As the Russia-Ukraine conflict nears its two-year mark, U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday that the U.S. plans to unveil a series of major sanctions against Russia this Friday. The news immediately triggered reactions in international markets, causing short-term price spikes for key metals like aluminum and nickel, highlighting the global markets sensitivity to this development.

The immediate trigger for these sanctions was the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in Penal Colony No. 3 in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan noted that the new sanctions would target Russias defense and industrial base as well as revenue streams, which are seen as enablers of Russias war machine and domestic repression.

White House spokesperson John Kirby further clarified that the sanctions aim to hold Russia accountable for Navalnys death and its actions in Ukraine. US Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson is currently in Europe discussing sanctions over Navalnys death, underscoring the gravity of the US response.

Following Bidens sanction warning, global metal markets reacted swiftly. Aluminum prices rose 1.8% and nickel 1.3% on the London Metal Exchange (LME), reflecting supply uncertainty concerns given Russias significant role in global nickel and aluminum production.

Previously, the UK moved to block its individuals/entities from trading Russian physical metals like aluminum, copper, and nickel, hinting at coordinated action with allies. While Russian metals had largely escaped broad sanctions earlier, the US announcement has reignited market fears over potential new restrictions.

Analysts predict continued volatility in affected metal markets as US sanctions take effect. Beyond impacting Russias economy, this may trigger realignments in global metal supply chains. With escalating international sanctions, markets will closely monitor long-term effects on trade and metal prices.