LME Al Inventory Continues Expansion with Financial Concerns

Primary aluminium inventory represented continuous expansion at North American warehouses designated by London Metal Exchange (LME). The inventory increased by 88,175 tonnes to 1,329,325 tonnes on 17 September from the previous day, which hit 1.3 million tonnes for the first time since mid March in 2004. The inventory jumped up by 143,250 tonnes (about 12%) for recent 2 days.LME primary aluminium inventory increased by 43,050 tonnes in Chicago and by 15,225 tonnes in Detroit on 17 September. Primary aluminium inventory in North America reached 690,425 tonnes as total, which represented 51.9% in total LME inventory.The inventory is expected to continue surging mainly in North America. A Japanese trader source suggested aluminium producers are decreasing ingot sales volume against some users, because of credit crunch after US subprime loan problem emergence, and bringing ingot into LME warehouses to cash the product. Actually Alcoa of USA tightened payment terms this year with concerns on consumers’ clean risks.Aluminium producers would continue bringing ingot into LME warehouses due to financial crisis caused by Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy. A Japanese trader source indicated LME primary aluminium inventory might reach 1.4-1.5 million tonnes.