The contradiction: aluminium exports vs. overall trade decline
While most Finnish companies have reduced their trade with Russia, a select few have capitalised on exceptions in EU sanctions. These loopholes allow the export of non-restricted items, such as winter tyre studs, creating an avenue for increased aluminium trade. The export swell is vividly owed to Turvanasta, a family-owned company established in the 1980s that produces these studs. One of Turvanasta's co-owners is Ia Adlercreutz, wife of Education Minister Anders Adlercreutz, who also chairs the Swedish People's Party (SPP). Only Turvanasta, out of the three companies producing these items, exports to Russia.