US aluminum export prices decreased across most grades on Thursday as the market struggled with production cuts and less demand.
The weekly Davis Index for 95/2 zorba decreased by 4.5¢/lb to 28.6¢/lb fas US ports, while 99/3 zorba decreased by 3¢/lb to 32.5¢/lb fas on Thursday.
The index for taint/tabor decreased by 1.3¢/lb to 39.7¢/lb fas US ports while tense declined by a penny to 41¢/lb fas. The index for A356 wheels dropped by 0.5¢/lb to 57¢/lb fas US port.
The official three-month LME aluminum price decreased by $16/mt to close at $1,467/mt on Thursday from $1,483/mt on April 2.
The 14-21 days temporary shutdown of manufacturing facilities by Asia’s big three automakers has weakened demand for material considerably, pushing prices lower.
Suppliers have found it more difficult to place material as buyers prefer buying from those they’ve done consistent business with previously. Consumers, on the other hand, are trying to balance the desire to push prices lower with retaining prices at levels that keep scrap material flowing.