Gulf Aluminum Production Drops 35% in April Amid Iran War, Supply Chain Disruptions Worsen

Published: May 21, 2026 08:58

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The International Aluminium Institute (IAI) noted that primary aluminum production in the Gulf region totaled 330,000 mt in April, down 35% year-on-year from the same period in 2025, as the Iran war affected smelters in the region. Although the region accounted for only about 8% of global primary aluminum production, it was the source of 28% of Japan's imports and 21% of US imports.

Given the supply chain disruptions and a continuously deteriorating outlook, IAI Secretary General Jonathan Grant stated that the April data may not yet have reached the bottom, and the situation could worsen further.

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