The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) reports that aluminium saw multi-year highs into late 2025, and as of mid-January 2026 the metal continues to benefit from ongoing supply tightness amid trade frictions and easing trade restrictions between major producers.

Summary:

One metal benefiting amid US-China trade tensions is aluminium, which saw multi-year highs in Q4 2025, according to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) December 2025 Resources and Energy Quarterly.

In the final quarter of 2025, China was required to ease trade restrictions with the US as the country grappled with aluminium supply constraints, driving the spot price of the metal higher. 

The London Metal Exchange (LME) noted a 7.3% increase for aluminium in Q4 2025, averaging a spot price of US$2,618 ($3,903) per tonne, according to the DISR report. Aluminium was averaging a spot price of US$2,618 in Q3 2025.

As of 13 January 2026, aluminium was priced at US$3,185 per tonne, as the metal continues to spike into the new year, as reported on the LME.