Imported aluminium scrap prices experience minor fluctuations in India

In the Indian imported aluminium scrap market, minor fluctuations were observed in line with movements in the futures exchanges, which displayed a week-on-week divergence but generally showed an upward trend.

Sources within the industry have disclosed that the availability of raw materials in Europe, the UK, and the US remained limited, thereby keeping prices resilient. Consequently, a noticeable market gap exists between bid and offer prices, with bids remaining on the lower side. As a result, trade activity has been relatively subdued. Additionally, concerns regarding liquidity have had an impact on booking activities.

Meanwhile, aluminium alloy manufacturers have already adjusted their production rates in response to the prevailing market conditions.

A source from a UK-based recycling company emphasised the strength of the domestic market and expressed a preference for selling materials domestically due to better returns, whereas Indian buyers have not been generating enough inquiries.

Furthermore, some market participants have pointed out that buyers are shifting their focus to the Middle East, where they find more favourable price dynamics for specific grades than other supply sources.

"I have observed that bids from the Indian market are slightly lower in comparison with last week, probably due to production adjustments, but the raw material has to be procured to secure the existing supply chain,” said an EU-based exporter source.

"Currently, we are not procuring bulk volumes as local scrap availability is moderate in the domestic market but we expect that prices may rebound," commented an end-user source based in northern India.

Domestic aluminium scrap market

The Indian aluminium scrap market has maintained stability compared to the previous day's closing figures. Tense scrap prices were reported in the range of INR 154,000-156,000 per tonne, while utensil scrap prices stood at INR 173,000-174,000 per tonne, excluding Delhi (excluding GST). Market participants have noted that local demand remains sluggish despite the moderate availability of materials. At the time of reporting, LME aluminium futures had inched up by 0.81 per cent to $2,233 per tonne.

Chinese silicon prices decline

Chinese silicon prices were recorded at $2,110-$2,130 per tonne CIF west coast India, marking an increase of $45 per tonne week-on-week. The northern region of China is currently experiencing reduced production levels in anticipation of the upcoming Chinese mid-autumn festival holidays, which has put upward pressure on prices.

Recent deals on CIF basis

US origin TT 2-3 per cent at $1,700 per tonne, 100 tonnes, west coast India.

US origin extrusion 95/5 sold at $1,900 per tonne, 100 tonnes, west coast India.

UK origin TT HRB priced around $1,630-$1,650 per tonne, 150 tonnes, west coast India.

Middle East origin chrome wheel sold at $2,100 per tonne, approximately 45 tonnes, Chennai.

Middle East origin wheel sold at $2,300 per tonne, approximately 45 tonnes, west coast India.

Ireland-origin 200 tonnes of Zorba 96/2 sold at $1,830 per tonne, 200 tonnes, Hong Kong.

Indian aluminium ingot AK5M2 sold at $2,100 per tonne, 100 tonnes, Japan.

Market participants hold varying expectations for the outlook. Some foresee a modest uptick in prices, while others anticipate further declines, even during the festive season.

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Received under the content exchange agreement with SteelMint