US aluminum premium flat at 17.85 cents in directionless market

摘要

Washington—The Platts US aluminum Transaction premium held to 17.85 cents/lb plus London Metal Exchange cash, delivered spot Midwest, on Wednesday, as some participants said the market lacked direction, despite bullish features. Several producers surveyed by Platts saw the indicative value at 17.85-18.00 cents. “I am finishing up my annual contracts, and [the] spot market is thin,” said one producer. “People are front running their material, however, which indicates an uptick in demand. I am not surprised that your number is up.” The premium rose last week. Another producer said he felt it “looks like we may have hit bottom. The Middle East political tensions may have an effect.”