Global primary aluminium production experienced a sequential recovery in the third quarter of 2026, supported by the gradual restoration of disrupted smelting capacity in the GCC countries, stronger operational performance in Europe and Oceania, and incremental production gains across Asia and China. But beneath this quarterly improvement lies a contrasting reality – global output remained below the corresponding levels of both 2025 and 2024.
According to data from the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), global primary aluminium production reached 18.377 million tonnes in Q3 2026, an increase of 2.1 per cent from 18.003 million tonnes in the preceding quarter. However, compared with Q3 2025, when production totalled 18.683 million tonnes, output declined by 1.64 per cent. Production was also 0.5 per cent below the 18.467 million tonnes recorded in Q3 2024.
The contrasting trends suggest that although aluminium smelters across several regions are gradually restoring production, the additional volumes have yet to compensate fully for the supply disruptions experienced earlier in 2026. The GCC’s recovery has been particularly significant, while production improvements in Europe, Oceania and Asia have provided further support.