One month to go to 2025, and global aluminium producers have begun to offer new premiums to Japanese buyers for the first quarter of the New Year. And not much to our surprise, the premium offered for the March quarter is 31 to 49 per cent higher than the current quarter’s premium, anticipating a supply crunch in Asia following the 13 per cent tax rebate cancellation for aluminium semi-manufactured products by the Chinese government from December 1, 2024.
Image Source: LinkedIn
{alcircleadd}According to three sources involved in quarterly pricing talks on Friday, global aluminium producers have offered $230-260 per tonne of premiums to Japanese buyers versus $175 per tonne of premiums in Q4 2024.
The premium is cost paid for primary aluminium shipments agreed to pay over the London Metal Exchange (LME) cash price. Since Japan is Asia largest importer, its shipment premium sets a benchmark for the entire region.
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