Image for representation purposes only Uncertainty over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is raising concerns for global trade, with the aluminium industry joining the oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) sectors among those most affected. Although oil and LNG exports have not seen major disruptions, fluctuating vessel traffic and ongoing security concerns are affecting confidence in one of the world’s most important shipping routes. The uncertainty is raising concerns not only about aluminium exports from the Gulf but also about the raw materials and energy supplies needed to keep aluminium production running. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) exports around 5.5 million tonnes of primary aluminium every year, with almost all shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Gulf smelters depend on imported alumina and bauxite delivered by sea, meaning any prolonged disruption could affect both incoming raw materials and outgoing aluminium exports. Shipping concerns increased after Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed following the recent Israeli conflict in Lebanon. The announcement led to a sharp drop in commercial vessel movements and renewed concerns over the security of a waterway that normally carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and LNG trade. According to maritime intelligence firm Windward, only 12 vessels passed through the Strait on Sunday, June 21, compared with 35 the previous day. The company also said several vessels switched off their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), making it harder to track their movements. Windward said the traffic pattern looked more like previous periods of disruption than normal commercial shipping. The slowdown came after a brief improvement earlier in the week. Shipping analytics firm Kpler recorded 25 vessel transits on Thursday, the highest daily figure since mid-April, after diplomatic talks between Iran and the United States appeared to ease tensions. However, ho