HighMarketSignal detected 5d ago

Global primary deficit hits 1.7 MMT as prices surge toward $3,800/MT in Q3 2026

Aluminium Market 2025 to 2032: Deficit Economics, Decarbonisation and the Reshaping of Global Supply
What Changed

The global primary aluminium market is entering a severe structural shortfall projected at 1.7 million metric tons for 2026. China's 45 MMT annual capacity cap, combined with Middle Eastern supply line disruptions, is straining global primary supply. Consequently, forecasters project LME primary aluminium prices to average $3,800/MT in Q3 2026 and $3,700/MT in Q4 2026, marking a significant upward shift.

At a Glance
Severity
High
Likelihood
High
Spend Exposed
-
Add your annual spend to quantify exposure:
$
Confidence
90%
Recommended Actions 1

Transition from spot purchasing to multi-year fixed contracts

Locking in contracted volumes now protects against double-digit price spikes and widespread spot order declines ('no-quoting') by mills.