Gulf Aluminium Crisis: A Global Supply Chain Squeeze

The U.S.-Israeli conflict's third week with Iran is intensifying disruptions in the Gulf aluminium production sector, rippling across an already stressed physical supply chain. Critical smelters in the Gulf region have been forced to reduce capacity, while the blocked Strait of Hormuz jeopardizes further output.

The Middle East's share in the global aluminium market is vital, representing around 9% of global production. This figure escalates significantly when factoring out China and Russia's challenged exports due to existing geopolitical tensions.

Consequently, aluminium prices reached a four-year peak on the London Metal Exchange, with Western manufacturers scrambling amid depleting inventories and increasing premiums. With looming supply threats, major aluminium producers rush to secure metal, fearing an imminent shortage.