Gulf primary aluminium production fell to 10,989 tonnes per day in April 2026, according to preliminary figures from the International Aluminium Institute (IAI). The output represents a 26.7% decline from March’s 15,000 tonnes per day and is approximately 38% below the pre-conflict baseline of 17,800 tonnes per day.
The Gulf region accounts for around 8% of global primary aluminium production, but its importance to international supply chains is considerably higher. GCC producers supplied approximately 19% of EU primary aluminium imports, 28% of Japanese imports and 21% of US imports, leaving major industrial markets exposed to the disruption.
The Strait of Hormuz closure has created a significant logistical bottleneck. Although metal continues to be produced, export movements have been restricted, leaving inventories stranded at regional smelters. Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has confirmed export delays and indicated that inventories outside the region may be used to meet contractual commitments.
The supply shock is already reflected in aluminium markets. LME aluminium prices have reached a four-year high, while US Midwest premiums and European duty-unpaid premiums have increased further. 
China, responsible for approximately 60% of global aluminium production, has recorded only marginal output increases, providing limited immediate capacity to offset the Gulf shortfall. With no other producing region able to rapidly replace volumes of this scale, the disruption is placing additional pressure on global aluminium availability across automotive, aerospace, construction, packaging and electrical infrastructure.
Source: international-aluminium.org with additional information added by Glass Balkan
