Japan Primary Al Ingot Price to Drop by 100 yen/t in January-March

Japanese primary aluminium ingot price decreased by 100 yen per kilogram for January-March, which is the first drop in 3 quarters. The price decreased to around 250 yen per kg due to lower international market and higher yen rate. The lower price could cool the demand when the buyers wait the lower price in and after January.

The primary ingot price increased by 30 yen per kg in July-September and 10 yen in October-December after the price was flat in April-June at less than 350 yen.

Aluminium ingot price decreased to less than US$ 1,800 per tonne at London Metal Exchange, which is half of the peak at US$ 3,300 in the summer. Foreign exchange rate of yen is less than 97 yen per US dollar, which is more than 10 yen higher than the level in August.

With the lower ingot price, domestic light metal demand is expected to decrease. The buyers hold the order expecting lower price while the actual demand decreases.