Aluminum Fee to Japan at One-Year High on Post-Quake Demand

Aluminum buyers in Japan, Asia’s largest importer, agreed to a 6 percent gain in premiums charged by suppliers to the highest level in a year as the nation rebuilds from a record earthquake, boosting consumption.

Premiums for the three months ending Sept. 30 were set at $120 a metric ton over the London Metal Exchange cash price in transactions agreed so far, compared with $113 this quarter, said three executives involved in the negotiations. They declined to be identified because the talks were private.