- Indian buyers sourcing cheaper Asian scrap
- LME aluminium scrap dips almost 2% w-o-w
India’s imported aluminium scrap prices remained range-bound w-o-w, influenced by strong global demand and ongoing supply constraints. Persistent raw material shortages and firm price settlements by a major automaker helped maintain stable price levels despite market fluctuations.
BigMint assessed Tense scrap from the US at $1,990/t, down by $10/tonne (t) w-o-w, while Wheels from the UK were stable at $2,530/t, both CFR west coast, India. At the time of reporting, London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices stood at $2,525/t, 1.7% down w-o-w.
Additionally, aluminium ADC12 alloyed ingot prices remained stable m-o-m in June 2025 across both northern and southern India, according to BigMint’s benchmark assessments. Steady pricing was supported by ongoing shortages of raw materials used in alloy ingot production.
BigMint’s monthly assessment for the OEM grade of ADC12 stood at INR 228,000/t in Delhi, and INR 230,000/t in Chennai.
The spread between scrap and semi-finished products narrowed to INR 32,000-33,000/t due to increased Tense scrap costs.
Market insights
According to market participants, “Indian buyers are increasingly sourcing scrap from Asian markets, as prices there are more competitive compared to those from the US and UK.”
In addition, UK wheels and UAE extrusion scrap continue to command premiums in the Indian market.
According to BigMint’s latest assessment, zorba 95-5 grade material from the UK was priced at $2,150/t CFR Nhava Sheva. Meanwhile, UAE extrusion 6063 scrap, was valued higher at around $2,530/t CFR Nhava Sheva, reflecting strong demand and tight supply conditions from the Middle East region.
A trader source stated, “Scrap prices remain highly volatile and are not following LME trends due to ongoing global scrap shortages. Currently, the market is driven primarily by demand and supply dynamics.”
As per sources, “South Korea is aggressively purchasing aluminium scrap, particularly grades like Trump (also known as Taint/Tabor) and Tense, driven by rising demand for aluminium alloy ingot ADC12.”
Silicon price trends
According to BigMint’s assessment, silicon 553 prices from China declined by $10/t to $1,190/t CFR Mundra on a w-o-w basis. The price drop is attributed to weak market demand despite increased aluminium alloy ingot consumption, as most market participants are holding sufficient inventories.
Outlook
In the Indian market, both imported and domestic aluminium scrap prices are expected to remain firm in the near term, as market participants anticipate that the scrap shortage will continue throughout Q2 FY’26.
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