Platts extends feedback period regarding minimum volume, standard lot size introduction for US aluminum premium assessments

Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, is extending the feedback period for its proposed adjusted minimum volume specification for its US aluminum premium assessments, including the Midwest Transaction Premium, as well as for the proposed introduction of volume lot sizes for bids, offers and trades in the Platts Market on Close assessment process.

Feedback regarding the two proposed changes initially closed June 13, and the changes had been proposed to become effective Aug. 1. Feedback now will be accepted until July 11, with proposed implementation effective Sept. 1.

Under the proposal, the minimum volume specified would be 100 mt and would align to the typical volume range of 100-1,000 mt reflected in Platts specifications and with volumes published in transparent bids, offers and trades in the MOC.

Platts also proposes to introduce volume lot sizes of 25 mt for bids, offers and trades in the MOC after the 100 mt minimum has been reached, consistent with typical trading increments observed within the 100-1,000 mt volume range.

Platts initially published the proposal for both the minimum volume and standard lot size introduction in a May 16 note here: https://www.spglobal.com/commodity-insights/en/pricing-benchmarks/our-methodology/subscriber-notes/051625-platts-proposes-minimum-volume-lot-size-adjustments-for-us-aluminum-premium-assessments(opens in a new tab).

Minimum volume

The volume reflected in Platts US aluminum premium assessments would be a minimum of 100 mt and a maximum of 1,000 mt.

Platts nonferrous specifications guide currently states "minimum full 45,000 lb truckloads," equivalent to around 20 mt. Under the proposed adjustment, volumes under 100 mt and above 1,000 mt may still be considered for assessment purposes and may be normalized to the typical specification.

The proposed adjustment would impact the following assessments:

The revised volume specification would also apply to associated all-in calculations.

Lot size

Bids, offers and trades reported in the US aluminum MOC process would be published in multiples of 25 mt above the 100 mt minimum volume specification under this proposal.

MOC timing and increments guidelines are available here(opens in a new tab).

Full US aluminum assessment specifications can be found in the Platts non-ferrous metals specifications guide.

The assessments are published in Platts Metals Daily and Metals Week, on fixed pages PMA/MTL412 and 413 and in the Platts price database under the codes listed above.

Platts invites feedback, comments and questions on this proposal to aluminum@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com by July 11, 2025.

For written comments, please provide a clear indication if comments are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing. Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.