Chalk and dolomite market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the chalk and dolomite market in Russia grew from 11.0 million tons to 12.6 million tons, as production increased from 10.7 million tons to 12.7 million tons. This expansion was supported by the sustained activity of major domestic producers, with a minor adjustment in 2020 due to the temporary impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on internal volumes.

From 2022 onward, geopolitical factors and Western sanctions led to a sharp decline in imports, which fell from 41 thousand tons in 2021 to just 4 thousand tons by 2024. This collapse in foreign supply stimulated domestic production, which reached 15.5 million tons in 2024, driving the market size to 15.2 million tons. A significant increase in shipments of raw dolomite in 2023, rising by 41.5% compared to the previous year, reinforced the dominance of local manufacturers. In 2025, production decreased to 13.2 million tons, yet the market remained oriented toward domestic sources under the persistent influence of sanctions.

Production chalk and dolomite in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2021, Russia produced 12,667 thousand tonnes of chalk and dolomite, marking an 8.1% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 18.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 5.9%. The most significant production decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 1.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 11.0%.

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

Exports chalk and dolomite from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of decline, Russia's chalk and dolomite export volume rebounded in 2021, reaching 109.2 thousand tonnes. This represents a substantial 58.0% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports rose by 34.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 69.1 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 7.9% decrease.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan were the primary markets for Russia's chalk and dolomite exports in volume terms. Belarus accounted for 38.4% of exports, Ukraine for 35.5%, and Kazakhstan for 15.7%. Together, these three countries represented 89.7% 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

After a two-year downturn, Russia's chalk and dolomite exports in value terms saw a recovery in 2021, totaling 5,085 thousand US dollars. This reflects a sharp 40.5% increase from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, export value grew by 6.7%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 2.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 3,620 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 16.6%.

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

During the 2018-2021 period, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine were the key partners for Russia's chalk and dolomite exports in value terms. Belarus led with 52.4% of export value, followed by Kazakhstan at 20.4%, and Ukraine at 17.5%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 90.2% 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 chalk and dolomite to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, Russia imported 41.3 thousand tonnes of chalk and dolomite, showing a significant 11.6% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 span, imports grew by 15.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.9%. The largest decline in import volume occurred in 2020, with a 7.0% decrease.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Greece, Norway, and Kazakhstan were the largest sources of chalk and dolomite imports to Russia in volume terms. Greece contributed 46.3% of imports, Norway 18.7%, and Kazakhstan 13.8%. Together, these three countries made up 78.9% 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

Following two years of decline, Russia's chalk and dolomite imports in value terms increased in 2021, reaching 4,926 thousand US dollars. This represents a 30.5% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, import value grew by 7.8%, equating to an average annual rate of 2.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 3,775 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 14.4%.

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

In the 2018-2021 period, Greece, Spain, and Norway were the largest suppliers of chalk and dolomite to Russia in value terms. Greece accounted for 28.5% of import value, Spain for 20.4%, and Norway for 19.6%. Combined, these three countries formed 68.5% of total imports in value terms.

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

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