Global Trade
April 21, 2026
Written by Stephanie Ritenbaugh
Aluminum producer Alcoa is navigating disruptions from the Iran war, which has curtailed Middle East smelter production.
The Pittsburgh-based company reported Q1 2026 earnings of $425 million, down from $548 million a year earlier. Compared with the previous three months, Q1 2026 profit jumped to $425 million from $213 million in the fourth quarter as aluminum prices rose in recent months.
EGA has restarted 631 of Al Taweelah’s 1,262 reduction cells and still expects the smelter to return to full production in Q1 2027.
Recycler forward views shifted toward undersupply in October even as Midwest Premium and UBC expectations moved lower.
Aluminum sheet lead times rose modestly in October, while broader supply indicators remained largely stable after September’s shift.
Alcoa expects two other unnamed sites to follow the Massena East sale.
A Luxembourg court withdrew an order blocking a potential sale of Ardagh Metal Packaging, allowing Ardagh Holdings to resume preparations.
