India's imported aluminium scrap prices showed a mixed trend w-o-w on 17 February 2026, despite a decline in London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices. While some grades remained supported due to steady demand, others faced mild corrections. Meanwhile, domestic Tense scrap prices firmed up on tight supply.

As per BigMint's assessment, Middle East-origin Tense (8-9 per cent) declined by USD 10 per tonne w-o-w to USD 1,980 per tonne, whereas Extrusion 6063 rose sharply by USD60 per tonne w-o-w to USD 2,950 per tonne.

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LME aluminium prices ease

LME aluminium three-month prices declined by 1.1 per cent w-o-w to USD 3,074 per tonne on 16 February 2026 from USD 3,108 per tonne on 9 February 2026. Meanwhile, LME aluminium inventories recorded an outflow of 1.9 per cent or 9,425 tonnes from 488,975 tonnes to 479,550 tonnes over the same period.

LME aluminium prices declined w-o-w, as heightened market volatility, growing risk-off sentiment, and profit-taking weighed on global commodities. Fading expectations of near-term interest rate cuts by major central banks triggered broad-based selling across metals, while weaker pre-Lunar New Year demand from China and strong US labour data added further pressure. A roughly 1 per cent rise in the US dollar index made dollar-denominated aluminium more expensive for overseas buyers, with macro uncertainty and cautious investor positioning contributing to a notable pullback in both physical and futures markets.

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Market insights

Despite the w-o-w decline in LME aluminium prices, imported aluminium scrap markets witnessed a mixed trend. While certain grades corrected slightly, others registered gains.

Even in segments where prices softened, overseas suppliers largely maintained firm offers, whereas Indian buyers continued to place comparatively lower bids, leading to a widening bid-offer spread and subdued deal activity.

At the same time, secondary aluminium producers with long-term supply agreements with OEMs remained active in the market, securing raw materials to fulfil contractual obligations despite elevated scrap prices.

Domestically, scrap prices stayed firm, particularly for Tense scrap, amid tight availability and improving demand for ADC12 alloy. In southern regions, Tense scrap was reported to be trading at premiums, with a southern alloy manufacturer indicating offers in the range of INR 217,000-220,000 per tonne ex-Chennai.

Chinese silicon prices

According to BigMint, China-origin silicon metal 553 prices declined by USD10 per tonne w-o-w to USD1,340 per tonne on a CFR Nhava Sheva basis, amid steady demand from aluminium alloy producers. 

An alloy manufacturer and scrap buyer said, "Prices have declined following the drop in LME aluminium prices. However, buying activity has been significantly low as buyers are hesitant at current price levels and are waiting for further reductions."

Outlook

Next week, imported aluminium scrap prices are likely to remain at around current levels, with LME weakness and a firm dollar limiting upside, while tight supply and steady demand from secondary producers keep domestic Tense prices supported, particularly in the southern market. Domestically, tense scrap prices have decreased by INR 3,000 per ton. According to BigMint's assessment, domestic tense scrap prices (ex-Delhi NCR) are now at INR 185,000 per tonne. A prominent automobile company has set its ADC12 prices at INR 223 per kg for July 2024, indicating a month-on-month rise of INR 1,250 per kg. This development has the potential to stimulate short-term price increases. Looking forward, with maintenance activities concluding and automobile companies resuming operations, prices are expected to gain upward momentum.

Note: This article has been issued by BigMint and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.

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