Makrochem hit by Polish government sanctions

Warsaw – Trading and operational activities at European carbon black distributor Makrochem SA have been halted by Polish government sanctions on the company and its owner.

The measures were imposed due to the Lublin, Poland-based company’s infringement of laws “counteracting support for aggression against Ukraine and for protection national security.”

Restrictions include a freezing of 'funds and economic resources' of owner Igor Lewenberg as well as a prohibition on the transfer of funding to or on behalf of Makrochem.

Signed off 2 Oct by Polish minister of interior and administration Mariusz Kami?ski, the sanctions document cites company funds of €806,979 and €558,255 transferred to Belarus and Russia respectively .

Among the main beneficiaries, it said, were Russian companies in the chemical and tire sectors: AO Jaros?awski Technical Coal, PAO Ni?niekamskszyna, AO Ni?niekamski Zak?ad W?gla Technicznych, OOO Togliattikauczuk, OOO Tatneft AZS Centre.

The document, for example, cites how Nizhnekamskshina produces tires mounted on Russian armoured cars used during military aggression against Ukraine.

Also listed is OOO Tatshina, under EU sanctions for its links to PJSC Nizhnekamskneftekhim subsidiaries, including TD Kama, Nizhnekamskshina and Nizhnekamsk All-Steel Tire Plant.

TD Kama, noted the minister, was sanctioned by the EU, Switzerland and Ukraine for supplying Kama Tires products installed on Russian infantry vehicles carrying anti-tank missiles during the invasion of Ukraine.

Makrochem operates three transloading stations in Poland and one in Spain, warehousing capacity of over 50,000 tonnes, company information shows.

With more than 140 bulk silo trailers, the independent distributor estimates its annual carbon black deliveries at around 200 000 tonnes, mainly for tire and rubber industries worldwide.

ERJ is requesting further information about these developments from Makrochem and other relevant parties.