In a significant diplomatic move, French President Emmanuel Macron personally intervened to persuade Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to provide relief from sanctions on Russian titanium for Airbus and other aerospace firms. This intervention came in the wake of Canada's decision to impose sanctions on the strategic metal, which diverged from the stance of its allies. The request was made during a phone call between the two leaders in March.
The sanctions on Russian titanium were part of the international response to Russia's actions in Ukraine. However, the aerospace industry, with Airbus at the forefront, found itself in a precarious position due to its reliance on high-quality titanium from Russia. VSMPO-AVISMA, a Russian company, has historically been the largest producer of aerospace-grade titanium, which is essential for manufacturing critical components such as engine parts and landing gear.
The French President's efforts included a "significant effort" to convince Trudeau, with diplomatic and industrial pressure applied at various levels. This culminated in a phone call on March 29, ahead of French premier Gabriel Attal's visit to Canada. The lobbying was supported by at least one other European government, highlighting the collective concern over the impact of sanctions on the aerospace sector. Initially, Canada maintained its stance on the sanctions. However, within days, the policy was modified, granting waivers to Airbus and other companies. This move, although providing relief to the aerospace firms, sparked a political debate over sanctions policy in Canada and drew criticism from Ukraine's ambassador.
The situation underscores the complexities that Western nations face in imposing sanctions on Russia. While the intent is to penalize Russia for its military aggression, the interconnectedness of global supply chains poses challenges. Industries like aerospace plan years in advance and rely on materials like titanium, making it difficult to quickly shift away from established suppliers. Airbus has stated that it is "complying with all applicable sanctions related to Russia," reflecting the delicate balance companies must maintain between adhering to international policies and ensuring the continuity of their operations. The French and Canadian leaders' offices declined to comment on the matter, which remains sensitive due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the critical nature of the materials involved.