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Middle East geopolitical conflicts disrupt Persian Gulf aluminum production and shipping lanes, pushing aluminum prices up over 20% this year. Because the region controls nearly 10% of global supply, experts project structural market deficits will endure until 2027.

Simultaneously, energy transitions, electric vehicles, and AI data centers drive intense demand for this lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal. Half of all semi-finished aluminum feeds the transportation and construction industries. This severe overseas shortage allows Chinese exporters to profit; China’s aluminum wire exports surged by more than 166% in April.

Concurrently, regional producers thrive. Malaysia’s Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad expects its first-quarter net profit to rise up to 15%, reaching RM720 million. High aluminum prices and declining alumina costs expand profit margins across their smelting operations.