According to the global export-import data, Russia’s aluminium powder and flakes exports in 2018 is estimated to see a decline compared to the last two years. As per the data, the estimated aluminium powder and flakes exports by Russia in 2016 was at 22,413 tonnes, which in the next year (2017) grew 9 per cent to 24,413 tonnes. But after a year-on-year growth last year, Russia’s estimated aluminium powder and flakes exports this year are likely to drop to 22,026 tonnes, down 2 per cent from 2016 and 10 per cent from 2017.

However, despite a fall in exports volume, the revenue out of it is likely to continue to remain steady this year. Last year in 2017, Russia’s estimated aluminium powder and flakes exports revenue were at US$ 27 million after growing from US$ 23 million in 2016. This year, the revenue is expected to remain the same at US$ 27 million, like that of the last year.

Germany is the biggest importer of aluminium powder and flakes from Russia. In 2018, the country is expected to buy around 12,749 tonnes of powder from Russia. In 2016 and 2017, Germany had imported about 12,262 tonnes and 13,590 tonnes, respectively. This shows Germany’s aluminium powder and flakes imports from Russia in 2016 were lower than in 2018.

Germany was in fact, the first country which raised the signs of alarm that U.S. sanctions against Russia’s major aluminium producer Rusal would hurt manufacturers outside of Russia.