Global Trade
April 1, 2026
Written by Stephanie Ritenbaugh
The Iran war jolted global aluminum markets throughout the month of March and there’s no clear resolution in sight.
AMU has been covering the repercussions of the US/Israeli attacks launched on Feb. 28. Overall, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries supplied about 9% of global unwrought aluminum and accounted for roughly 21% of US unwrought imports in 2025 — near record levels.
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.
