Ukraine crisis: News reports

ERJ tracks the impact of developments around the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the internastional rubber & tire industry:

4 May
Cabot sees increased interest from European customers 

Boston, Massachusetts – Cabot Corp. is seeing "significant interest" from existing customers as well prospective buyers, "that are urgently looking for carbon black supply in Europe, due to global sanctions on Russian products. Read more

Titan halts investment in Russian tire plant

Chicago, Illinois – US off-highway tire manufacturer Titan International, Inc. has halted investment in its Russian operations, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and global sanctions on Moscow. Read more

29 April
Nokian expects “significant impact” from Ukraine war, Russian sanctions

Nokia, Finland – Nokian Tyres has reported a strong start to 2022, but the Russian war on Ukraine and the EU’s sanctions on Moscow are likely to have significant impact on its results. Read more

28 April
BASF to wind down activities in Russia, Belarus

Ludwigshafen, Germany – German chemicals major BASF has announced plans to wind down the company’s remaining business activities in Russia and Belarus in reaction to Moscow’s war on Ukraine. Read more

25 April

UK imposing 35% tariffs on Russian 'rubber product' imports

London - The UK Government has imposed increased tariffs on imports of rubber products from Russia and Belarus, its department for international trade has announced. Read more

21 April
Conti resumes tire production in Russia 'to protect employees'

Hanover, Germany – Continental is “temporarily resuming” production of passenger tires for the local market at its Russian plant in Kaluga, the company has confirmed. Read more

13 April

Ukraine crisis clouds positive first quarter for EU tire makers

Brussels – The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) has reported year-on-year sales increases in almost all tire market segments for the first quarter of 2022. Read more

Rubber products ban part of new EU sanctions on Russia

Brussels - The European Union has announced an extended imports ban, including on rubber products, within its fifth package of restrictive measures against Russia. Read more

8 April

Trelleborg halts construction of sealings plant in Russia

Trelleborg, Sweden – Trelleborg Group has announced that it halted the construction of a manufacturing plant in Russia more than a month ago, following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 Feb. Read more

7 April

Amaplast ‘alarmed’ by price hikes, raw materials shortage

Modena, Italy – Three Italian industrial associations have voiced their concerns over the increasing costs of production and shortage of raw materials in the country and have urged national and European officials to take urgent action to address the issue. Read more

6 April

Avon says Ukraine war highlighted ‘criticality of products’

Melksham, UK – The recent events in Ukraine have highlighted the criticality of Avon Protection’s products with a “notable increase” in customer enquiry activity, the company has announced in a trading update. Read more

31 March

Nokian planning to invest in new capacity in Europe

Nokia, Finland – Nokian Tyres plc is expediting its plans to invest in new production capacity in Europe to address the high uncertainty caused by the Russian war on Ukraine. Read more

29 March

German chemicals industry sees ‘change of picture’ for 2022 outlook

Frankfurt, Germany – The production conditions within the German chemicals industry are ‘rapidly deteriorating’ due to the ongoing war in the Ukraine, the industrial association VCI has warned. Read more

24 March

Leoni restarts automotive wire production in Ukraine

Nuremberg, Germany – Leoni AG has partially resumed the production of automotive wires in Ukraine “under the strictest safety regulations and on a limited scale”. Read more

23 March

Semperit sees “major challenges” ahead following record year

Vienna – Semperit Group has posted record results for the year 2021, but expects a rough year ahead as Russia-Ukraine war continues to pose multiple challenges and demand declines for rubber gloves. Read more

Bekaert continues with Russian tire cord project

Brussels - Bekaert SA is proceeding with a previously announced €20-million expansion of its rubber reinforcement production plant in Lipetsk, the company has confirmed. Read more

22 March

Nokian continues operations in Russia to maintain assets

Nokia, Finland – Nokian Tyres is continuing to operate its passenger car tire production plant in Vsevolozhsk, Russia while ‘actively looking for additional capacity’ elsewhere. Read more

Sibur changes governance structure following sanctions on boss

Moscow – Sibur Holding’s Dmitry Konov has resigned from his key positions within the Russian petrochemicals giant following his inclusion in the EU and UK sanctions list. Read more

21 March

Yokohama halting tire production at Russian factory

Tokyo – Yokohama Rubber Industries will “gradually stop” production at LLC Yokohama RPZ, its Russian subsidiary which manufactures of passenger car tires. Read more

VCI withdraws 2022 outlook, calls for ‘reprioritisation’ of political projects

Frankfurt, Germany – The German chemicals industry association (VCI) has withdrawn its 2022 outlook on the back of the ongoing war in Ukraine, whichb it says has led to an “explosion in energy prices”. Read more

18 March

Pirelli halts investments in Russia, ‘progressively limiting activities’

