Aluminum is one of the most widely used metals worldwide across a wide range of industries, from packaging and consumer goods to automotive, construction, and aerospace components.
As of February 2026, the average price of primary aluminum (raw) metal is approximately $1.45 per pound （London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminum cash price: approximately US $3,200 per metric ton in late January 2026）, but this price varies depending on alloy grade, purity, regional surcharges, and processing requirements.
Scrap aluminum typically costs between $0.45 and $1.00 per pound, depending on quality and cleanliness.
- Low end: ~ $0.40–$0.50/lb (dirty/mixed scrap)
- Mid range: ~ $0.50–$0.80/lb (general scrap)
- High end: ~ $0.85–$1.15+/lb (clean, sorted, high-grade)
If you are a buyer, seller, or recycler, understanding aluminum pricing will help you make better decisions and choices.
Current Aluminum Price (per pound)
Aluminum is traded daily on international commodity exchanges, and its price fluctuates based on global demand, production capacity, and energy costs.
As of February 2026, the price of aluminum on the London Metal Exchange (LME) is $3200 per metric ton, or approximately $1.45 per pound.
In China, primary aluminum (AL99.70) spot prices have recently been around ¥24,000–¥24,400 per metric ton (≈ US $3,350–$3,410 per ton), or approximately $1.52–$1.55 per pound, depending on region and delivery terms.
(The aluminum price on the LME is calculated per metric ton. 1 metric ton equals approximately 2,204.62 pounds.)
Aluminum Price: $3200/ton
- 1 metric ton = 1000 kilograms
- 1 kilogram = 2.20462 pounds
Calculating the price per pound:
Price per pound = 3200 / (1000 × 2.20462) = 3200 / 2204.62 = 1.45 US dollars/pound
In the United States, buyers also pay a regional surcharge known as the U.S. Midwest Premium. By January 2026, this premium had risen to approximately $1.00–$1.05 per pound, implying an actual landed price of aluminum in the U.S. market close to $2.45–$2.50 per pound, assuming an LME base price of about $1.45 per pound. (assuming the LME base price at roughly $2.45/lb + Midwest Premium).
(Note: $3.45 per pound ≈ LME aluminum price of about $2.45/lb + $1.00 premium)
In China, domestic aluminum prices closely track the London Metal Exchange (LME), but are quoted on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE). As of late January 2026, the settlement price of the SHFE aluminum futures contract was approximately RMB 24,220 per ton (on January 27, 2026).
Based on the offshore exchange rate of approximately RMB 6.9-7.0 to the US dollar on that day, this translates to approximately $3,460–$3,510 per ton (≈ $1.57–$1.59 per pound) for on-exchange futures value.
| Region | Spot Price (USD/lb) | Regional Premium (USD/lb) | Actual Price (USD/lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Average (LME) | 1.36-1.45 | — | 1.306-1.45 |
| U.S. Midwest | 1.36-1.45 | 1.00 | 2.36-2.45 |
| Europe | 1.36-1.45 | 0.55-0.60 | 1.91-2.05 |
| China (SHFE) | 1.57-1.59 | — | 1.57-1.59 |
Data Notes
- Global Average Price: Based on LME aluminum price of
$2900 - 3000/ton, equivalent to about$1.32 - 1.36/lb(1 metric ton ≈ 2,204.62 lb). - U.S. Midwest: LME base price plus Midwest Premium (≈ $0.90–$0.96/lb). Combined landed price ≈
$2.22 - 2.32/lb. - Europe: LME price ($1.32 – 1.36/lb) + regional premium (~$0.55 – 0.60/lb) →
$1.87 - 1.96/lb. - China (SHFE): January 27, 2026 settlement at
RMB 24170 - 24280/ton, converted at RMB 7.00/USD →$3460/ton(≈$1.58/lb).
Note: All prices are approximate conversions. Actual purchasing prices may vary due to contracts, freight, taxes, delivery terms, and exchange rate fluctuations.
Aluminum Prices by Grade and Type
Aluminum is sold in various forms and alloy grades, each with distinct pricing. The value depends on purity, condition, and whether the material is virgin or recycled.
| Aluminum Type | Typical Price (USD/lb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary (virgin) aluminum | 1.40 – 1.55 (LME base)2.40 – 2.60 (U.S. landed) | LME base price ≈ $1.45/lb; U.S. price includes Midwest Premium |
| 6061 Clean Extrusion | 0.85 – 1.05 | High-quality, clean alloy scrap |
| Aluminum Auto Rims (clean) | 0.95 – 1.15 | Uniform alloy, high recoverability |
| Painted Aluminum 6063 | 0.70 – 0.90 | Coating slightly lowers value |
| Aluminum Sheet (clean) | 0.60 – 0.80 | Common in construction and packaging |
| Cast Aluminum (clean) | 0.45 – 0.65 | Often from engine blocks or cookware |
| Aluminum Cans (UBC) | 0.50 – 0.75 | Lightweight, highly recyclable |
| Mixed or Dirty Aluminum | 0.35 – 0.55 | Contaminants reduce melt value |
Why Cleanliness Matters
Clean aluminum scrap—free of paint, steel fasteners, or plastic—commands higher resale prices.
