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This table presents a comprehensive overview of aluminum prices across various categories, including primary aluminum in the U.S. market and international exchanges, secondary aluminum alloys with differing copper and zinc contents, and various forms of aluminum scrap. Tracking these prices is critical for understanding the economic and industrial landscape, as aluminum is a key metal widely used in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, packaging, and construction. Fluctuations in aluminum prices can influence manufacturing costs, trade balances, and investment decisions, making this data essential for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and market analysts.
Analyzing the data from 2021 to 2022 reveals a general upward trend in aluminum prices, particularly in secondary alloys, which saw substantial increases. For instance, the price of the 356.1 alloy (0.2% Cu) rose from $1.403 to $1.937 per pound, a notable 38% increase, while the A413.1 alloy (0.6% Cu) climbed from $1.404 to $1.978 per pound, marking the highest price among secondary alloys in 2022. Primary aluminum prices also increased, with the U.S. market price rising from $1.385 to $1.526 per pound and the London Metal Exchange cash price moving from $1.123 to $1.228 per pound. Conversely, prices for some scrap categories like clean, dry turnings decreased slightly from $0.672 to $0.632 per pound, while others such as used beverage cans saw a significant rise from $0.765 to $0.929 per pound. These variations highlight shifting supply-demand dynamics and the growing value of recycled aluminum materials in the market.
| TABLE 8 | ||||
| ALUMINUM PRICES1 | ||||
| (Dollars per pound) | ||||
| Material | 2021 | 2022 | ||
| Primary aluminum, average:2 | ||||
| U.S. market | 1.385 | 1.526 | ||
| London Metal Exchange cash price | 1.123 | 1.228 | ||
| NASAAC3 cash price, average | 1.07 | 1.182 | ||
| Secondary alloy, average:4 | ||||
| 319.1 (3% Cu) | 1.275 | 1.654 | ||
| 356.1 (0.2% Cu) | 1.403 | 1.937 | ||
| A360.1 (0.6% Cu) | 1.388 | 1.955 | ||
| A380.1 (3% Zn) | 1.213 | 1.533 | ||
| A413.1 (0.6% Cu) | 1.404 | 1.978 | ||
| Scrap, average:4 | ||||
| Clean, dry turnings | 0.672 | 0.632 | ||
| Mixed low-copper-content clips | 0.73 | 0.74 | ||
| Old cast | 0.684 | 0.703 | ||
| Old sheet | 0.679 | 0.708 | ||
| Used beverage cans | 0.765 | 0.929 | ||
1Table includes data available through June 14, 2023.
2Source: S&P Global Platts Metals Week.
3North American Special Aluminum Alloy Contract.
4Source: Fastmarkets AMM.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Aluminum statistics | Mineral commodity prices