SOURCE: AFI
In a surprising turn of events, India has emerged as an aluminum supplier to Russia, the world’s second-largest aluminum exporter. This development, reported by Sputnik based on Indian customs data, marks a first for recent times.
According to the analysis, India exported 44,800 tons of unprocessed aluminum to Russian companies in April 2024, valued at $16.5 million. This shipment is particularly noteworthy given Russia’s well-established position as a major aluminum exporter, with exports valued at $6.5 billion in 2023.
This surge in imports by Russia comes as the country faces challenges in its aluminum production due to geopolitical events. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is the world’s second-largest producer of aluminum, Russia lost access to two critical sources of alumina. A Ukrainian refinery suspended its alumina production, and Australia banned alumina supplies to Russia.
This development has the potential to alter trade dynamics between the two nations. It remains to be seen if this is a one-time event or the start of a new trend in India-Russia aluminum trade.