Aluminium ingot markets in United States eased after a period of choppy gains, as onshore availability tightened and buying activity cooled in early February. The swing in Aluminium ingot price direction reflected mixed demand signals: persistent automotive and packaging orders supported offtake through January, while downstream manufacturers pursued intermittent destocking, keeping spot demand volatile. Traders faced limited warehouse inventory into month-end, amplifying downside risk when buying momentum waned. Supply dynamics remained constrained by tighter bauxite inflows and refinery shutdowns, with smelter feedstock broadly available through steady alumina flows, helping to cap steeper losses. Calcined petroleum coke costs edged higher, nudging input costs and contributing to upside pressure. High import dependence of Aluminium ingot and existing protective duties continued to elevate landed costs and limit import flexibility, according to industry analysis. Looking ahead, the market is expected to remain within a stable range but prone to occasional volatility driven by feedstock flows, refinery reliability, and import economics. Short-term moves may be driven by weekly buying patterns.
