Export Growth
June 23, 2026
Primary production rose in May, IAI finds
Written by Stephanie Ritenbaugh
Primary aluminum production rose to 6.15 million metric tonnes (mt) globally in May, a gain of 3.5% month over month, according to the latest figures from the International Aluminum Institute (IAI).
However, May’s total was lower than a year earlier, when production reached 6.25 million mt.
Monthly figures
Between April and May, most regions recorded modest increases in output. Notably, among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, production rose slightly to 338,000 mt from 330,000 mt as the Iran war continued to upend operations and shipping flows.
Asia ex-China rose to 420,000 mt from a revised 407,000 mt.
China recorded a nearly 3.5% increase to an estimated 3.8 million mt.
North America rose 4% to 335,000 mt. Europe gained 4.5% to reach 631,000 mt.
South America also recorded a nearly 4% increase to 132,000 mt.
Yearly comparison
The year-over-year comparison shows how sharply GCC production has declined because of the war. The region produced 522,000 mt in May 2025, about 35% more than current levels.
Europe, including Russia, rose 5.8% compared with a year earlier.
North America was little changed over the last 12 months. A year ago, production totaled 338,000 mt.
Asia ex-China rose a modest 2.1% over the 12-month period.
China remained relatively steady, rising about 2% year over year.
