The weekly Davis Index for A380.1 inched up by 0.3¢/lb to $1.163/lb delivered US consumer as strong demand outweighed supply from secondary smelters.
The semiconductor shortage has notably impacted the secondary aluminum alloy industry, but demand remains strong from other sectors. Prices of all input materials, including silicon and copper, have risen over the past week. Freight availability has seemingly eased but costs remain higher than last year.
A shortage of labor continues to be the major obstacle in increasing production at most foundries and smelters. Most sellers still expect prices to remain strong in the near term. Notably, limited labor has led to suppliers having to prioritize high-demand alloys such as 356.1, 319.1, and A413.1 over A380.1, which has trended flat over the past month.
The index for A356.1 increased by 2.2¢/lb to $1.295/lb delivered US consumer while A413.1 moved up by 2¢/lb to $1.24/lb delivered. On the other hand, prices for A360.1 fell by 0.3¢/lb to $1.215/lb delivered.
The official LME Aluminium cash price settled Friday at $2,378.50/mt ($1.078/lb), up by $70/mt from Apr 16.