Boeing titanium joint venture remains uncertain despite Russia’s overture

VSMPO-AVISMA

Russia signaled interest in reviving the Boeing titanium joint venture with VSMPO-AVISMA. However, Boeing has not indicated any plans to return. Sanctions, tariffs, and long requalification timelines complicate any restart of the Boeing titanium joint venture. Supply chains have shifted since 2022 and will not reverse quickly. The Boeing titanium joint venture once lowered logistics costs and secured critical forgings.

Ural Boeing Manufacturing’s past and the sanctions hurdle

Ural Boeing Manufacturing previously machined titanium forgings for the 787 and 737. The partnership expanded in 2010 and planned a second site in 2013. Boeing cut ties in March 2022 after Russia’s invasion. The US later imposed 70% tariffs on Russian unwrought titanium. VSMPO also faced export sanctions in 2023. These measures deter direct commercial engagement. Any revival would require regulatory relief and political alignment.

How Boeing filled the titanium gap

US and allied producers expanded premium-grade capacity after 2022. ATI added electron-beam melt for rotating-grade titanium. Perryman expanded melt and conversion capacity. TIMET is ramping a new Ravenswood ingot mill. Aerospace buyers still face long part qualifications. New PQ supply takes two to five years to certify. Boeing’s recovery also shapes demand. The 737 MAX returned to 38 jets per month. The 787 rose to seven per month.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Even if sanctions eased, a rapid restart looks unlikely. Boeing diversified supply and invested in non-Russian PQ routes. Reversing that shift would add risk without clear benefits.