Global aluminium producers seek Q2 premiums of $220-$250/T from Japan buyers, sources say

TOKYO, Feb 26 (Reuters) - ​Global ⁠aluminium producers have ​offered Japanese buyers premiums of $220 ​to $250 ‌per metric ton for April ⁠to June primary ⁠metal shipments, ​up 13% to 28% from the current quarter, three sources ​directly ‌involved in quarterly pricing talks said on Thursday.

Japan is a major ​Asia's importer of the ‌metal and the premiums for primary metal shipments ‌it agrees to pay each quarter over the London Metal ​Exchange cash price set the benchmark ‌for the region.

For the January-March quarter, Japanese buyers ⁠agreed ⁠to pay a premium ‌of $195 per ton <PREM-ALUM-JP>, up 127% ​from ​the prior quarter, ‌reflecting fears over tightening supply. (Reporting by Yuka Obayashi, Editing by Louise Heavens)