en.Wedoany.com Reported - During the week ending May 12, 2026, India's imported aluminum scrap prices exhibited mixed movements. London Metal Exchange aluminum prices edged slightly higher, while spot market activity remained cautious. According to BigMint's latest assessment for CFR Nhava Sheva delivery, UK-origin zorba 95-5 scrap prices rose by $25/tonne week-on-week to $2,990/tonne; US-origin tense 6-7% scrap prices fell by $5/tonne week-on-week to $2,755/tonne.
The three-month LME aluminum price increased by $17/tonne week-on-week, closing at $3,580/tonne on May 12. The price had dipped mid-week to $3,510/tonne on May 7, before rebounding, driven by persistent supply concerns and declining exchange inventories. LME aluminum inventories decreased by 6,950 tonnes week-on-week to 355,775 tonnes. Market sentiment was supported by tightening visible stocks, a continuous decline in cancelled warrants, and heightened supply disruption fears due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Sentiment in the imported aluminum scrap market remained subdued, with limited trading activity across regions despite the rise in LME aluminum prices. Demand conditions were weak and uncertain, while domestic prices remained firm due to tight supply. Buying activity was cautious, with market participants mostly deferring new purchases in anticipation of further price corrections. Supply-side disruptions and logistical bottlenecks continued to weigh on market sentiment, particularly with restricted cargo movements through the Strait of Hormuz. In the Middle East, congestion at the Oman-UAE border disrupted physical goods flow, cargo movements to Jeddah were relatively smooth, while shipments to Khor Fakkan faced severe and unreliable disruptions, and operations at Jebel Ali Port remained offline.
On the domestic front, aluminum prices remained firm, with tight scrap supply in northern and southern India, especially facing a severe shortage of casting-grade Tense scrap. Secondary producers continued to face procurement challenges with low operating rates.
China-origin 553 silicon metal prices remained stable week-on-week, with the CFR Mundra benchmark price at $1,350/tonne as of May 12, reflecting balanced market activity and stable import offers.
Looking ahead, India's imported aluminum scrap prices are likely to remain firm in the short term. Tight scrap supply, logistical disruptions, and firm LME aluminum prices support the market, but cautious buying activity may limit significant upside. Supply constraints are expected to keep downside risks limited.
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