Shares of U.S.-listed aluminum producers moved notably higher on Wednesday after reports emerged that Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) ceased operations at its Al Taweelah smelter following attacks over the weekend. Market participants responded quickly, with Alcoa shares up more than 5.5% and Century Aluminum climbing about 6.5% shortly before 11 a.m. Wednesday.
According to the report, the Al Taweelah facility on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi lost electrical power after being struck by missiles and drones. The power outage forced potlines into an uncontrolled shutdown, and metal inside the smelting circuits solidified, resulting in material damage to the plant's operations.
Aluminium Bahrain separately confirmed that it also sustained attacks over the same weekend. Both EGA's Al Taweelah plant and the Aluminium Bahrain facility each produced 1.6 million tons of aluminum in 2025, placing them among the largest single-site producers globally.
The disruption is notable given the Middle East's role in the global aluminum market. The region supplies roughly 9% of worldwide aluminum production, with EGA and regional producers providing material to manufacturers across Europe, Asia and the United States. The reported outages at these large facilities therefore represent a concrete interruption to that supply stream.
Market moves in U.S. aluminum stocks reflected the immediate reaction to the supply reports rather than new operational details from the plants themselves. Trading gains for Alcoa and Century Aluminum were recorded shortly before mid-morning on Wednesday.
Information available at the time of trading indicates significant damage at the Al Taweelah smelter related to solidified metal in smelting circuits caused by the uncontrolled shutdown. Specific repair timelines, replacement supply measures, or company operational updates beyond the reported confirmations were not provided in the material reviewed.
Summary
Reports that missile and drone strikes forced EGA's Al Taweelah smelter to halt operations prompted sharp gains in shares of Alcoa and Century Aluminum. The Al Taweelah and Aluminium Bahrain plants each produced 1.6 million tons in 2025, and the Middle East provides about 9% of global aluminum supply to manufacturers in Europe, Asia and the United States.
Key points
- Alcoa shares rose more than 5.5% and Century Aluminum climbed 6.5% shortly before 11 a.m. Wednesday.
- EGA's Al Taweelah smelter reportedly suffered power loss, uncontrolled potline shutdown and solidified metal damage after missile and drone strikes.
- Aluminium Bahrain confirmed it was also attacked; both plants produced 1.6 million tons of aluminum in 2025.
Risks and uncertainties
- Extent of operational damage at Al Taweelah and Aluminium Bahrain is reported but repair timelines and output restoration remain unspecified - impacting aluminum supply.
- Regional supply disruption may affect manufacturers that source aluminum from Middle Eastern producers serving Europe, Asia and the United States.