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Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, specific sectoral sanctions and related measures against Russia have been introduced; however, there has been no comprehensive government-led action to prevent the widespread use of Russian metal1 . In parallel, the LME has been closely monitoring the usage and throughflow of Russian metal on the LME, to ensure that LME warehouses do not see a significant inflow of unwanted Russian stocks, posing a risk of creating a disorderly or unfair market. Through 2022, the LME’s understanding is that consumers have broadly been willing to take deliveries of Russian metal (which is supported by data as to the flow of Russian stocks both into and out of LME warehouses). However, as the current negotiation period for 2023 supply agreements progresses, the LME understands that an increasing number of consumers may be expressing an unwillingness to accept Russian metal in 2023. As a result, and in light of the potentially changing market landscape, the LME now considers it appropriate to gather further data and views. This paper considers the role of the LME in this scenario, provides background and data on the subject, and asks for market feedback on possible routes forward.