Milan, Italy – Pirelli has signalled a reduction of activities in Russia, amid an ongoing war in Ukraine and continued supply chain disruptions in the region. Read more

Enviro sees ‘sharp rise of interest’ in rBC in wake of Ukraine war

Stockholm – Waste tire pyrolysis company Scandinavian Enviro Systems has seen a “sharp increase of interest” in recovered carbon black and pyrolysis oil since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia on 24 Feb. Read more

17 March

Michelin suspends tire production in Russia

Clermont-Ferrand, France – The Michelin Group is suspending its industrial activity in Russia, as well as its exports to the country following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Read more

Cabot donates $250k for Ukraine support

Boston, Massachusetts – Cabot Corp. is donating $250,000 to charitable organisations in support of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, the company announced 16 March. Given the far-reaching impact of the crisis, Cabot said contributions will be distributed to its sites in Europe to support local charitable efforts.

16 March

WDK warns of "massive" war-linked impact on automotive rubber suppliers

Frankfurt, Germany – Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has had a ‘massive impact’ on German rubber industry, including manufacturers of rubber goods, tires, and seals, according to the industry association WDK. Read more

Leoni lowers ’22 guidance on impact of Ukraine war

Nuremberg, Germany – Leoni AG has adjusted its guidance for the 2022 financial year as a result of the war in Ukraine and the related economic impact. Read more

15 March

Freudenberg ceasing operations in Russia, Belarus

Weinheim, Germany – The Freudenberg Group is ceasing all trading activities in and out of Russia and Belarus as a result of the invasion of Ukraine, according to the German group’s CEO Mohsen Sohi. Read more

High energy prices to burden 62% of German companies

Cologne, Germany – A large number of German companies expect to be hit by higher energy prices, as the stand-off between Russia and the West, and the war in Ukraine continues. Read more

14 March

Bridgestone suspending production in Russia

Tokyo – Bridgestone Corp. is suspending the production of tires in Russia and halting exports to the country in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Read more

IISPR announces new president, relocates AGM from Russia

Houston, Texas – The International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers (IISRP) has moved the location of its 2022 annual general meeting from Saint Petersburg to the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. Read more

11 March 

Shortages will impact supply chains ‘for years’

London - Global supply chain resilience has plunged over the last year, with the Ukraine conflict set to make matters still worse warns a key market report. Read more

10 March

EU tire & rubber sector adapts to Russia/Ukraine crisis

Brussels - The European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) is closely following developments in Ukraine and gathering information to assist the industry, while hoping for an early, diplomatic end to the crisis. Read more

Ukraine crisis: Semperit 2022 results to be ‘significantly below market expectations’

Vienna – Semperit Group expects its 2022 annual results to be "significantly below average market expectations" due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the ensuing restrictive Measures. Read more

9 March

Conti halts tire production in Russia, warns of ‘long-lasting effects’ of crisis

Hanover, Germany – Continental AG has temporarily suspended production of tires at its manufacturing plant in Kaluga, western Russia, as the war against Ukraine continues. Read more

Nokian says Ukraine war impacting logistics, lead times to customers

Nokia, Finland – Nokian Tyres has seen its Russian operations impacted by transportation capacity availability, and lead-times to customers have increased. Read more

MacLellan Rubber assesses impact of Ukraine crisis

Wolverhampton, UK - MacLellan Rubber has issued a statement on the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on its business, while also expressing sympathy with the millions of people so tragically affected by the conflict. Read more

VCI: Procurement market to feel impact of Russia-Ukraine conflict

Frankfurt, Germany – The German chemical industry association VCI expects the procurement market for chemical and pharmaceutical industries to be impacted by the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Read more

7 March

Orion operations 'insulated' from impact of crisis

Houston, Texas – Orion Engineered Carbons has issued a statement in the response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, saying the crisis has little impact on its operations in Europe.  In a statement 7 Marhc, the US carbon black manufacturer said it did not have any direct risk exposure in Russia or Ukraine and did not import carbon black oil as feedstock from Russia. Read more

Solvay suspends Russia operations, donates €1m 

Brussels – Solvay SA has halted its operations and new investments in Russia, in response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. In addition, the company said it had donated €1 million to the Belgian and International Red Cross in support of relief efforts for the civilians impacted in Ukraine.
“We stand behind all our employees, including our Ukrainian and Russian colleagues in such an unprecedented crisis, and will provide all the necessary support, including salaries and benefits,” said Ilham Kadri, CEO of Solvay.

