Русский
Russian unwrought aluminium shipments to Brazil rose 190% to US$47.8 million over the past eight months, according to official Brazilian statistical data. Exports picked up during the summer months, as Russian aluminium exports to Brazil hit US$18.6 million, about twice the level seen a year earlier.
Russia ranks fourth among Brazil’s top five suppliers of unwrought aluminium, behind Argentina and Venezuela and ahead of India and Spain. In addition, Russian companies also shipped US$97.8 million worth of aluminium sheets more than 0.2 mm thick to Brazil during the first eight months of the year, plus a further US$41.9 million in other aluminium products.
This has occurred after the United States imposed a 50% tariff on aluminium imports. That has disrupted global flows. Brazil’s exports to the US dropped 25% in the first half of 2025, costing producers around USD 210 million. Although Brazil’s direct exposure to the US was limited, surplus shipments from other suppliers were redirected into new markets. Imports into Brazil have climbed 6.6%, according to Brazilian government data.
A Brazilian trader explained, “Brazil didn’t export much aluminium to the US, but other global producers did, so there’s an excess of material.” Traders also reported that Russia’s top producer, Rusal, has also entered the market with small trial sales.
The trader commented, “I have been hearing a lot of rumours about Rusal’s approach. I heard that it had already made some sales and the cargo was about to arrive, and they would do a test of the material.”
More imports could follow if prices fall further, making overseas material competitive for Brazil’s construction, automotive and packaging buyers. Rusal is scaling back production in Russia but is still selling abroad. It is cutting production by about 6% (250,000 tonnes) due to high alumina costs and weak domestic demand, while testing sales in Brazil. The company is also building alumina capacity to reduce cost risks.
