Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) is changing its export strategy by planning to send aluminum and raw materials through Sohar port in Oman in response to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating conflicts in the Middle East. This strategic shift is prompted by the ongoing war between the US and Israel against Iran, now entering its third week, forcing regional companies, including aluminum producers, to seek alternative export routes to maintain their operations.

With aluminum prices reaching a four-year high of $3,546.50 per metric ton last week—up 12% since the conflict began—concerns about potential global supply shortages have intensified. Companies are adjusting their logistics significantly to cope with the changing trade landscape, diverting incoming shipments destined for Gulf states to ports outside the strait, such as Sohar and Fujairah in the UAE. This is indicative of the broader impact the conflict is having on international trade and supply chains in the region.

The transition to alternate export routes not only highlights the direct effects of geopolitical tensions on the aluminum market but also emphasizes the need for companies to adapt quickly to unforeseen disruptions. As the situation continues to evolve, monitoring how businesses revise their operations and the potential long-term implications for regional economies will be crucial.