Belgium-based Federation of Aluminium Consumers in Europe (FACE) released its statement along with four business associations representing aluminum consumers in Germany and Italy, claiming that the ban on Russia’s aluminum would significantly injure the EU’s aluminum value chain.
Mario Conserva, Secretary General of FACE, said the calls for banning Russian aluminum were to easily eliminate competitors adopting non-market practices and turn Europe into a captive market.
He said that small and medium-sized businesses account for 90% of the EU aluminum industry workforce and 70% of the output; however, their interests haven’t been taken into account when formulating trade and supply policy.
Therefore, the associations called on the London Metal Exchange (LME) to reject demands for sanctions on Russian aluminum.