LME Aluminum Prices Retreat Amid Cautious Sentiment – 19 March 2026

Summary: As of this morning, London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminum prices have slipped slightly to $3,400 per tonne, a 0.76% decrease from yesterday. Despite the minor dip, prices remain at a four-year high due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for 5 million tonnes of annual supply.

Relevance to Extruders: High base metal prices continue to put pressure on procurement costs. Manufacturers are advised to monitor “escalator clauses” in their supply contracts to protect margins.

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