Russia’s aluminium production rose 7.3 percent in the first five months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to Rosstat. Moscow leveraged the supply disruption caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which halted shipments from Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The increase underscores how geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East has reshaped global metals markets.
In May alone, output was 3.2 percent higher year-on-year and 2.8 percent above the previous month. The ramp-up marks a reversal from earlier this year, when Russian aluminium giant Rusal announced a 10 percent production cut due to fears of falling prices. The conflict between Israel and the United States against Iran changed the calculus dramatically.
The Strait of Ormuz, a vital chokepoint for Middle Eastern aluminium exports, was effectively blocked by military operations. That removed key supply from plants in Bahrain and the UAE. Russia, as the world’s second-largest aluminium producer after China, saw an opportunity to fill the gap and boost shipments to international buyers.
How the Strait of Ormuz crisis reshaped aluminium markets
Aluminium supplies from the Persian Gulf region have been a critical component of global trade, especially for markets in Europe and Asia. The sudden disruption forced smelters reliant on Middle Eastern metal to seek alternatives. Russian producers, with available capacity and existing infrastructure, moved quickly to scale up output.
Industry data shows that the price of aluminium on the London Metal Exchange climbed in the weeks following the Strait blockade, providing an additional incentive for Russian mills to increase production. The higher prices offset the earlier concerns about oversupply that had prompted Rusal’s initial cutback.
Russia’s role as a swing producer in aluminium
Russia’s ability to rapidly raise aluminium output highlights its position as a flexible supplier in times of crisis. The country’s vast smelting capacity, concentrated in Siberia, relies on cheap hydroelectric power, giving it a cost advantage that can be activated when demand spikes.
Analysts note that while Western sanctions on Russian metals remain in place in some jurisdictions, many buyers have continued to accept Russian aluminium due to the tight global supply. The war in the Middle East has further blurred the line between sanctioned and non-sanctioned sources, as practical needs outweigh political considerations.
With no end in sight to the Strait blockade, Russian aluminium production is likely to remain elevated. The Kremlin sees both an economic and geopolitical benefit in positioning itself as a reliable supplier to countries that now face shortages. The coming months will test whether Russia can sustain this pace without compromising quality or logistics.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Materiały prasowe / Rusal
