Strait of Hormuz disruptions and Iran tensions are driving up aluminum prices and premiums. Aluminium Bahrain and Qatalum have cut output, while feedstock is tight. Rerouting via Port of Sohar or Saudi ports raises costs and delays. Buyers are turning to China, India, Russia, Canada, and scrap to offset risk. Prolonged disruption could reduce Middle East market share and reprice it as higher-risk supply.

Jan-Feb 2026 China magnesium exports reached 72.7kt, up 3.4kt YoY. Magnesium alloy led with +33.1% YoY, orders booked through April. Magnesium ingot fell 6.8% due to weak European demand, while powder grew 10.3%. However, US-Israel conflict disrupted Middle East aluminum plants, halting regional magnesium orders and pressuring Q2 outlook despite the strong start.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Alvance British Aluminium has boosted output by ~10% at its Lochaber smelter in Fort William, Scotland (UK’s only primary aluminium plant), thanks to recent US tariff changes. The GFG Alliance-owned facility (48,000 tpy capacity, hydro-powered) now exports about half its production to the US for the first time. Managing Director Tom Uppington: “We increased production in response to shifting trade flows after US tariffs, entering the US market while serving UK and European customers.” President Trump set a 50% global tariff on steel/aluminium imports, but the UK secured a preferential 25% rate (vs. 50% for Canada), making UK metal more competitive. The US still relies on imports for automotive and aerospace sectors.

Strategic Resources Inc. announced on March 12, 2026, the acceleration of its BlackRock Project in Quebec to address global pellet scarcity. Phase 1 of the project is designed to deliver 4 million tonnes per year of high-purity iron ore pellets. The project is currently in the provincial environmental authorization phase and targets North American and European steelmakers.

[Volvo Cars Will Cease Production of the EX30 in the US] Swedish automaker Volvo Cars said on March 16 that it would stop producing the small electric SUV EX30 and the EX30 crossover in the US later this year. Sales of these two car models in the US market will end after the 2026 model year, but the EX30 will continue to be sold in other markets, including Canada and Mexico.

Canada-based First Quantum Minerals will sell its Çayeli mine in Turkey to Cengiz Holding for $340 million in cash as part of its portfolio optimization strategy.Cengiz Holding will acquire the underground copper-zinc mine through its subsidiary CengizInsaat.First Quantum Chief Executive Officer Tristan Pascall said, "The sale reflects the company's disciplined approach to portfolio management while focusing on its core strategic priorities."The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in Q2 or Q3 of this year.