Russian Aluminum Exports to South Korea Reach Record Levels in July

In July 2024, Russia reclaimed its position as the top aluminum supplier to South Korea, increasing exports by 48% compared to June, reaching 29.8 thousand tons, according to reports from *RIA Novosti*. This marked the highest volume since March and amounted to $78 million in shipments. Russia had previously been the leading supplier in March but dropped to second through fourth place from April to June.

In July, the top five aluminum suppliers to South Korea were rounded out by Australia (28.79 thousand tons), India (19.04 thousand tons), Malaysia (14.78 thousand tons), and Qatar (8.21 thousand tons). In addition to aluminum, Russia also exported smaller volumes of aluminum wire (541.8 tons) and aluminum sheets and strips over 0.2 mm thick (146.5 tons) to South Korea.

For two consecutive months, Russian aluminum exports to South Korea have continued to rise, reaching 30.5 thousand tons worth $80 million, placing Russia third in the market behind China and Australia.

Over the first seven months of 2024, Russia exported 185.4 thousand tons of aluminum and related products to South Korea, valued at $542 million. This represented a 17% increase from the same period in 2023 when South Korea imported 286.8 thousand tons of aluminum worth $701 million from Russia.