Aluminium price today
The aluminium price moves every day with the international metals market. Below you will find today's indicative spot price for primary aluminium in euros and US dollars per tonne, the price trend and the monthly averages that many project contracts use as a reference. For a firm price for your alloy, dimensions and volume, request a project price directly.
How is the aluminium price set?
The global benchmark for aluminium is the London Metal Exchange (LME) price. It applies to primary aluminium with a purity of at least 99.7%, in lots of 25 tonnes, and is quoted in US dollars per metric tonne. The LME price reflects the balance between global production and demand. It is a price for unalloyed metal in ingot form, delivered to an exchange warehouse.
For buyers outside the US, the exchange rate matters as well. Because the price is quoted in dollars, the aluminium price in euros can rise or fall while the dollar price stays the same. That is why we show both currencies and the EUR/USD rate side by side.
From exchange price to project price
The aluminium price today on the exchange is the starting point, not a purchase price. Between the LME price and the price of rolled plate or an extruded profile there are several layers:
- Regional premium. The surcharge for physically available metal in a specific region. For Europe this is the premium for aluminium delivered in Rotterdam, which covers logistics, financing and import duties, among other things. The premium moves independently of the exchange price and in tight markets can make up a substantial part of the metal value.
- Alloy surcharge. Alloying elements such as magnesium, silicon, zinc and copper have their own price. The higher and more specific the alloy, the larger this surcharge.
- Conversion. The cost of rolling, extruding, heat treating and, where required, stretching to the specified temper. This part depends on the product form, the dimensions and the tolerances.
- Processing and delivery. Cutting to size, packing, certification (for example EN 10204 3.1) and freight to your site, yard or project.
With larger volumes and project-based orders, the premium and conversion cost per tonne can come down. The opposite applies to small batches with non-standard dimensions. The price on this page therefore only reflects the metal value of primary aluminium. For a firm project price for your alloy, dimensions and volume, we will be glad to prepare a quotation. Don't know the tonnage of your project yet? Calculate it with our aluminium weight calculator.
What drives the aluminium price?
The aluminium price is driven by a combination of factors:
- Energy. Producing primary aluminium takes a great deal of electricity. High power prices force smelters, particularly in Europe, to curtail production. That tightens supply.
- China. China is both the world's largest producer and its largest consumer. Production caps, export flows and demand from Chinese industry have a global impact.
- Inventories. Falling stocks in exchange warehouses point to a tight physical market and support the price.
- Dollar and interest rates. A stronger dollar makes aluminium more expensive for buyers outside the US and often weighs on the dollar price. For buyers paying in euros, the effect in euros can be the opposite.
- Trade policy. Import duties, sanctions and the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) affect regional premiums and the cost of imported metal. Estimate the CBAM cost of an import with our CBAM calculator.
- Demand from end markets. Transport, construction, packaging and the energy transition together determine the structural demand for semi-finished products.
Price agreements for projects
For projects with a longer duration or staggered call-offs, how the price is fixed matters at least as much as the level of the aluminium price itself. Common arrangements are:
- Fixed price for the full project quantity, agreed at the time of order.
- Indexation to a monthly average, where the metal component of each call-off is settled on the average of the previous month.
- Split price, with a fixed conversion price and a variable metal component.
Which arrangement fits best depends on your planning, your need for budget certainty and the duration of the project. We will be glad to advise you.
Aluminium price: frequently asked questions
What is the aluminium price per kg and per tonne?
The exchange price of aluminium is quoted per tonne; divide it by 1,000 for the price per kg. You will find this value directly below the main price in the price information above. Note that this is the metal value of primary aluminium. The price per kg of plate or extrusions is higher because of the premium, the alloy surcharge, conversion and processing.
Is this the LME cash price or the 3-month price?
Neither. The LME has a cash price (delivery within two working days) and a 3-month price (delivery in three months, the most traded contract). We show an indicative spot price based on international market data. It is intended for following the market, not as an official quotation. In our quotations the metal component is based on the LME cash or 3-month price, depending on what has been agreed.
How often is the aluminium price updated?
Every hour on working days, with a delay of about 30 minutes. At weekends you see the last price of the previous trading day.
What is the aluminium premium?
The surcharge paid on top of the exchange price for physically available metal in a specific region, such as Rotterdam for Europe. The premium reflects local availability, logistics, financing and import duties, and moves independently of the LME price.
Why does my quotation differ from the price on this page?
A quotation for semi-finished products includes not only the metal value but also the premium, the alloy surcharge, conversion, processing, certification and freight. A quotation may also be based on a different reference date or on a monthly average.
Why do you show the price in euros and US dollars?
Aluminium is traded internationally in US dollars, while most European projects are settled in euros. Seeing both side by side shows whether a price movement comes from the metals market or from the exchange rate.
Can I fix the aluminium price for my project?
Yes. Depending on volume and duration, the metal component can be fixed at the time of order or indexed to an agreed average. Contact us to discuss the options for your project.
Does this price also apply to scrap aluminium?
No. This page shows the market price of primary aluminium as a reference for buying semi-finished products. Scrap prices depend on the grade, purity and contamination of the material and are generally lower.
Global sourcing and supply
At Euralco Europe B.V. we believe that quality, security of supply and competitive pricing are the result of a strong international supply chain. That is why we source our aluminium worldwide through our international production network of carefully selected producers. We always look for the best option for our customers, whether that means material from the Netherlands, elsewhere in Europe or other parts of the world.
Our international production network
Through our international production network we can:
- Extrude profiles in the 6000 and 7000 series (including 6061, 6082, 7010, 7075 and 7175), custom-designed to our customers' requirements.
- Supply plate and coil from production, including special widths and stress-relieved grades for yacht building and shipbuilding.
- Process coils by decoiling, slitting and cutting to length, so we deliver exactly the dimensions our customers need in their production.
- Offer advanced processing through specialised service centres, such as laser-cut kits, machined parts and surface treatments.
By working with both large international producers and specialised niche producers, we combine the advantages of scale with the flexibility of custom production.
Contact us today to find out how Euralco can support your projects with high-quality aluminium plate and extrusions.
Euralco Europe B.V. is a member of the Dutch Aluminium Association (DAA), an industry group run by and for its members, and of Koninklijke Metaalunie, the Dutch association for small and medium-sized manufacturing companies.
Service & Support
Do you need more information?
Our team is here for you. Send us an email or give us a call!
