【SMM Aluminum Flash News】Norsk Hydro Warns of Deepening Aluminum Supply Gap Amid Gulf Tensions

Published: Jul 28, 2026 17:19

Save

On Friday, July 24, Norsk Hydro, a major European aluminum producer, said that the global aluminum market supply gap would deepen if shipping restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz continued. In an interview, Hydro CEO Eivind Kallevik stated that shipping conditions in this key waterway have deteriorated since the resumption of hostilities between the US and Iran, hindering the import of raw materials and the export of metals from the Persian Gulf region. Kallevik said the conflict in Iran has forced smelters in the Middle East, which account for nearly one-tenth of global aluminum production, to seek alternative logistics routes, while producers in other regions are increasing output. However, he indicated that if the conflict prolongs, the market supply gap will exceed the company's current estimate of 900,000 tons. "The situation is clearly deteriorating rapidly, and the longer the situation in the Gulf region continues, the more naturally the global market supply tension will intensify," Kallevik said.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

26 mins ago

Kailida looks forward to meeting you at the 2026 SMM (3rd) South China Nonferrous Metals Annual Conference

26 mins ago

1 hour ago

July aluminum foil exports pulled back 9.3% MoM; Full-year target of 1.3 million mt still achievable

According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China, cumulative exports of Chinese aluminum foil (HS code 7607 series) totaled 802,000 mt in January-July 2026, of which July exports stood at 118,800 mt, down 9.3% MoM from the June high of 131,000 mt, with the "rush to export" pulse effect clearly peaking and retreating.

1 hour ago

July aluminum foil exports pulled back 9.3% MoM, but the full-year target of 1.3 million mt remains achievable [SMM Analysis]

[SMM Analysis: July Aluminum Foil Exports Pulled Back 9.3% MoM, Full-Year Target of 1.3 Million mt Still Achievable] According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China, China’s cumulative aluminum foil (HS code 7607-series) exports from January to July 2026 reached 802,000 mt, with July exports at 118,800 mt, pulling back 9.3% MoM from June’s high of 131,000 mt. The pulse effect of the “export rush” has peaked and is clearly pulling back.

1 hour ago