Aluminum smelters in Qatar, Bahrain, and the Al Taweela smelter in the United Arab Emirates have all experienced damage or production curtailments due to the war in Iran.

Jean Simard predicts a supply shock in the North American aluminum market beginning in the summer and lasting for 12 to 18 months, due to the recovery and shipping time for curtailed Middle Eastern production.

Aluminum supply from the Middle East has been reduced by approximately 50% due to damage and production curtailments resulting from the war in Iran.