Acetic acid market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, Russian acetic acid production hovered near 190 K t annually. Market volume, however, dipped in 2019 as producers redirected output to export markets, attracted by higher international prices. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily constrained production in early 2020, but full-year output remained resilient.

From 2021 onward, domestic consumption expanded, driven by increased use in the food and chemical sectors and by the growing liquid fertilizers segment, where acetic acid acts as a stabilizer. State-led import substitution programs further bolstered local manufacturing, while geopolitical tensions and sanctions reshaped trade patterns. By 2024, production had climbed to 221.5 K t and market volume reached 215.5 K t.

Production retreated to 195.8 K t in 2025, marking a post-surge adjustment. Over the eight-year span, the market demonstrated overall growth despite periodic shocks from external events.

Production acetic acid in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Acetic acid production in Russia has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Russia produced 196.0 K t of acetic acid, marking a gradual 3.6% rise compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 188.8 K t, which saw a decline of 0.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports acetic acid from Russia

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export volumes varied significantly, with the maximum recorded in 2019 at 54 780 t and the minimum in 2021 at 13 850 t, representing a fourfold difference. In 2021, Russia exported 13 850 t of acetic acid, down 68.2% from 2020. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 75.7% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Turkey, Finland, and Spain formed the main cluster of markets for acetic acid exports in kind. Turkey accounted for 31.3% of exports, Finland for 18.1%, and Spain for 14.8%, together representing 64.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Acetic acid exports from Russia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 13 250 K $ US, a sharp 29.0% drop from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 24.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 26 291 K $ US, which saw a 50.7% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2020, also at 29.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Turkey, Finland, and Spain remained the key destinations for acetic acid exports in value terms. Turkey represented 27.4% of exports, Finland 15.7%, and Spain 12.7%, together accounting for 55.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021

Imports acetic acid to Russia

Imports in kind, t

Acetic acid imports into Russia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 3 720 t, a moderate 5.7% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports surged by 179.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 40.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, South Korea, China, and Serbia accounted for the largest share of acetic acid imports in kind. South Korea represented 44.2% of imports, China 29.5%, and Serbia 14.5%, together comprising 88.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import values fluctuated, with the minimum recorded in 2019 at 1 258 K $ US and the peak in 2021 at 4 716 K $ US, showing a 3.7-fold difference. In 2021, foreign acetic acid supplies to Russia registered 4 716 K $ US, a substantial 156.3% gain compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 3.3% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2018-2021, China, South Korea, and Serbia formed the main group of destinations for acetic acid imports in value terms to Russia. China accounted for 33.3% of imports, South Korea for 27.5%, and Serbia for 14.6%, with a combined share of 75.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021