Global Trade
May 12, 2026
Written by Stephanie Ritenbaugh
The LME price for aluminum spiked at the start of the US/Israel war on Iran and has lately hovered around $3,400-$3,600 per ton, not yet breaching $4,000.
Looking ahead, supply is going to remain tight, as inventories already were low before the conflict started in late February.
Stellantis’ Etobicoke Casting Plant faces uncertain production commitments and potential operational disruption as Unifor prepares strike authorization votes.
Mumbai-based Hindalco said in a regulatory filing it would forgo the deal due to “extended closure delays beyond the control of either party."
LME aluminum prices moved lower into October as on-warrant stocks declined and investment firms reduced net-long exposure.
Indonesian unwrought aluminum exports increased sharply in August, with the US and South Korea accounting for a growing share of shipments.
Honda and Toyota gained relative ground in the third quarter as GM and Ford sales declined and several battery-electric models lost volume.
