Airbus Aerostructures, Norsk Titanium in titanium delivery deal

(Reuters) - Airbus Aerostructures and Norway's Norsk Titanium have completed Master Supply Agreement negotiations for delivery of titanium parts, the Norwegian metal 3D printing company said on Monday.

The European Union has so far not banned certain Russian commodities, and titanium remains exempt from restrictions imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Airbus has said it is trying to identify alternative titanium supplies as it would halt its reliance on Russia. Earlier, Airbus relied on Russia for about half its titanium needs.

Some defence companies, including Airbus, have urged European leaders to refrain from Russian titanium sanctions.

Russia is the largest producer of titanium, a strategic metal prized for its strength relative to its weight. It is used mainly in aircraft engines and landing gear for large planes. The agreement between Airbus Aerostructures, which manages and delivers rear fuselages and large structural components to Airbus, is expected to be signed shortly, Norsk Titanium said in a statement.

It did not disclose financial details.

(Reporting by Elsa Ohlen; editing by David Evans)