Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the world’s largest aluminium smelter on one site, has reported a profit attributable to its equity holders of BD64.9 million ($172.5 million) for the second quarter of 2026, up by 164% year-on-year (YoY), compared to BD24.6 million for the same period in 2025. 

The company reported Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share of fils 46 for Q2 2026 versus fils 17 in Q2 2025. The Total Comprehensive Income for Q2 stood at BD64.5 million versus BD21.9 million in Q2 2025 - up 195% YoY. 

For the first half of 2026, Alba has reported a profit attributable to its equity holders of BD140.2 million ($372.8 million), up 228% YoY, compared to BD42.7 million for the same period in 2025. The company reported basic and diluted earnings per share of fils 99 for H1 2026 versus Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share of fils 30 for the same period in 2025. Alba’s Total Comprehensive Income for H1 2026 was BD140.6 million ($374 million), up by 264% YoY, compared to BD38.6 million in H1 2025. 

Equity attributable to owners of Alba as of June 30, 2026 stood at BD2,163.5 million ($5,753.9 million), up by 4%, versus BD2,084.6 million, as of December 31, 2025. Alba’s Total Assets as of June 30, 2026 were BD2,867.2 million versus BD2,623.3 million as of December 31, 2025- up by 9%. 

Q2 2026 operational metrics

 * Sales volume reached 280,799 MT (-32% YoY) reflecting the impact of regional shipping and logistics disruptions.

 * Net finished production stood at 155,469 MT (-61% YoY) primarily due to the controlled shutdown of L1-2-3 in response to regional tensions.

 * Value Added Products (VAP) accounted for 70% of total shipments, with volumes of 195,891 MT (-38% YoY) reinforcing Alba's value-over-volume strategy.

Update on Q2 operational status

The Company proactively adjusted production levels during the period to address raw material availability constraints while maintaining the safe and stable operation of its facilities. Optimised alumina utilisation, coupled with rigorous management of inventory and supply chain flows, enabled Alba to preserve smelter stability, protect critical assets and maintain operational reliability. The actions taken ensure readiness to respond efficiently as market and supply conditions improve.

Aluminium market outlook

* Aluminium prices are expected to remain high, supported by constrained supply conditions, although market dynamics continue to be influenced by macroeconomic and geopolitical developments.

* Demand remains broadly resilient despite inflationary pressures, elevated energy costs, and softer industrial activity in certain regions. Structural deficits in North America and Europe continue to support market fundamentals, while Chinese demand benefits from export-oriented manufacturing activity.

* Market balances remain relatively tight following recent regional supply disruptions, with recovery dependent on the timing and pace of smelter restarts. China's long-term capacity cap policy continues to moderate global supply growth.

Macro & market fundamentals 

* Middle East regional tensions heightened market uncertainty, reduced near-term visibility, and created logistical and supply chain challenges across key global trade routes.

 * Demand remained resilient, up by 1% YoY, supported by growth in automotive, renewable energy, infrastructure, power transmission and data-centre-related sectors. 

 * Supply contracted by around 1% YoY, primarily due to production disruptions in the Middle East. 

 * Market balance: The global aluminium market remained in deficit during the quarter, with a deficit of approximately 934 kMT including China and 626 kMT excluding China. 

Aluminium market prices

 * LME prices averaged $3,576/t in Q2 2026, representing a 46% YoY increase, supported by supply disruptions & low inventories.

 * Regional premiums, including the US Midwest and DDP Rotterdam premiums, increased during the quarter, reflecting ongoing supply tightness and deficit market conditions. The MJP also strengthened due to supply disruptions and constrained market availability.

 * LME inventories dropped to 302,000 MT, down 13% YoY, reflecting tightened physical metal availability across key consuming regions.

Alba’s Board of Directors Chairman Khalid Al Rumaihi stated: “Alba delivered a resilient financial performance despite a challenging operating environment marked by regional tensions and supply chain disruptions. The company’s ability to generate EBITDA of $295 million and profit of $173 million highlights the strength of its operational discipline, cost management and strategic focus.

"We also continue to progress on the proposed acquisition of Aluminium Dunkerque, having recently announced Bpifrance’s co-investment in the company. Bpifrance’s participation reflects strong local institutional support and further reinforces confidence in Alba’s role as a long-term strategic shareholder. 

"The transaction remains subject to remaining regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, and Alba will continue to update the market as appropriate.”

Alba’s Chief Executive Officer, Ali Al Baqali, added: “The actions taken during the quarter were guided by a clear priority: safeguarding our people, assets and long-term operational capability. Through disciplined production curtailments and rigorous management of raw material flows, we maintained operational stability despite unprecedented supply chain challenges. Importantly, the steps taken have preserved the flexibility needed to support a swift recovery as conditions improve.” - TradeArabia News Service