Aluminum Prices Near 4-Year Highs

2026-03-16 08:00 By Judith Sib-at 1 min. read

Aluminum futures in the UK rose to $3,440 per tonne, near its highest level in almost four years, after Bahrain's Alba cut production amid heightened regional tensions.

The world’s largest single-site aluminum producer shut down three production lines, which together account for about 19% of its total annual capacity of 1.6 million tonnes.

Alba’s output cuts add to a growing series of supply disruptions that have intensified concerns about potential shortages.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has restricted exports from the Persian Gulf region, which accounts for about 9% of global aluminum production.

Earlier this month, Alba also suspended deliveries, while Qatar halted part of its production due to natural gas shortages.

Adding to supply concerns, output from China, the world’s largest aluminum producer, is expected to stall this year after surpassing the government-imposed cap of 45 million tonnes in 2025, a measure aimed to curb overcapacity.



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