Russian aluminium's share in EU imports falls amid sanction pressure

The European Union's approach to Russian primary aluminium imports has significantly transformed in a landscape marked by evolving geopolitical tensions, as revealed by a recent report by Eurasia Strategic Consulting.

While presently, any formal sanctions on Russian aluminium remain absent, other than the earlier ban on the aluminium wire rod, foil, tubes, and pipes supplied from Russia, the practical reality of self-sanctioning by European importers and the ripple effects of secondary sanctions have dramatically altered the market dynamics.

Recent actions from the U.S. and UK governments have significantly influenced the shift in the EU's stance on Russian primary aluminium imports. In April 2024, both nations took decisive steps that led the London Metals Exchange (LME) and the Chicago Metals Exchange (CME) to exclude Russian aluminium from their trading systems. This move underscores a broader trend of economic isolation and highlights the growing impact of international pressure on trade practices.