Reuters reported that French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a corridor for Canada to exempt Airbus and other aerospace companies from Russia's titanium sanctions - a very important material in the aviation industry.
The sensitive proposal was made during a phone call between French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in March 2024, weeks after Canada became the first Western country to include Russia's titanium VSMPO-AVISMA company in the list of sanctioned entities. Meanwhile, Airbus, a France-based company and other aircraft manufacturers still rely on Russian titanium supplies at factories in Canada.
A source close to the French leader said that Mr. Macron had made "significant efforts" to convince Mr. Trudeau to grant exemptions to European companies.
Many messages have been conveyed at all levels, the source added, referring to diplomatic pressure from Paris.
A Canadian source said that Mr. Macron raised the issue during a phone call with Mr. Trudeau on March 29 before the visit of French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who also mentioned the issue during his stay in Canada.
Canada was initially seen as determined to keep the ban, but in a few days changed its policy and exempted Airbus and other airlines. Accordingly, Canada allows Airbus factories in this country to use Russian titanium in production, although Canada's ban on this strategic item is still in effect.
Debates between senior leaders on exempting Russia's titanium restrictions show that Western countries are having difficulty sanctioning Russia without harming the supply chain of key industries.
VSMPO-AVISMA was previously the world's largest titanium producer. Titanium is a very important material for the aerospace industry, often used to produce aircraft parts such as the wing, engine, interior parts and supporting structures, because of its light, durable, and high antioxidant properties.
Although the West has increased sanctions against Russia, it has previously avoided restricting access to VSMPO alloys and specialized materials for fear of harming the aerospace industry.
Canada's surprise decision to ban imports from VSMPO coincides with the 2nd anniversary of Russia's military campaign in Ukraine, causing the aerospace industry to lose vigilance.
One source said that emergency calls to Ottawa began immediately, literally on the same day the ban was announced.
Airbus is expected to face the most difficulties. All of the company's top A350-1000 landing gear comes from a single plant in Ontario, Canada.
Airbus is one of the organizations with a larger voice for corridors and they have done so through the French government, the Canadian source said.
