MakroChem terminating Russian activity as carbon black sanctions loom

Lublin, Poland – Polish carbon black distributor MakroChem has announced plans to terminate its operations in Russia ahead of EU sanctions coming into effect next summer.

The company said it closed its representative office in the country in August and has decided to sell all shares in the Russian subsidiary by the end of the year.

“Preparations are currently underway to conclude an appropriate agreement, and MakroChem will inform [customers] about the final sale of shares in a special announcement,” said a recent company announcement.

The Polish distributor went on to add that its current import of carbon black from Russia is “carried out in accordance with the law”, meeting the quota established by the EU in February.

The quota, it said, enables the purchase and transport of carbon black to the European Union until 30 June 2024.

“As of 30 June 2024, in accordance with the provisions of the sanctions package, MakroChem will stop importing carbon black from Russia,” the company added, noting full termination of operations in Russia by July next year.

Founded in 1995, MakroChem distributes roughly 200 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa) of carbon black for tire and rubber application in Europe.

According to previous announcements by the company, the amount includes 160ktpa of Russian-origin carbon black and 30ktpa of Chinese-origin carbon black.