How has the Iran war affected Nornickel’s shipping routes and delivery times for base metals?

The Iran war has extended Nornickel’s base metals delivery times by about three weeks and increased freight costs; in response, the company stopped using the Suez Canal and now routes all sea shipments from Murmansk around Africa to ports like Tangier and Rotterdam, a shift described by VP Anton Berlin as causing ‘some logistical inconvenience, but nothing critical’.

What is Nornickel’s current sales distribution by region, and how has it adapted its export strategy after Western sanctions?

Nornickel’s current sales distribution is approximately 50% to China, 15% to Russia, 5% to the United States, with the remainder going to Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and other Asian markets; after sanctions, the company planned to sharply reduce shipments via Rotterdam and Tangier, reoriented supply chains toward Asia, and is considering investments in port infrastructure in the Middle East, Turkey, and Morocco to reduce reliance on European ports.

Nornickel Says Higher Prices Offset Increased Costs, Delivery Times from Iran War

Apr 17, 2026

Russian metals producer Nornickel stated higher metal prices offset increased freight costs and three-week delivery delays from rerouting around Africa due to the Iran war. Demand remains unchanged despite logistical disruptions.

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Nornickel Says Higher Prices Offset Increased Costs, Delivery Times from Iran War

Nornickel Says Higher Prices Offset Increased Costs, Delivery Times from Iran War

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