Bahrain, the main supplier of aluminum in January-March/ Albania increases dependence on Middle Eastern countries at the height of tensions
Tensions in the Middle East and restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz are not only affecting the oil market, but also the supply of strategic raw materials such as aluminum, an essential material for construction and industry. For countries like Albania, where aluminum is among the most important import items, any disruption in supply chains could translate into higher costs for the economy and consumers.
Data show that in the first three months of 2026, Albania imported about 11.8 thousand tons of aluminum and aluminum products, worth 3.87 billion lek. Compared to the same period in 2025, imports have marked a slight decrease, both in quantity and value.
However, the most important development is not related to quantity, but to the change in the source of supply. In 2026, Bahrain has become the main supplier of aluminum to Albania, doubling its share in total imports from 12% in the same period of 2025, to 24% in the first three months of 2026. This change shows a clear shift towards suppliers from the Middle East, a region currently facing strong geopolitical tensions and risks to maritime transport.
At the same time, Italy, which was previously the main supplier with around 19.8% of imports, has fallen to second place with 13.3%. Greece has maintained a stable weight, while China and Turkey have recorded slight decreases in their market share. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates have significantly increased their presence in supplying aluminum to Albania, indicating a gradual expansion of trade ties with the Gulf countries.
The importance of aluminum lies not only in import volumes, but also in the weight it occupies in the overall structure of the country's imports. In 2025, the chapter "Aluminum and articles thereof" was ranked among the main import chapters, with a value of over 16.6 billion lek, positioning itself among the most important goods entering the Albanian economy.
Aluminum prices have reached their highest levels in years, driven by trade tariffs and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. With about 20% of global production coming from the Middle East, any crisis in the region is expected to drive up construction costs and housing prices.
Aluminum is widely used in the construction sector, in the production of doors and windows, in transportation and in a variety of industrial equipment. For this reason, any increase in the costs of this material is reflected in the prices of housing, industrial products and services, ultimately being felt by consumers.
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