【SMM Aluminum Flash News】Gulf Primary Aluminum Output Falls Nearly 40% from Pre-Conflict Levels in April

Published: Aug 24, 2026 19:10 (GMT+8)

Save

Preliminary IAI data showed Gulf primary aluminum production fell to 10,989 mt/day in April 2026, down 26.7% from March and nearly 40% below the pre-conflict level of around 17,800 mt/day. Disruptions to commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have constrained raw material supplies and delayed aluminum exports. The Gulf accounts for around 8% of global primary aluminum production but supplies about 19% of EU, 28% of Japanese and 21% of US primary aluminum imports. Tightening supply has pushed LME aluminum to a four-year high, while US Midwest and European premiums have also strengthened.

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

Oct 02, 2026 10:52 (GMT+8)

[SMM Flash News] South32 Revised Q4 '26 CIF MJP Premium Offer at US$265/mt

Market sources report: South32 revised Q4 '26 CIF MJP Premium Offer at US$265/mt, down from US$325/mt. Validity 5 October 2026.

Oct 02, 2026 10:52 (GMT+8)

Oct 01, 2026 17:48 (GMT+8)

India ADC 12 Holds Firm as LME Aluminium Falls; Tight Scrap Supply Limits Downside

India ADC 12 prices remained relatively resilient despite a 1.2% decline in LME aluminium 3-month prices between September 24 and 30.

Oct 01, 2026 17:48 (GMT+8)

Oct 01, 2026 17:09 (GMT+8)

Rio Tinto Secures Bell Bay Smelter Operations Through End-2031

Rio Tinto announced on October 1 that it had reached agreements with the Tasmanian Government, the Australian Commonwealth Government and Hydro Tasmania to extend electricity supply to the Bell Bay aluminium smelter through the end of 2031. The two governments will also provide a combined A$200 million support package over five years, contributing A$100 million each. Commercial terms of the power agreement were not disclosed. Bell Bay produces around 190,000 tonnes of primary aluminium annually, while its existing electricity contract was due to expire at the end of 2026. The agreement removes the smelter’s immediate operational uncertainty. Bell Bay is the third major Australian aluminium smelter to receive government-backed support in 2026, following Boyne and Tomago, highlighting continued pressure from high electricity costs and international competition.

Oct 01, 2026 17:09 (GMT+8)