China aluminium exports surge amid Iran war supply disruptions
China’s aluminium exports rose 15 percent in April compared with the same month last year, as the war involving Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz tightened global supplies and increased demand for industrial materials.
According to customs data cited by Reuters, exports of unwrought aluminium and aluminium products reached 598,000 metric tonnes in April, while shipments for the year so far totalled 2.05 million tonnes.
Analysts have forecast strong export growth for China’s aluminium sector amid concerns that instability in the Middle East could further drive up global production and transport costs.
Reuters reported that Chinese manufacturers have also accelerated exports as overseas buyers seek to stockpile components and raw materials over fears that the conflict could push supply chain costs even higher.
Workers assemble port container crane equipment for export in Taicang, China, 9 May 2026 (CFOTO/Sipa USA)