Global primary aluminium output drops 1.5% year-on-year in June, IAI reports
2026-07-23 11:13:59 [Print]
Global primary aluminium production totaled 5.98 million metric tons in June, marking a 1.5% decline compared to the same month last year, according to data released Monday by the International Aluminium Institute (IAI). The decrease was largely driven by a sharp contraction in the Gulf region, where output fell by one-third.
The Gulf, which accounts for approximately 9% of global primary aluminium capacity, was hit hard by geopolitical disruptions. Two smelters in the region came under Iranian attack in late March amid escalating Middle East tensions, which also disrupted their usual export routes, preventing shipments to international markets through traditional channels.
IAI figures show that Gulf production dropped to 332,000 tons in June, down sharply from 507,000 tons a year earlier.
On a daily basis, output in the region remained flat compared with May at 11,000 tons per day, though this still represents a significant shortfall from the pre-conflict baseline of 17,800 tons. In a positive development, Emirates Global Aluminium announced earlier this month that it is restoring production at its Al Taweelah smelter in Abu Dhabi more quickly than initially anticipated, following an emergency shutdown in March. However, the company cautioned that a full return to previous output levels could take up to a year.
Globally, average daily aluminium production stood at 199,300 tons in June, up 0.3% from May, which had one additional calendar day, the IAI added.
The Gulf, which accounts for approximately 9% of global primary aluminium capacity, was hit hard by geopolitical disruptions. Two smelters in the region came under Iranian attack in late March amid escalating Middle East tensions, which also disrupted their usual export routes, preventing shipments to international markets through traditional channels.
IAI figures show that Gulf production dropped to 332,000 tons in June, down sharply from 507,000 tons a year earlier.
On a daily basis, output in the region remained flat compared with May at 11,000 tons per day, though this still represents a significant shortfall from the pre-conflict baseline of 17,800 tons. In a positive development, Emirates Global Aluminium announced earlier this month that it is restoring production at its Al Taweelah smelter in Abu Dhabi more quickly than initially anticipated, following an emergency shutdown in March. However, the company cautioned that a full return to previous output levels could take up to a year.
Globally, average daily aluminium production stood at 199,300 tons in June, up 0.3% from May, which had one additional calendar day, the IAI added.
Aluminum Ingot 99.7%min IW Gongyi
Unit:RMB/mt
China primary aluminum producers' operating rate statistics by province by month
Unit: %
