Africa sees opportunities as middle east war shoots global aluminum prices to the sky

Global aluminum prices surged to a four-year high of $3,492 per ton in March 2026 due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Africa, holding over 30% of the world's bauxite reserves, has only one operational alumina refinery, making it vulnerable to supply disruptions. African countries, particularly South Africa, heavily rely on aluminum imports, mainly from the Middle East.