Aluminum production in the Gulf region fell to its lowest level in over a decade in April, affected by the Iran conflict.

On Wednesday, May 20, the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) reported that primary aluminum production in the Gulf region fell to its lowest level in over a decade in April due to the impact of the Iran conflict on regional smelters. According to IAI's preliminary data, output in the region last month was 330,000 tons, down 35% compared to the same period in 2025. The region accounts for about 8% of global primary aluminum production but supplies 28% of Japan’s imports and 21% of the United States’ imports. "The April figures we are seeing may not yet be the bottom—this is further deterioration pushing Gulf production to levels not seen in over a decade," said IAI Secretary General Jonathan Grant. "Smelters in the region have been unable to replenish raw material stocks via the Strait of Hormuz and are now attempting alternative land routes to maintain operations." Data showed global primary aluminum production declined by 2.1% year-on-year to 5.92 million tons, while China’s output is expected to rise 1.5% to 3.68 million tons.