap market's retreat.
Regional Scrap Price Highlights: North America, China, India, and Europe
In North America, scrap prices broadly declined. The steepest weekly fall was in 6063 Extrusions/Fe, which dropped 3.13%, from $0.64 to $0.62 per pound. 6061 Extrusions and Zorba 90% NF followed with drops of 2.99% and 2.94%, respectively.
On the East Coast, the trend mirrored the national average, with 6063 Extrusions/Fe showing the largest decline. Prices for Al/Cu Radiators and Al/Cu Radiators/Fe increased slightly, while Aluminum Radiators, Aluminum Radiators/Fe, and Aluminum Transformers held steady.
In the Midwest, 6063 Extrusions/Fe fell from $0.63 to $0.61 per pound, leading regional losses. 6061 Extrusions declined to $0.64 per pound, while Zorba 90% NF slipped to $0.65 per pound. Other commodities including Breakage 50% Recovery, Mixed Aluminum Turnings, Chrome Wheels, Litho Sheets, Painted Siding, 1100 Scrap, 3003 Scrap, 356 Aluminum Wheels (Clean), 5052 Scrap, MLC Clips, Old Cast, Old Sheet, UBC, and E.C. Aluminum Wire also dropped.
On the West Coast, the pattern continued, with 6063 Extrusions/Fe and 6061 Extrusions dropping 3.08% and 2.99%, respectively. Zorba 90% NF lost ground, falling from $0.68 to $0.66 per pound. Prices for Al/Cu Radiators and Al/Cu Radiators/Fe increased slightly, while Aluminum Radiators, Aluminum Radiators/Fe, and Aluminum Transformers remained unchanged.
In China, Old Cast and Old Sheet prices posted the sharpest declines at 3.88%, down from CNY 18,050 to CNY 17,350 per metric ton. 6063 Extrusions fell 3.84%, while Aluminum Transformers, Zorba 90% NF, Aluminum Radiators, E.C. Aluminum Wire, and Aluminum Ingots also declined. UBC prices fell 2.4%, the smallest drop in China.
In India, aluminum utensil scrap slipped 0.88%, falling from INR 226,000 to INR 224,000 per tonne. Aluminum ingots also declined slightly by 0.85%.
Europe’s scrap aluminum market was the only region to remain flat, with Aluminum Cuttings, Mixed Aluminum Turnings, Old Cast, and UBC holding prices steady through the week.
Market Outlook: Recovery Hinges on Demand Rebound
The modest increase in LME aluminum prices has yet to influence scrap values globally. If demand picks up or inventories tighten further, a rebound in scrap prices may follow. However, persistent softness in regional demand could maintain downward pressure in the near term.
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