Aluminium shipments from UAE to the US hit record levels amid tariff fears

The exports of aluminium from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the United States surged in the first 11 days of March 2025, according to data from the US Department of Commerce.

Image credit: EGA; AL Arabiya

This sharp increase comes as buyers rushed to secure shipments from their second-largest supplier ahead of the US tariffs that took effect.

UAE aluminium exports to US (in tonnes)

So far, in March 2025, the UAE has exported 68,560.29 tonnes of aluminium to the US, a significant jump of +300 per cent growth compared to 16,124.88 tonnes for the entire month of March 2024. This volume marks the highest monthly export level in nearly two years.

As the second-largest supplier of aluminium to the US, accounting for 8 per cent of total consumption, the UAE is well-positioned to sustain its market presence despite new trade barriers. Collectively, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations supply 16 per cent of US aluminium imports, with individual countries demonstrating strong export performance.

However, in 2024, Bahrain exported 201,000 tonnes to the US, solidifying its position as the world's sixth-largest aluminium producer. Oman contributed 68,000 tonnes, while Qatar and Saudi Arabia supplied 44,000 tonnes and 18,000 tonnes, respectively.