Japanese major secondary alloyed aluminum makers and trading firms restarted purchase of Russian secondary aluminum ingot, AK5M2 for the first time in around 5 months. The buyers restarted the purchase when the users' inventory decreased to normal level for materials and finished products and Russian suppliers increase the offer to Japanese buyers. The offer price is C&F US$ 1,430-1,450 per tonne, which keeps the level since early April.

 

Russian suppliers were away from Japanese until mid-April market when they focused on Chinese buyers. However, Russian makers shifted to Japanese buyers when Chinese buyers are finished the immediate purchase, according to Japanese trading firm source.

 

Japanese secondary aluminum makers try to build raw materials inventory preparing for potential demand increase in and after summer when the users' inventory adjustment is finishing. The makers try to secure Russian AK5M2 when domestic aluminum scrap supply is tight. –Japan Metal Bulletin