Aluminium premiums increased sharply during January, first in the USA and then around the world. The increase was a reaction to strong demand predominantly from the automobile industry, resulting in tighter availability of physical aluminium for end-users. Difficulties in transport caused by wintery weather and recent production cutbacks also contributed to the rise in premiums. Premiums in Europe, Brazil and Japan (reference for East Asia) have had to follow the price trend, otherwise the metal flow(e. g. from the Middle East and Russia) would soon be redirected to North America. The premium covers the cost of freight and insurance, and reflects regional demand and supply.
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