Aluminium Prices Climb Amid Supply Concerns as Trump Announces Tariffs

Aluminium prices rose on Monday as supply concerns mounted following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of new 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports.

On the London Metal Exchange (LME), three-month aluminium gained 0.3% to $2,635 per metric ton by 0318 GMT. The Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) aluminium contract edged 0.2% higher to 20,530 yuan ($2,809.71) per ton.

Trump stated on Sunday that the tariffs, set to be announced on Tuesday or Wednesday, would apply to all countries and match the tariff rates imposed by other nations. This move adds to existing metals duties, further intensifying trade tensions.

Kyle Rodda, a senior financial markets analyst at Capital.com, noted that these tariffs could push prices higher in the short term due to supply risks. However, he also warned that such measures could weigh on global economic activity.

Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve remains cautious about interest rate cuts. Officials highlighted a strong U.S. job market but pointed out uncertainties surrounding Trump's trade policies and their potential impact on inflation and growth.

Other base metals showed mixed movements. LME copper declined 0.2% to $9,393.5 per ton, zinc rose 0.2% to $2,844.5, tin dipped 0.2% to $31,040, lead fell 0.2% to $1,989.5, and nickel eased 0.1% to $15,740. In China, SHFE copper gained 0.6% to 77,190 yuan, while nickel slipped 0.2% to 126,870 yuan. Zinc remained unchanged at 23,805 yuan, lead climbed 0.4% to 17,165 yuan, and tin was also in focus.

With trade tensions escalating, market participants will closely monitor price fluctuations and policy announcements in the coming days.