Aluminum Producers Underwater
After aluminum’s recent slump, many smelters are unprofitable- a reality that may lead to forced shutdowns.
After aluminum’s recent slump, many smelters are unprofitable- a reality that may lead to forced shutdowns.
Despite the recent recovery in LME aluminum prices; demand for the stainless steel component remains in the dumps. Without any idea of when demand may stage a comeback, aluminum miners are bracing for more tough times.
Aluminum’s fundamentals remain dire, despite the upswing in Chinese Imports. Imports in the country are rising due to an arbitrage opportunity as Shanghai Futures Exchange aluminum is selling at a premium of $400-$500 per tonne on the London Metal Exchange.
Aluminum producer’s cutbacks have done little to stabilize the metal’s free fall. In London, the price of aluminum fell to $1,321 per tonne from $1,345. In New York, it was selling for 59 cents per pound. Six months ago, the metal’s going rate was $1.50 per pound.
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