Acyclic hydrocarbons market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for acyclic hydrocarbons in Russia showed consistent expansion from 2018 to 2024, growing from 5 262 thousand tons to 12 069 thousand tons. The initial increase in 2018–2019 was supported by rising production and imports, influenced by geopolitical risks and currency fluctuations. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted supply chains and raised raw material prices, which further stimulated import growth and local production to meet demand.

In 2022, the market received an additional impetus from the launch of the Russian carbon units market, creating new regulatory frameworks for participants. This coincided with an unprecedented surge in import supplies, particularly from China, and intensified sanctions that reshaped export and import patterns. Despite geopolitical constraints, the total market volume continued to rise, reaching 11 223 thousand tons in 2022.

Growth slowed in 2023–2024, with the market stabilizing around 12 000 thousand tons under the ongoing influence of sanctions, currency volatility, and residual pandemic effects. In 2025, production decreased to 11 873 thousand tons, indicating a correction after years of expansion.

Production acyclic hydrocarbons in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's production of acyclic hydrocarbons has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 10 992 thousand tonnes, marking a year-over-year increase of 9.2%. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 44.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 13.0%.

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

Exports acyclic hydrocarbons from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Russia's exports of acyclic hydrocarbons have declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports amounted to 1 140 thousand tonnes, representing a 22.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 52%, with a compound annual growth rate of -21.7%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 448 thousand tonnes, which saw a modest increase of 3.1%. The sharpest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 40.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Finland, and Poland were the largest buyers of Russian acyclic hydrocarbons, accounting for 30.2%, 26.2%, and 13.3% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries made up 69.7% of total exports.

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, M $ US

After two years of decline, Russia's exports of acyclic hydrocarbons in value terms rebounded in 2021. Exports totaled 617 million US dollars, showing a 31.8% improvement over 2020. However, over the full period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 48.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -19.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 468 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 53.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the Netherlands, Finland, and Poland contributed the most to Russia's acyclic hydrocarbons exports in value terms, with shares of 30.3%, 25.4%, and 13.5%, respectively. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 69.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports acyclic hydrocarbons to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

Russia's imports of acyclic hydrocarbons showed significant volatility from 2018 to 2021. The lowest point was in 2018, while imports peaked in 2020, with a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2021, imports totaled 33 thousand tonnes, a decrease of 37.9% from the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 54 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 90.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Germany, and Malaysia were the main suppliers of acyclic hydrocarbons to Russia, representing 23.6%, 16.8%, and 12.8% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 53.3% of total imports.

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, M $ US

After two years of growth, Russia's imports of acyclic hydrocarbons in value terms declined in 2021. Imports came to 56 million US dollars, an 8.2% decrease from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 54%, with an average annual growth rate of 15.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 61 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 41.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the United States, Germany, and Qatar were the three principal markets supplying acyclic hydrocarbons to Russia in value terms, together accounting for 55.9% of total imports.

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

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