Europe faces critical gunpowder and TNT shortages

Europe is facing a shortage of gunpowder and TNT at a critical time. Ammunition manufacturers are increasing their production efforts to meet a surge in demand for explosives. The shortage has been highlighted by the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has caused European governments to deplete their munitions stockpiles. They are now trying to produce more artillery shells, missiles, and bullets to support their defense needs. At Nitrochemie Aschau, a German explosives factory, production capacity has grown by 60% since Russia's invasion in 2022. The factory is still ramping up operations and planning to increase output by another 40% by mid-2025. Over 300 new employees have been hired to work around the clock to meet rising demands. However, many manufacturers are struggling with supply chain issues and limited materials. The EU has set ambitious goals to increase munitions production, aiming to produce two million artillery shells by 2025, up from 1.4 million the previous year. They launched the Act in Support of Ammunition Production to allocate funds for expanding manufacturing capacity. Yet, experts warn that the current efforts may not be enough to meet demand as global conditions change. Europe's reliance on imports for key materials complicates the situation. Key components for explosives, like nitrocellulose, come from overseas, with high-grade cotton primarily imported from China. Regulatory challenges and supply chain bottlenecks further hinder the ability to scale production quickly. Despite some manufacturers receiving grants for expansion, there are concerns about whether recent demand will continue. The logistics of producing military-grade materials from civilian sources are complex and costly. Industry experts emphasize the need for reduced regulatory burdens and increased investment in the defense sector to address these challenges effectively. European defense capabilities must ramp up quickly to counter potential threats, particularly from Russia. The urgency of addressing ammunition shortages has never been clearer, with experts urging a coordinated approach within Europe to meet its strategic needs.