The spot market is experiencing small-scale premiums that are driving prices steadily upward, with high premiums remaining in transactions. Website quotes are gently rising based on transaction continuity. Snowfall is expected in the Northwest region, prompting aluminum plants to increase their subjective intentions to build inventories, aiming to enhance the safety stock of alumina. Although the inventory levels of large aluminum plants, which traditionally maintain high stock, have decreased compared to previous years, their safety stock is generally secure. The main issues are concentrated among small and medium-sized electrolytic aluminum enterprises that primarily rely on spot purchases, as well as some medium to large enterprises facing difficulties in executing previously established long-term contracts. These enterprises are primarily using website quotes to procure alumina for inventory replenishment, but the effectiveness of these efforts is currently limited.
