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    Global Trade

    March 16, 2026

    ALBA smelter curtails lines amid Iran war

    Written by Greg Wittbecker

    Aluminum Bahrain (ALBA) announced the controlled curtailment of its Lines 1, 2 and 3, which collectively produced 300,000 metric tons/year.

    There had been speculation last week ALBA may curtail Line 1 due to growing concern over alumina supply. This line, along with Line 2, are ALBA’s oldest (circa 1971) and least efficient of their six lines. The logic was being the oldest and least efficient, ALBA might be willing to curtail them to conserve the remaining alumina in their more modern lines which date from 1992 to 2018.

    Greg Wittbecker

    Veteran aluminum executive Greg brings over 40 years of leadership experience from Alcoa, Cargill, and CRU. He offers rare depth in commercial strategy, policy analysis, and industry evolution, with expertise spanning the trading floor to the boardroom. You can reach Greg at Greg.Wittbecker@crugroup.com or 865-621-4564.

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