SunSirs: LME Non-Ferrous Metals Inventory Change Analysis
February 24 2026 13:15:56     SunSirs (John)
On February 23, the following were the inventory and changes of base metals on the London Metal Exchange (LME):
1. Copper inventory: 241,825 tons, up 6,675 tons from the previous day.
2. Aluminum inventory: 473,550 tons, down 2,000 tons from the previous trading day.
3. Nickel inventory: 287,706 tons, unchanged from the previous day.
4. Zinc inventory: 101,550 tons, down 25 tons from the previous day.
5. Lead inventory: 286,325 tons, down 800 tons from the previous day.
6. Tin inventory: 7,675 tons, up 15 tons from the previous day.
Evaluation and Analysis
Copper
Copper inventories increased by 6,675 tons, indicating increased supply pressure and potentially weak demand, which generally has a negative impact on spot prices. Increased inventories typically suggest a market oversupply, potentially leading to increased downward pressure on spot prices.
Aluminum
Aluminum inventories decreased by 2,000 tons, reflecting a slight improvement in demand and a potential tightening of supply, which generally has a positive impact on spot prices. Declining inventories typically indicate an improved market balance, potentially supporting a slight increase in spot prices.
Nickel
Nickel inventories remained unchanged, indicating a stable supply and demand situation and a neutral impact on spot prices. With inventories neither increasing nor decreasing, market sentiment is stable, and spot prices are likely to remain at current levels without significant upward pressure.
Zinc
Zinc inventories decreased slightly by 25 tons. Although the change was minor, it suggests a slight improvement in demand, which has a slightly positive impact on spot prices. The small decrease in inventories may boost market confidence and could drive a slight rebound in spot prices.
Lead
Lead inventories decreased by 800 tons, indicating either a contraction in supply or increased demand, which generally has a positive impact on spot prices. The moderate decline in inventories may alleviate concerns about market oversupply and support a modest rise in spot prices.
Tin
Tin inventories increased slightly by 15 tons. Although the change is minor, it suggests a slight increase in supply, which has a slightly negative impact on spot prices. The slight increase in inventories may exacerbate concerns about oversupply, potentially leading to a slight downward pressure on spot prices.
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