In a recent correspondence directed to key EU figures, including President Ursula Von der Leyen and Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, the European aluminium industry urgently appeals for the imposition of sanctions on Russian primary aluminium exports.

Signed by prominent industry names such as European Aluminium, Alcoa Corporation, and Rio Tinto, the letter underscores the necessity of comprehensive measures to effectively curb Russia’s aluminium exports, a significant part of its economy.

Emphasizing the current gaps in the existing sanctions framework, the industry stresses the vital importance of disrupting Russian revenue streams while fostering the development of resilient domestic supply chains.

With European companies increasingly distancing themselves from Russian sources, the industry is confident that domestic production and alternative imports can adequately meet European demand.

However, opposition to aluminium sanctions has surfaced from EU industrial consumers, represented by FACE, a coalition of industrial consumers.

They argue against “weaponizing” sanctions and express concerns over potential unintended consequences, such as market instability and price hikes.

Key objections to including Russian aluminium in the sanctions package include worries about private lobbying efforts, vulnerabilities in the supply chain, and the impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

EU Focuses on Individuals and Companies in 13th Sanctions Package

According to a report by Reuters on February 5, the forthcoming 13th round of EU sanctions against Russia is expected to concentrate on targeting individuals and smaller companies rather than implementing new import bans.

The EU recently adopted its 12th sanctions package in December 2023, which notably included a ban on Russian diamonds and tightened controls over military-use goods acquisitions.

However, the upcoming package is anticipated to prioritize non-controversial measures to facilitate swift approval.

The European Commission aims to finalize the 13th sanctions package by the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion on February 24th, as per Reuters.

While there were speculations about expanding import bans on Russian products, including aluminium, such measures might be postponed to subsequent packages.

Sources cited by Reuters indicate that discussions for the 14th round of sanctions are likely to commence shortly after, underlining the Commission’s urgency to address the ongoing conflict.

Despite hopes for robust measures, some observers have expressed disappointment over the apparent lack of new import bans in the 13th package.

RFE/RL journalist Rikard Jozwiak described the anticipated package as “the weakest & most unambitious package to date” based on disclosed information.

As details of the sanctions package continue to unfold, stakeholders closely monitor developments amidst escalating tensions with Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

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