Japan Primary Al Hits 3-Year Low

Japanese market price of primary aluminium ingot decreased to 3-year low due to lower international price and high yen rate. The industry expects lower price due to decreasing offshore market and high yen rate.

Aluminium price decreased to less than US$ 1,900 per tonne at London Metal Exchange in third week of June. The cash buy price decreased to US$ 1,814 on Monday, which was the lowest level since early October, 2009. Financial crisis in Europe accelerates the price decrease.

Japanese aluminium price decreased more due to high yen rate. Domestic market price was 168-173 yen per kilogram at spot market on Tuesday, which was 3-year low.

The tight supply pushed Japan premium to record US$ 200-210 per tonne for July-September. A secondary aluminium alloy maker source said a trading firm offers US$ 230-240 of premium for spot purchase.

Under the high premium, domestic market price is less than 175 yen per kg due to high yen rate. Japanese industry is still cautious for lower price due to slower demand in China and high yen rate.