Aluminum futures in the UK rose above $3,570 per tonne, moving back near a more than four-year high as the continued blockage of the Strait of Hormuz threatens a prolonged disruption to Middle Eastern supply. The key waterway remained closed, with Iran stating it will not reopen the shipping route while the US maintains its own blockade on vessels traveling to and from Tehran. The Persian Gulf accounts for roughly 9% of global primary aluminum. Beyond restricting shipping flows, the conflict has also directly affected production capacity. Major refineries in the UAE and Bahrain were damaged after being struck by Iranian attacks. Analysts warned that regional supply constraints could persist for months even if hostilities end and Hormuz reopens, as restoring damaged smelting and refining facilities is expected to take considerable time. Emirates Global Aluminium, the region’s largest producer, said it may take at least a year to fully restore output.
