Russian shipping difficulties affect metal trade-titanium, chromium, cobalt, nickel is affected

May 29, 2024, 11:58 AM

TDD-global

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The escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine has severely disrupted supply chains, particularly affecting metal exports. Major shipping lines like Maersk and MSC have halted operations in Russia, exacerbating financing challenges. Import bans in Europe complicate the situation further, leading to widespread shortages and delays in shipments of critical metals like titanium and chromium. As traders struggle with stranded materials and payment uncertainties, the market faces significant disruptions.

As the escalating conflict in Russia and Ukraine has disrupted supply at some major Russian ports, serious financing challenges are hindering a large number of metals produced in or exported from Russia, and end-users are increasingly worried about shipments.

titanium (Ti) ,Supplies were disrupted at some of Russia's major ports,Titanium, chromium, cobalt, nickel supply chain

Maersk (Maersk), Duffy (CMA) and Mediterranean Shipping (MSC) - -jointly handling more than half of the world's container transport operations- -all suspended non-essential operations in and out of Russia earlier last week.They all operate 1,965 container ships out of 6,337 worldwide, according to shipping consultancy Alphaliner.

titanium (Ti) ,Supplies were disrupted at some of Russia's major ports,Titanium, chromium, cobalt, nickel supply chain

Import restrictions in the recipient European countries further hinder supply chains.Britain has banned Russian ships from entering British ports, causing trouble for any importer of scrap titanium, chromium or nickel via Russia or from Russia or Central Europe.Chromium and iron chromium producers who receive chromium deposits from Kazakhstan via the Russian transit route are also receiving attention.Suppliers of these containers are expected to be diverted as some countries impose bans on containers from Russia.

titanium (Ti) ,Supplies were disrupted at some of Russia's major ports,Titanium, chromium, cobalt, nickel supply chain

Market participants noted widespread supply disruptions in the port of St. Petersburg, Russia's largest metal outlet channel.A Russian titanium trader said it had stranded hundreds of tons in ports and customers were unable to buy it.St. Petersburg has other traders with similar problems, with materials waiting for payment in the port last week.Due to the lack of shipping containers, it is unclear if the titanium iron will be shipped even if payment is successful.Some companies have also tried partly to avoid purchasing metal materials related to Russia, causing delays in the delivery of long-term contracts and forcing traders to redesignate purchases.

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