The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) has published a comprehensive report in collaboration with CRU International Ltd, shedding light on the repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine war on the UK’s aluminum sector. The document delves into the short, medium, and long-term effects of government-imposed import sanctions. Furthermore, it presents alternative strategies for securing the primary aluminum supply in the country.
The report’s primary objective is to safeguard the thriving aluminum supply chain in the UK, promote domestic production, and mitigate the consequences of geopolitical conflicts. It closely examines how the elimination of Russian aluminum imports will directly affect British businesses. The shifting dynamics of global markets and their potential impacts on future export demand are also under scrutiny.
In addition to these critical concerns, the report explores opportunities for enhancing the use of recycled materials and reducing the industry’s carbon footprint. It delves into the broader supply chain issues that have arisen due to an increasingly uncertain global economic forecast.
Tom Jones, the CEO of ALFED, emphasized the growing political and moral pressure to ensure that all materials used within the UK originate from sources that do not support the Russian state. Although Russian-sourced aluminum represented only a small fraction of the import market, it is crucial to consider the long-term implications to minimize disruptions within the supply chain.
The report contributes to a deeper understanding of the far-reaching consequences of global conflicts and presents both challenges and opportunities. It raises essential questions, such as the definition of a viable future sourcing solution, the support the UK government should provide to further the industry’s goals, and the immediate priorities that the aluminum sector needs to address to remain globally competitive.
“Impacts to UK aluminum industry following Russia/Ukraine war” is accessible for ALFED members to download from the organization’s website, offering valuable insights for businesses engaged in the UK aluminum supply chain.