For example:
Clean 6061 extrusion: ~USD 0.95 – 1.05 /lb
Painted or contaminated 6061: ~USD 0.55 – 0.70 /lb
This difference can substantially affect returns for recyclers and industrial sellers handling large quantities.
Cost of Aluminum Processing Per Pound
The cost of aluminum products depends not only on the base metal price but also on the specific processing method applied. Each manufacturing route—extrusion, machining, or die casting—adds different levels of value, labor, and energy input.
As of 2025, the average processing cost of aluminum typically includes the following ranges:
| Processing Method | Typical Cost (USD/lb) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Extrusion | 0.50 – 1.50 | Includes billet heating, extrusion through dies, and basic cutting; cost varies with shape complexity and alloy hardness. |
| Machining | 1.00 – 3.00 | Covers CNC milling, turning, drilling, and finishing operations; higher precision and tighter tolerances increase cost. |
| Die Casting | 0.80 – 2.50 | Includes mold preparation, molten metal injection, trimming, and heat treatment; efficient for high-volume parts but high initial tooling cost. |
| Surface Finishing | 0.20 – 1.00 | Optional processes such as anodizing, powder coating, or polishing; improves corrosion resistance and aesthetics. |
View More About Extrusion Aluminum Cost in this blg 《 Aluminum Extrusion Cost Per Kg》
When combined with the base aluminum price
Currently around USD 1.17–1.84 per pound for primary material
The final cost of processed aluminum products generally falls between USD 2.00 and 4.50 per pound, depending on design complexity, tolerance requirements, and finishing specifications.
Manufacturers typically monitor aluminum billet and ingot prices, which track global aluminum market trends but include additional costs such as alloying, homogenization, and logistics.
Understanding these process-related cost factors can aid in aluminum project cost estimation.
Global Factors Influencing Aluminum Prices
Aluminum is highly sensitive to global economic, energy, and policy variables. Key price drivers include:
Energy Costs
Smelting is energy-intensive, with electricity accounting for roughly 40% of production cost.
Regions with access to inexpensive hydroelectric or coal-based power—such as China, Canada, and the Middle East—maintain cost advantages in primary aluminum production.
Supply and Demand Dynamics
Expanding demand from the electric-vehicle, renewable-energy, and construction sectors sustains high consumption levels.
Disruptions caused by pandemics, wars, or droughts limit supply and elevate costs.
Historical Aluminum Price Trends
Since 2020, aluminum prices have shown a steady upward trend due to shifts in global supply and demand. Contributing factors include the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, expansion of renewable-energy infrastructure, and rising energy costs in aluminum production.
As of October 2025, the following prices are observed:
| Date | Spot Price (USD/lb) | Midwest Premium (USD/lb) | Total Effective Price (USD/lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2023 | 1.05 | 0.56 | 1.61 |
| Oct 2024 | 1.14 | 0.63 | 1.77 |
| Oct 2025 | 1.17 | 0.67 | 1.84 |
Globally, the base aluminum price remains below USD 1.20 per pound, but in the U.S., the Midwest Premium significantly increases the effective cost, often by more than USD 0.60 per pound, reflecting additional regional transportation, storage, and handling expenses.
Where to Find the Best Scrap Aluminum Prices
Scrap aluminum pricing varies significantly by region and buyer. The highest rates are typically found at specialized recycling centers that accept sorted, clean, high-grade material.
Where to Sell
Local scrap yards: Many publish current rates online; prices update daily.
Regional recyclers: Larger facilities often pay higher rates for consistent, sorted material.
Industrial recyclers and brokers: Offer long-term contracts for bulk quantities.
Online platforms: Tools such as ScrapMonster or iScrapApp allow users to compare live prices by location and scrap type.
How to Maximize Value
Sort by alloy (6061, 6063, cast, cans).
Remove contaminants such as screws, paint, or plastic.
Keep materials dry and free of corrosion.
Flatten cans and sheets to minimize transport volume.
Sample regional pricing (August 2025):
Recycler | Type | Price (USD/lb) |
Rockaway Recycling | Clean Rims | 0.82 |
J.R.’s Recyclers | Auto Rims | 1.00 |
CFC Recycling | Cast Aluminum (clean) | 0.50 |
Allied Scrap | Aluminum Cans | 0.75 |
SGT Scrap | 6061 Sheet ( clean ) | 0.70 |
Proper sorting and cleaning are essential. Mixed or contaminated scrap generally lowers yield and resale value.
Summary
The value of aluminum depends on grade, cleanliness, regional surcharges, and energy costs. In 2025, primary aluminum trades around USD 1.17 per pound.
While scrap aluminum ranges between USD 0.45 and 1.00 per pound. Processed materials such as extrusions or anodized profiles typically cost USD 2–3 per pound once fabrication is included.
Looking ahead, prices are expected to remain moderately elevated due to persistent demand from energy-transition industries and limited low-cost smelting capacity.
However, expanded recycling infrastructure and reduced tariffs could temper further increases.
For buyers, sellers, and recyclers, understanding these pricing fundamentals—along with ongoing monitoring of LME data and regional premiums—remains critical for informed decision-making in the aluminum market.
Ya Ji Aluminum offers one-stop custom machining of aluminum components. If you have aluminum component projects in need, please contact us for a cost and manufacturing feasibility analysis.
