Is aluminum reconsidered in EU sanctions?

 

On January 26, 2024, the EU placed aluminum, specifically raw aluminum from Russia, back on the negotiating table for its 13th sanctions package. Brussels aims to address technical issues related to CBAM declarations by January 29, 2024.The question now arises: can this deadline be met?

Is aluminum reconsidered in EU sanctions?

Aluminum has returned to the negotiation agenda of the European Union, despite being excluded from the previous sanctions against Russia. It remains one of the few raw materials not yet subject to comprehensive sanctions.

Focus on raw aluminum imports Potential discussions surrounding the 13th sanctions package are likely to center on alloyed and non-alloyed raw aluminum from Russia. Notably, non-alloyed raw aluminum, accounting for approximately 19% of EU imports in 2022, is a primary focus. In contrast, only 6% of total imports of alloyed raw aluminum originated from Russia.

Searching for alternatives Considering the EU's significant reliance on raw material imports—exceeding 6.5 million tons of raw aluminum in 2022—the unresolved question from the 12th sanctions package persists: who can emerge as a sustainable producer and exporter to Europe? India may not be a viable alternative due to the EU Carbon Border Tax CBAM and the high CO2 emissions in India's aluminum production, primarily reliant on fossil fuels like coal, coupled with its close ties to Russia.