From Asia to South America: How aluminum packaging hubs are affected by Middle East conflict

The aluminum packaging sector, which consumed around 16.70 million tonnes in 2025 and is projected to approach 17.16 million tonnes in 2026, is now confronting the risk of losing 3-3.5 million tonnes of aluminum supply this year. Packaging industries across Asia, Europe, the United States and Brazil are coming under mounting pressure as escalating tensions in the Middle East threaten to disrupt raw material supply chains.

The Middle East produced 6.8 million tonnes of aluminum, accounting for 23 per cent of global output. The UAE remained the region's largest producer with 2.7 million tonnes, contributing 39 per cent of Middle Eastern output. Bahrain followed with 1.6 million tonnes, or 24 per cent, while Saudi Arabia