Dependence on Chinese cotton threatens to expand the production of ammunition needed to replenish European stocks and support Ukraine in the war with Russia. This is emphasized by European defense contractors, UNN reports with reference to The Financial Times.
The publication reminds us that European countries cannot quickly increase ammunition production because they lack basic materials for shells. It is not only gunpowder and explosives, but also components for their production. The main ingredient for the production of nitrocellulose, which is used in the manufacture of gunpowder and artillery shells, is cotton lint.
Swedish Saab and German Rheinmetal, along with other European arms manufacturers, are concerned about overdependence on cotton linen from China. The Financial Times notes that as of 2022, China accounted for 49.3% of global exports of lint.
Europe receives "more than 70%" of lint from China for the production of nitrocellulose powder, the publication quotes Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger as saying.
"There is a risk (that China may refuse to provide lint for geopolitical reasons). And that is why we are buying it in maximum volumes to replenish our stocks," said Papperger.
Another industry representative adds that there is a huge shortage of nitrocellulose, which is causing difficulties in other industries.
Saab also talks about the risks of dependence on China .
".... may pose an increased risk in the future as we and the industry increase capacity and production in Europe," the company added.
And while there are no supply problems right now, Saab suggests that in the long run, weapons manufacturers may have to consider alternative ways to produce critical materials.
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The demand for 155 mm artillery shells has increased sharply amid Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Financial Times reports. The European Union intends to increase production of such shells to 1.4 million per year to replenish the stocks of member states that have sent ammunition to Ukraine. Among other things, the EU has created a two billion euro fund to develop European arms production.