By Ukumbi Afrika Monday, July 27, 2026
Aluminium inventories held in London Metal Exchange (LME) warehouses have fallen to their lowest level this century, highlighting tightening global supply conditions as ongoing disruptions in the Middle East continue to affect the market.
According to LME data, total aluminium stocks declined to 271,275 metric tons as of July 24, marking the lowest inventory level since records began in January 1998.
The current stockpile represents less than one day's worth of global aluminium consumption, underscoring the growing pressure on industrial consumers to secure supplies amid constrained availability.
Market analysts say the decline reflects continued supply challenges linked to conflict in the Middle East, prompting manufacturers and traders to draw down exchange inventories to meet demand.
The shrinking stock levels could provide further support for aluminium prices if supply disruptions persist and global demand remains resilient.
Aluminium is a critical industrial metal used extensively in the automotive, construction, aerospace, packaging, renewable energy and electrical industries. Persistently low exchange inventories increase the risk of supply shortages and price volatility, potentially raising production costs for manufacturers worldwide.
Source: Reuters
Reporting: Tom Daly
Editing: David Goodman