UAE Aluminum Exports Surge as Trump’s Tariffs Reshape Global Trade

Recent US Department of Commerce data reveals a dramatic spike in UAE aluminum exports to the United States during early March 2025.

The UAE shipped 68,560 metric tons in just the first 11 days of March, compared to only 16,124 metric tons for the entire month of March 2024. This surge comes as President Donald Trump implemented sweeping 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports.

The UAE, as America’s second-largest aluminum supplier with 8% of US consumption, stands to maintain its market position despite the new trade barriers. Gulf Cooperation Council nations collectively supply 16% of US aluminum imports, with individual countries showing impressive export volumes.

Bahrain sent 201,000 tonnes to the US in 2024, ranking as the sixth-largest global aluminum producer. Oman exported 68,000 tonnes, while Qatar and Saudi Arabia contributed 44,000 and 18,000 tonnes respectively.

“If all countries are tariffed at the same rate, as appears likely, then volumes from the Gulf are not likely to be hugely affected by this development,” said Ross Strachan, principal aluminum analyst at CRU.

Resilient Amid Tariff Challenges

Gulf states enjoy a distinct competitive advantage thanks to low energy costs. Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), one of the world’s largest producers, maintains its position as the global lowest-cost producer according to industry consultants.

“From a GCC point of view, the tariffs on steel and aluminum are a nuisance, but surely not a show-stopper for the domestic industry given that GCC companies enjoy a strong competitive advantage with low energy costs in the region,” explained Ralf Wiegert, head of Middle East and North Africa economics at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Qatar’s aluminum exports to the US totaled $306.63 million in 2023, primarily from unwrought aluminum. Bahrain has demonstrated remarkable growth in the sector, becoming the second-largest exporter in the Middle East with a 24% share.

Russia also stands to gain market share as US importers seek alternatives. As one of the top suppliers to the American market, Russian producers could capitalize on shifting trade patterns.

The impact on Gulf exporters remains limited in broader economic terms. For most Gulf countries, the share of exports affected is likely less than 0.5% of their total exports.

The US represents the GCC’s third-largest export market for metals. However, industry experts believe regional producers “would probably be able to find alternate markets if necessary.”