Russian enterprises completely stopped deliveries of unprocessed lead abroad after the introduction of export licensing, having not received the one-time licenses for metal export promised by the Russian government.
According to Kommersant, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has not yet issued a single license and has not explained to companies how long permits will appear.
At the same time, exports to the EU were actually stopped back in March due to problems with logistics and interbank settlements amid sanctions, and from July 10, deliveries from Russia to the EU will be prohibited, according to the fifth package of European sanctions.
Unprocessed lead in Russia is produced from lead-containing waste, in particular from old lead-acid batteries (OSKAB). To obtain a permit for the export of lead, the supplier must have a license for the collection, disposal, processing and neutralization of toxic waste of the second hazard class (OSKAB belongs to them).
The government of the Russian Federation explained that the introduction of export licensing "is aimed at preventing a shortage of lead in the Russian Federation in the face of external restrictions," and the Ministry of Industry and Trade added that the measure would reduce prices within the country.
Due to the halt in exports and falling domestic demand, the factories have already accumulated two-month lead stocks, and the loading of some has fallen to 30% of capacity.
