Irish alumina exports to Russia rise as Aughinish remains a key supplier

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Aughinish Alumina exported more than 80 per cent of its alumina production to Russia during the first quarter of 2026, according to trade data cited in recent reports.

Irish exports to Russia rose by approximately 55 per cent between 2021 and 2025, increasing from EUR 539 million to EUR 836 million, according to Eurostat data.

The refinery, located in County Limerick, is considered the largest alumina refinery in Europe and remains an important part of the global aluminium supply chain. Only a small share of the plant’s output was shipped to other European Union countries during the period.

Aughinish Alumina is owned by United Company Rusal, one of the world's largest aluminium producers. The company is part of the broader EN+ Group, which has significant interests across the aluminium and energy sectors.

According to reports, alumina produced at the Irish refinery is transported through Russian ports before being supplied to aluminium smelters operated by Rusal. Some of the material is delivered to the company’s large smelting operations in Siberia, including facilities in Krasnoyarsk.

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The refinery has become increasingly important to Rusal's raw material supply network in recent years as the company adjusted its sourcing strategy and expanded partnerships in other markets.

In 2023, Rusal acquired a 30 per cent stake in Chinese alumina producer Hebei Wenfeng New Materials as part of efforts to strengthen its alumina supply base.

While some restrictions have been introduced on certain Russian metal products in recent years, alumina itself remains outside current sanctions measures, allowing exports from Ireland to continue under existing regulations.

Ireland’s government has maintained that alumina is not a sanctioned commodity and that its export is therefore permitted under European trade rules.

Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin has previously argued that measures affecting the refinery could have wider implications for industrial activity and employment. The refinery is also a major employer in the Limerick region and has repeatedly highlighted its economic contribution to the local economy.

Company representatives have continued to talk with government officials about changes in policy and the future operating environment for the facility. Irish exports to Russia have increased between 2021 and 2025, with alumina remaining as one of the most important industrial products for that trade.

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