How Much Is Aluminum Per Pound?

Aluminum is everywhere—from soda cans to aircraft parts. But when it comes time to buy, sell, or recycle it, one question matters most: how much is aluminum actually worth?

The current price of aluminum is around $1.17 per pound for primary metal, but this varies by grade, form, and market conditions. Scrap aluminum typically ranges from $0.45 to over $1.00 per pound.

If you’re a buyer, seller, or recycler, understanding aluminum pricing will help you make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

What is the current aluminum price per pound?

Aluminum is traded on global markets daily, and like all commodities, its price fluctuates constantly. So, what’s the going rate right now?

As of mid-August 2025, the price of primary aluminum hovers around $1.17 per pound. However, buyers often pay an additional Midwest premium, pushing the real cost to over $1.70 per pound in the U.S.

How aluminum is priced globally

Aluminum is priced per metric ton on the London Metal Exchange (LME). One metric ton equals about 2,204.62 pounds. To convert the global price to pounds, divide the ton price by 2,204.62.

For example:

• LME spot price: $2,580/ton
• Converted price: $2,580 ÷ 2,204.62 ≈ $1.17/lb

In the U.S., buyers also pay a regional surcharge called the Midwest Premium. As of August 2025, this premium adds another $0.67/lb, meaning the effective price is closer to $1.84/lb.

Historical context

The price of aluminum has been rising steadily since 2020 due to:

• Growing demand from renewable energy, EVs, and construction
• Supply disruptions during the pandemic
• Energy-intensive production and rising power costs

How do aluminum prices vary by grade or type?

Not all aluminum is equal. Prices change based on alloy, cleanliness, form, and whether it’s virgin or scrap metal. These differences can greatly affect what you’ll pay—or earn.

Yes, aluminum prices vary by grade and type. Clean, high-grade scrap aluminum like extrusions and rims can fetch over $1.00 per pound, while dirty or mixed aluminum may go for as low as $0.45.

Common types of aluminum and their prices

Why cleanliness matters

Recyclers and buyers prefer clean aluminum—free of paint, dirt, screws, or non-aluminum attachments. The cleaner the scrap, the higher the price.

For example:

• A clean 6061 extrusion may get $0.95/lb
• The same item with paint or fasteners might only fetch $0.60/lb

This can make a big difference for industrial sellers and scrappers handling tons of material.

What factors affect aluminum pricing trends globally?

Aluminum is one of the most used metals in the world. But it’s also one of the most volatile. So, what drives these ups and downs in price?

Aluminum pricing trends are influenced by demand growth, energy costs, tariffs, production capacity, and supply chain stability. Recycling rates and environmental policies also play major roles.

Major global drivers

1. Energy costs

Aluminum smelting is highly energy-intensive. Over 40% of production costs come from electricity. That’s why countries with cheap power (like China and Canada) dominate production.

2. Supply and demand

• Strong demand from automotive, aerospace, solar, and EV sectors pushes prices up.
• Disruptions (e.g., COVID-19, war, drought) cut supply and raise costs.

3. Tariffs and trade policy

U.S. tariffs on aluminum imports—especially from China—add to domestic prices. These can shift frequently based on trade talks or global politics.

4. Premiums and regional surcharges

U.S. buyers pay a Midwest Premium, while European or Asian buyers may face other localized fees due to transport, storage, or regulation.

5. Environmental regulation

Producing aluminum emits CO. Countries pushing for low-emission manufacturing may:

• Subsidize recycled aluminum
• Penalize high-carbon smelting
• Encourage circular economy models

Examples of recent price influences

Where can you get the best scrap aluminum rates?

If you’re selling scrap aluminum, you don’t just want to know what it’s worth—you want to know where to sell it. So where are the best rates?

You can find the best scrap aluminum prices at specialized recycling centers that accept clean, high-grade material. Online tools and price boards help compare offers by region.

How to find top-paying buyers

1. Local scrap yards
   Many publish rates on their websites and update daily. Always call ahead or check their latest pricing.

2. Regional recyclers
   Some large operations (like Rockaway Recycling or J.R.’s Advanced Recyclers) offer higher rates for sorted, clean scrap.

3. Industrial recyclers
   If you have volume, industrial yards or metal brokers may offer better deals with contracts.

4. Online marketplaces
   Websites like ScrapMonster or iScrapApp aggregate real-time pricing by zip code and scrap category.

Tips for maximizing your earnings

• Sort by alloy (6061, 6063, cast, cans, etc.)
• Remove contamination (screws, labels, plastic, foam)
• Flatten cans to reduce volume
• Keep materials dry to avoid weight loss penalties

Sample price comparison (as of August 2025)

Conclusion

The value of aluminum depends on many factors: grade, cleanliness, market demand, energy prices, and regional fees. As of now, primary aluminum sells around $1.17/lb, while scrap ranges from $0.45 to over $1.00/lb. If you want the best deal—whether buying or recycling—understanding these dynamics is key.