- Shipments rerouted via Jeddah, Sohar, Khor Fakkan
- Domestic scrap availability remains extremely tight
India’s imported aluminium scrap prices edged up in the week ended 7 April, tracking firm trends on the London Metal Exchange, supported by ongoing geopolitical tensions and tightened global supply conditions.
As per the latest market assessment for CFR Nhava Sheva deliveries, UK-origin Zorba 95-5 scrap increased marginally by $5/t w-o-w to $2,850/t, while US-origin Tense 6-7% scrap also inched up by $5/t w-o-w to $2,530/t.
LME aluminium edged up w-o-w
Three-month aluminium prices on the LME opened firm, hovering around $3,511/t, reflecting steady market sentiment.
However, the exchange remained closed on Friday and Monday on account of Good Friday and Easter. The last recorded closing price stood at $3,425/t on 2 April 2026, with aluminium inventories reported at 411,950 tonnes.
Aluminium prices slipped on Friday as a stronger US dollar and recession fears offset supply concerns from Middle East tensions. The market later remained closed on Friday and Monday for Good Friday and Easter holidays, while tighter global supply continued to support prices and boost prospects for Chinese exporters.
Market scenario
The imported aluminium scrap market is showing firm week-on-week trends, driven by supply constraints, global disruptions, uncertain demand, and exchange rate fluctuations. Scrap availability remains extremely tight, with major shipment disruptions from Dammam where TT shipments are halted and buying activity has slowed due to closures and high demand.
Material is now being rerouted via Jeddah, Sohar, and Khor Fakkan, though port congestion at Khor Fakkan, rising inland transport costs of around SAR 6,000 from Dammam to Jeddah, and increasing freight rates are adding further pressure. Prices for UAE- and KSA-origin scrap remain elevated, with extrusion near $3,300/t and TT around $2,880/t. In India, imports are largely restricted to JNPT and Mundra, with no shipments to Chennai or Kolkata, further tightening supply amid mixed demand and LPG constraints.
Domestically, aluminium prices have risen sharply following LME trends, while scrap prices, especially casting-grade Tense scrap, remain elevated due to acute shortages. Secondary producers are facing procurement challenges, leading to cautious buying and reduced operating rates. In Chennai, Tense scrap offers are quoted at INR 290,000-300,000/t, while bids remain around INR 280,000/t, reflecting the physical shortage and limited imports.
Chinese silicon prices
According to BigMint, China-origin silicon metal 553 prices increased w-o-w by $10/t to $1,400/t from $1,375/t on a CFR Nhava Sheva basis.
Outlook
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