Research — May 8, 2026
Aluminum attacked: Middle East plant damage drives up prices, shortages may follow
The conflict in the Middle East has had profound impacts to global supply chains. Recent strikes on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain have taken aluminum plants offline, while existing shipments provide 3-4 weeks of temporary supply buffer to major markets, rebuilding these stocks is expected to take similar timeframe. The shortages are expected to drive world aluminum prices higher for the second quarter of 2026.