La Asociación Española del Aluminio (AEA) has issued an urgent alert following the start of hostilities in Irán This March, noting that 32,4% of aluminum imports in España They are under direct threat. The geopolitical conflict jeopardizes the supply of 218.000 tons of primary aluminum essential to the national industry.
Critical impact on global production and supply
The intensification of the war in Middle East has caused the paralysis of key operations in the region. The infrastructure of Qatalum en Qatar She has been arrested following attacks in Ras Laffanwhile the company Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA) has had to declare the state of Overwhelming forceThese disruptions have taken more than 2,3 million tons of production capacity off the global market.
This figure is more than double what the industry of España transforms into a full annual exercise. The structural deficit of the European UnionThe situation, which was already high after the closure of internal plants, is now aggravated by the loss of the balance provided by the Persian Gulf. According to data from EurostatThe sector's trade balance in 2024 already showed a massive dependence, with 5,82 million tons imported compared to only 0,26 million exported.
| Market Indicator (Data 2024-2026) | Value / Quantity |
|---|---|
| Imports of primary aluminum in the UE (2024) | 5,82 billion tons |
| Spanish supply at extreme risk or prohibited | 32,4% of total |
| Tonnage affected in España | +218.000 tons |
| Capacity withdrawn by Qatalum y ALBA | 2,3 billion tons |
| Annual revenue of the sector in España | +4.400 million euros |
Logistical collapse in the Strait of Hormuz
The lack of product is compounded by the operational collapse in the Estrecho de OrmuzThis situation has triggered the transportation costsinsurance premiums and transit times for goods. For Spanish transformers, this translates into a complete lack of cost forecasting capabilities and an imminent metal shortage in the European market.
Currently, 22,9% of Spanish purchases of primary aluminum depend on logistics hubs in the Emiratos Árabes Unidos, Bahréin, Qatar y Arabia Saudí. With the exception of OmánWhile it remains operational, it's operating at insufficient volumes, leaving the region at a standstill. Adding to this is the reduction in imports from the Federación Rusa due to the sanctions resulting from the invasion of UcraniaThe sector faces a loss of direct competitiveness compared to third countries with overcapacity.
A strategic sector for the Spanish economy
The aluminum industry is not just an economic indicator, but a strategic asset. With a turnover exceeding 4.400 millones de euros , and the generation of 17.000 direct jobs highly qualified, España It ranks as the third largest transformer of Europa.
Its applications are critical for key sectors such as:
- Automotive and sustainable mobility.
- Construction and infrastructure.
- Industry of Trade.
- Payment Solution renewable energy.
The so-called "perfect storm" is completed by the protectionist shift of Estados Unidos and unfair competition stemming from TurquíaIn addition to aggressive scrap metal purchasing policies that diminish the economic outlook for the more than 650 companies represented by the AEA.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the aluminum crisis
What percentage of aluminum in Spain is at risk?
Approximately 32,4% of total primary aluminum imports are currently at extreme risk or prohibited, due to the combined effects of the conflict in the Persian Gulf and trade sanctions. Rusia.
Why has production stopped in the Middle East?
Primarily due to attacks on gas infrastructure in Ras Laffan (Qatar) and the declaration of Force Majeure of ALBA en Bahréin, which has removed 2,3 million tons from the market.
What is the weight of the aluminum industry in Spain?
It is the third largest transformer of EuropaIt has a turnover of more than 4.400 billion euros annually and supports 17.000 highly qualified direct jobs in sectors such as automotive and renewables.
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