Lion Elastomers ‘closely monitoring’ supply challenges

Port Neches, Texas – Lion Elastomers is working with both suppliers and customers to minimise any possible impact of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine on its deliveries. The US supplier said shipping crisis continues both domestically and internationally. Read more

4 March

Pirelli to donate €500k to help refugees

Milan, Italy - Pirelli has decided to donate €500,000 to help Ukranian refugees stricken by the war the company announced 4 March. In addition, the company will also establish a bank account accessible to its employees to collect their donations. “Pirelli forcefully condemns what is happening and its thoughts are with the people who are suffering, said its statement.

Covestro offers ‘targeted donation’ to help Ukrainian refugees

Leverkusen, Germany – Covestro AG has donated €250,000 to the UN refugee aid (UNO Flüchtlingshilfe), the German partner organisation of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), to help support Ukrainian refugees. In addition, the German materials supplier is providing its companies in Slovakia and Poland, where many Ukrainian refugees are currently arriving, with further another €40,000, to be donated to local aid organisations.

Canadian Tire Corp. halts “Helly Hansen” operations in Russia

Toronto, Ontario – Canadian Tire Corp. has temporarily paused its Helly Hansen operations in Russia, which include its retail stores, eCommerce site and product shipments. Helly Hansen operates 41 retail locations and employs over 300 people in Russia. During the temporary pause in operations, store employees will continue to be paid and supported, said the company in a 4 March statement.

Michelin halts production at some European plants

Clermont-Ferrand – Michelin Group is suspending production at some of its European plants for a few days in the coming weeks, in the wake of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its impact on supply chain. The French tire maker said it faces 'major logistical and transportation' issues in Europe.  Read more

Koelnmesse suspends cooperation with Russian companies

Cologne, Germany – Koelnmesse is suspending its cooperation with Russian companies in accordance with measures and requirements of the German government, the trade fair company has announced. The move is set to impact Russian exhibitors lined up for The Tire Cologne expo in May. Read more

EU imposes rubber-product sanctions on Belarus

Brussels - The European Union has imposed sanctions on the trade in Belarus involving goods used for the production or manufacture of rubber products. Read more

Nynas halts trade with Russia

Stockholm – Nynas AB has halted purchase of feedstock of Russian origin, and sales to customers in Russia and Belarus, following Moscow's war on Ukraine. “The Russian invasion of Ukraine and its tragic consequences throughout the region have prompted Nynas to reconsider its supplies from Russia and also sales to the country,” said Nynas. Read more

3 March

SMMT says Ukraine crisis to ‘inevitably impact’ automotive industry

London – UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, calling for an end to the conflict through ‘all diplomatic financial and trading mechanisms.’ “Inevitably, there will be an impact on the sector and SMMT will support its members in their efforts both to protect their staff who may be affected as well as with the pressures it will put on their business,” said CEO Mike Hawes in a 3 March statement.

1 March

No EU block on rubber, tire imports from Russia

Brussels – The European Union has not imposed any sanctions on imports of Russian-made tires, rubber products and components or synthetic rubber materials. As of 28 Feb, the bloc “has not introduced any restrictions to the exports of [these] products from Russia to the EU,” a European Commission spokeswoman stated. Read more

Pirelli moves to offset rising costs

Milan, Italy – Pirelli aims to mitigate the increasing cost-impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis with measures to increase the efficiency of its production plants as well as moves to raise prices for its tires. The current intensification of the Russia-Ukraine crisis is leading to an increase in oil and energy prices, according to executive vice chairman and CEO Marco Tronchetti Provera. Read more

Nokian withdraws 2022 outlook

Nokia, Finland – Nokian Tyres has withdrawn its outlook for 2022, due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. In a statement 28 Feb, the Finnish tire maker said the Russian military actions in Ukraine and the consequent sanctions had caused “significant uncertainty” for the company. Read more

Fallout looms over tire majors' plants in Russia

London - European tire makers are monitoring the implications of Western governments’ response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including potential trade bans, currency shifts and other sanction effects. Among the most exposed is Finnish manufacturer Nokian Tyres, which generated €336 million of sales from its tire production operations, based in Vsevolozhsk, Russia last year. Read more

25 Feb

Conflict adds to concerns for German rubber industry

Frankfurt, Germany – While German rubber industry sales are expected to grow 7% in 2022, risk factors, including the ongoing Russia invasion of Ukraine, could heavily impact the market, according to the WDK. Conflict in Ukraine is currently causing risk premiums to “rise dramatically.” in addition to the challenges posed by already high commodity prices, the German rubber industry association said. Read more

24 Feb 

Crisis ‘could impact synthetic rubber market’

London - The severe escalation in the Ukraine crisis has raised concerns over possible disruption to Europe petrochemical market, with synthetic rubber among the sectors facing potential fallout. According to analysts at London-based Argus Media, with broader sanctions now looking increasingly likely, Europe-based participants will be assessing their risk-exposure and options. Read more