Aluminum price surge kicks off the year above $3,000 per ton

Aluminum price surge driven by global supply constraints

The aluminum market opened the year with strong upward momentum across major exchanges.
Comex listed aluminum at $3,050.75 per metric ton before trading on January 5.
That price marked a $48.50 increase from the previous trade, reflecting a 1.6 percent gain.

Meanwhile, the London Metal Exchange reported a three-month closing price of $3,015.50 per metric ton.
These prices confirm a broad aluminum price surge across U.S. and European markets.
Traders reacted to tightening supply conditions and declining exchange inventories.

According to Bloomberg analyst Annie Lee, production limits continue to shape the market outlook.
China enforces a government cap on aluminum smelting capacity nationwide.
At the same time, Europe faces production constraints from elevated electricity costs.

Aluminum price surge supported by demand and inventory trends

Demand fundamentals continue to support higher aluminum pricing levels.
Construction activity remains resilient across major global regions.
Renewable energy projects also drive sustained aluminum consumption growth.

Inventory data reinforces the bullish pricing environment.
LME warehouses recorded inflows of 23,500 metric tons during November 2025.
However, more than 40,000 metric tons exited warehouses during the same period.
As a result, inventories declined by over 16,500 metric tons in one month.

The recycled aluminum market also shows unusual volatility.
U.S. recyclers described trading conditions as wild throughout 2025.
Industry sources highlighted Novelis as a critical demand driver going forward.
The Oswego, New York facility’s melting schedule may significantly influence scrap demand.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The aluminum price surge reflects structural supply limits rather than short-term speculation.
China’s capacity discipline and Europe’s energy challenges will persist into future quarters.
Meanwhile, renewable infrastructure and recycling capacity expansions support durable demand.
As a result, aluminum prices may remain elevated despite broader commodity volatility.