The outlook for aluminum is more positive than the steep drip in price since April may suggest. The world’s largest producers of the metal are confident that 2012 will see robust demand growth, and some have even invested millions in upgrading production capacity. Automotive production will be the main catalyst for growth.
Bloomberg reports aluminum inventories monitored by the London Metal Exchange rose on increases in Detroit.
Analysts are in agreement at Harbor Intelligence’s Annual Aluminum Outlook Conference predicting stable to higher prices on the year. Also, Coca-Cola accuses Goldman Sachs of manipulating aluminum prices.
On Tuesday, Russia's United Company RUSAL (HKG:0486), the world's top aluminium producer, reported that it returned to the black in the second quarter, thanks to higher output and better prices of the lightweight metal.
Aluminium for delivery in three months on the London Metal Exchange fell to a low of $1,279 a tonne – the lowest level since November, 2001. Record high stocks were responsible for the overwhelming downward pressure. Aluminium LME warehouse inventories leapt by 13,125 tonnes to stand at 3.17 million tonnes, their highest ever.
The precipitous drop in commodity prices is putting companies under pressure, particularly feeling the squeeze are oil and metal mining companies. To be optimistic we must note that even though the current conditions are dire, the seeds are being sowed for another big rally in the metals.
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