[ferro-alloys.com]Norwegian aluminum producer Norsk Hydro has told Rusal it "may be necessary" to declare force majeure on "certain contracts" in order for Hydro to uphold its obligations under US sanctions, the company said Friday.

"Hydro estimates the potential impact on its production and customers would not be significant, neither upstream, nor downstream," it said in a statement.

Hydro said it will "utilize its strong market presence to mitigate potential impact arising from the US sanctions, aiming to minimize the effects on its customers."

The company said the latest round of sanctions, announced April 6, has caused uncertainty in world aluminum markets, as it included Russian aluminum producer Rusal.

"While it is too early to say how this may impact the global industry going forward, Hydro monitors the situation closely and is evaluating possible longer-term effects," it said. "Hydro will aim to continue business as usual, ensuring that the company and its customers do not run any risk of breaching US sanctions against Rusal."

• [Editor:王可]