By Pratima Desai

LONDON (Reuters] – The possibility of Russian commodities supplies being disrupted has brought attention to the metals used in aerospace, marine and automotive industries.

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United States and Europe imposed sanctions financial on Russian individuals and banks.

Russian commodities exporters, such as VSMPO – Avisma (which supplies titanium to the planemakers Boeing and Airbus), are not currently subject to sanctions.

Airbus stated that it relies only on Russia for 50% of its titanium needs. A U.S. Industry source however said VSMPO–AVISMA met a third.

However, a Western alliance decision to exclude “selected Russian banks” from SWIFT could result in a disruption of Russia’s export commodities and could also lead to the suspension of container shipping to or from Russia.

WHERE IS TITANIUM PRODUCED?

The titanium minerals used in making the sponge are turned into industrial metals.

China, which produced 57%, of the global production of titanium sponge at 210,000 tonnes in 2013, according to U.S. Geological Survey.

USGS data indicates that Japan ranks second with 17% and Russia is third with 13%. Kazakhstan produced 16,000 tonnes, while Ukraine produced 3,700 tonnes.

Russia’s titanium reserves are low.

“In 2021 Ukraine was the leading source of titanium mineral concentrates imports into Russia,” USGS said. Other top sources were Mozambique, Kazakhstan and Vietnam.

The USGS has estimated that Ukraine produced 525,000 tons of titanium mineral concentrates during the past year.

WHO IMPORTS TITANIUM?

According to Consultancy CRU, China was the biggest importer of titanium sponge in 2018, with over 16,000 tonnes. This is up from 6,000 tonnes for 2020.

America was second with 16,000 tonnes, down from 19,000 for 2020.

Japan exports titanium sponge the most to China and America, with a combined shipment of 8,000 and 14,000 tonnes last year.

Analysts at CRU said that the recovery in aerospace and construction industries last year has led to an increase in titanium product demand post-pandemic.

The prices for titanium sponge are at an all-time high of nearly 9 percent since December and currently stand at $9 per kg.

WHAT PURPOSE IS TITANIUM USERED FOR?

In the aerospace sector, titanium is used for making landing gear blades, turbine discs and blades. In the marine industry, titanium sheet is used to build ships and submarines. And in the automotive sector, it’s used in parts of internal combustion engines.

The titanium provides protection against fatigue cracking in chemical processing. Titanium wire in vaping is used for temperature regulation and safety.

Due to its similar density and strength to bone tissue, titanium is used in joint replacements as well as dental implants.

What’s in a Name?

Titanium’s name is derived form the Titans in Greek mythology. The metal accounts for approximately 0.6% on the earth’s surface.

This metal is extremely resistant to corrosion and hardy. While titanium is just as strong and durable as steel, it’s 45% lighter.