As and Se market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

Production of selenium in Russia, a by-product of copper and nickel mining, fluctuated throughout the 2018-2025 period. Initial recovery to 333.5 t in 2019 followed a previous downturn linked to volatility in the base metal sectors. Output continued to grow in 2020 and 2022, peaking at 349.5 t, but then declined in 2023-2024 against a backdrop of an average annual drop in selenium production over the long term.

The market volume for arsenic and selenium experienced significant shifts, falling from 121.1 t in 2018 to a low of 60.5 t in 2022 before recovering to 110.5 t in 2024. A sharp contraction in imports after 2018—from 62.6 t to below 1.3 t in subsequent years—substantially altered product availability. The import substitution trend, noted from 2023 onward, reinforced a focus on domestic consumption, contributing to the market volume growth in 2024.

Production arsenic and selenium in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Russia's production of arsenic and selenium declined after two consecutive years of growth. In 2021, output remained stable at 336.6 tonnes, unchanged from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 11.1%, representing a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 338.0 tonnes, while the most significant annual increase occurred in 2019 at 10.1%.

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

Exports arsenic and selenium from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Russia's exports of arsenic and selenium decreased following two years of expansion. In 2021, exports totaled 247.3 tonnes, marking a modest decline of 8.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, export volumes increased by 12.8%, equivalent to a 4.1% compound annual growth rate. The peak export level was reached in 2020 at 269.8 tonnes, with the strongest annual growth occurring in 2019 at 18.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and Germany formed Russia's primary export markets for arsenic and selenium by volume. Hong Kong accounted for 36.1% of exports, followed by the Netherlands at 28.9%, and Germany at 17.4%. Together, these three destinations represented 82.3% of Russia's total export flows during this period.

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

Russia's export value of arsenic and selenium rebounded after two years of decline. In 2021, exports reached 3 536 thousand US dollars, representing a 27.7% increase compared to 2020. However, between 2018 and 2021, overall export value decreased by 52%, which translates to an annualized decline of 21.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 2 768 thousand US dollars, while the most substantial drop occurred in 2019 at 44.5%.

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

Throughout the 2018-2021 period, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, and Germany remained Russia's key export markets by value. The Netherlands accounted for 29.4% of export value, Hong Kong for 26.2%, and Germany for 19.3%. Collectively, these three markets represented 74.9% of Russia's total export value during these years.

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

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

Imports arsenic and selenium to Russia

Imports in kind, t

Russia's import volumes of arsenic and selenium showed considerable volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 1.0 tonne and peaked in 2018, creating a 62-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Russia imported 1.2 tonnes, representing a 79.6% decrease compared to the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 98.4%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 496.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, China and the Netherlands dominated Russia's imports of arsenic and selenium by volume, jointly accounting for 81.4% of total imports. The remaining import volume was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

Russia's import values of arsenic and selenium exhibited significant volatility during these years. Import levels fluctuated 19-fold between the peak in 2018 and the low in 2021. In 2021, Russia imported arsenic and selenium worth 3 536 thousand US dollars, which represents a 79.8% decrease compared to 2020. The most substantial increase occurred in 2020 at 20.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Japan, the Netherlands, and Kazakhstan formed the core of Russia's import markets by value. Together, these three countries accounted for 71.5% of Russia's total import value for arsenic and selenium during this period.

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

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