Aluminium Trading Guide
Primary aluminium trades as ingot, T-bar, sow and billet against the LME Aluminium contract plus a regional physical premium. Contract specifications are anchored on P1020A (99.70% Al) and Russian A7 (99.70% Al) with tight limits on Fe, Si and trace elements.
Pricing benchmark
LME Aluminium (3-month), CME Midwest Premium, MJP (Main Japanese Port) premium, Rotterdam duty-paid & duty-unpaid
Commercial grades
| Grade | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P1020A (LME primary) | Al ≥99.70%, Fe ≤0.20%, Si ≤0.10% | The global reference grade; LME warrantable. |
| A7 (GOST 11069-2001) | Al ≥99.70%, Fe ≤0.16%, Si ≤0.08% | Russian export grade; LME-deliverable when sanctioned origin is cleared. |
| A7E (electrical) | Al ≥99.70%, low Ti/V/Cr/Mn | Wire-rod feedstock; conductivity-driven spec. |
| Foundry alloys (AlSi/AlSiMg) | LM6 / A356 / AC4C | Automotive castings; priced as LME + alloying premium. |
Typical technical specifications
| Aluminium content | 99.70% minimum (P1020A / A7) |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤0.20% (P1020A), ≤0.16% (A7) |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤0.10% (P1020A), ≤0.08% (A7) |
| Ingot weight | 22.7 kg (T-bar 750 kg, sow 650 kg) |
| Bundle weight | 1 MT per bundle, LME-warrantable |
Top exporters
Top importers
- United States· Section 232 tariffs apply
- Germany
- Japan
- South Korea
- Netherlands· Rotterdam LME warehouses
Calculators to price a cargo
Aluminium is classified under HS 7601. Open the full HS profile →
Frequently asked questions
Both are 99.70% minimum Al primary ingot. P1020A is the Western/LME reference (Al ≥99.70, Fe ≤0.20, Si ≤0.10). A7 (GOST) is the Russian equivalent with tighter Fe (≤0.16) and Si (≤0.08). Both are LME-deliverable when non-sanctioned.
Physical trades are settled at LME 3-month + regional physical premium (Midwest, MJP, Rotterdam DP/DU) + alloying premium if applicable. Watch for LME cash-to-3M spread when the market is in backwardation.
Yes. EU CBAM covers primary aluminium (HS 7601) from Q4 2023 reporting; the levy phases in from 2026. Importers must file quarterly emissions reports and, from 2026, surrender CBAM certificates.
The LME suspended new Russian metal warranting from 13 April 2024. UK/US direct imports are prohibited under the April 2024 sanctions. EU restricts specific HS codes. Screen every origin certificate and warehouse warrant.
Related guides
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