Coated electrodes for arc welding market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market volume for coated welding electrodes in Russia fluctuated between 124 thousand tons and 129 thousand tons, with a slight contraction to 123 thousand tons in 2021. This period was characterized by the steady influence of national quality standards GOST 9466-75 and GOST 9467-75, which ensured uniform product requirements for welding critical structures in shipbuilding, pressure vessels, and pipelines. Sustained industrial demand for specialized electrodes, such as UONI-13/55M and ANO-21 grades suitable for low-temperature applications, provided a stable base for consumption even during the COVID-19 pandemic, as infrastructure maintenance and repair projects continued.

Market volume surged to 145.6 thousand tons in 2022, driven by geopolitical shifts and trade sanctions that disrupted logistics and stimulated domestic electrode production. This expansion continued into 2023, with volume reaching 149.5 thousand tons, before receding to 134.6 thousand tons in 2024. The earlier growth phase highlights how external trade and supply chain factors can rapidly alter market dynamics, while ongoing consumer preference for rutile-coated electrodes with improved arc ignition and weld quality remained a consistent underlying trend.

Production coated electrodes for arc welding in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2019, Russia's production of coated electrodes for arc welding reached its peak at 98.4 thousand tons. This was followed by a decline to 94.1 thousand tons in 2020, representing a decrease of 4.3%. Production then recovered slightly in 2021, reaching 97.8 thousand tons, which marked a moderate increase of 3.9% compared to the previous year.

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

Exports coated electrodes for arc welding from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Russia's exports of coated electrodes for arc welding showed varied trends from 2018 to 2021. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at 9,791 tons, declining by 4.1% from the previous year. However, 2020 saw a significant rebound with a 14.2% increase. Exports continued to grow in 2021, reaching 11,425 tons, up 2.2% from 2020. Overall, exports rose by 11.9% over the four-year period, with an average annual growth rate of 3.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus were the primary destinations for Russia's exports of coated electrodes in volume terms. Kazakhstan accounted for 44.3% of exports, Uzbekistan for 20.3%, and Belarus for 9.7%. Together, these three countries represented 74.3% 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

Russia's export value of coated electrodes for arc welding experienced notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2021. The lowest point was in 2018, followed by a decline of 9.0% in 2020. However, 2021 saw a sharp recovery, with exports reaching 27,143 thousand US dollars, a 73.6% increase from 2020. This peak in 2021 was 1.8 times higher than the 2018 low.

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

In value terms, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus remained the key buyers of coated electrodes for arc welding from Russia from 2018 to 2021. Kazakhstan led with 37.0% of export value, followed by Uzbekistan at 14.3% and Belarus at 12.9%. Collectively, these three markets made up 64.1% 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 coated electrodes for arc welding to Russia

Imports in kind, t

Russia's imports of coated electrodes for arc welding followed a dynamic pattern from 2018 to 2021. After rising for two years, imports peaked in 2020 at 43,327 tons, with an 8.5% increase recorded in 2019. However, imports then declined in 2021 to 37,885 tons, a significant drop of 12.6% compared to the previous year.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Belarus, Japan, and China were the main sources for Russia's imports of coated electrodes in volume terms. Belarus dominated with 60.2% of imports, followed by Japan at 14.0% and China at 10.8%. Together, these three countries accounted for 85.0% 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

Russia's import value of coated electrodes for arc welding grew from 2018 to 2021, with a total increase of 11.7% over the period and an average annual growth rate of 3.8%. After a slight decline of 1.8% in 2020, imports rebounded in 2021 to 75,989 thousand US dollars, up 8.9% from the previous year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus, Japan, and Sweden were the primary sources for Russia's imports of coated electrodes in value terms. Belarus accounted for 49.1% of import value, Japan for 21.1%, and Sweden for 12.2%. In total, these three countries represented 82.4% of import value.

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

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