Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) will reroute its aluminium exports and raw material imports through Oman’s Sohar port in the coming days, as the US-Israel conflict with Iran continues to disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters. The conflict has forced companies across the Gulf to adjust supply routes that depend on the strategic waterway.

With annual production of about 2.7 million tonnes in the UAE, EGA’s operations reflect the scale of disruption to trade flows.

The impact is already visible in global markets. Aluminium prices climbed to a four-year high of USD 3,546.50 per tonne last week, up 12 per cent since the conflict began, reflecting concerns over tighter supply.

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Supply chains shift beyond Hormuz

As access through Hormuz remains uncertain, companies have begun redirecting cargo to ports outside the strait, including Sohar in Oman and Fujairah in the UAE, before moving shipments inland by truck.

The Gulf region produces around seven million tonnes of aluminium annually-about 9 per cent of global supply-with nearly 80 per cent exported, mainly to the United States and Europe for the automotive, construction and packaging sectors.

In this context, EGA will import alumina feedstock via Sohar and transport it by road to its smelters in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. It will also begin trucking finished aluminium to Sohar for export.

When contacted, EGA’s senior vice president of corporate affairs, Simon Buerk, said "We are not going to give a running commentary on how we are managing the current situation, but will say that the points ⁠you gave include some inaccuracies."

Also read: 3-month raw material disruption in GCC may lead to a 1–1.25 MT shortage in primary aluminium production - here’s how

Regional producers explore alternatives

Other producers in the region are also assessing similar options. Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), which produces 1.6 million tonnes annually, is considering using Sohar, according to two sources. The company is also exploring Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Jeddah as another route.

Sohar Aluminium continues to operate its facility at the port for both imports and exports. The port itself has not been directly targeted since it was developed more than two decades ago. Although drones crashed in Sohar province last week, sources said there was no damage to port infrastructure.

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