Common clay market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian common clay market began shifting toward domestic consumption in 2018, which set the stage for subsequent changes. In 2019, a decline in demand for kaolin clays, partly due to lost European sales channels, contributed to a market contraction to 9.9 million tons. The following year, COVID‑19 disrupted international logistics and supply chains, making imports more difficult and further stimulating local production; this helped lift the market volume back to 10.5 million tons in 2020.

From 2021 onward, tightening sanctions and import restrictions accelerated import substitution, while new product segments—such as refractory and heat‑resistant clays for metallurgy and construction—emerged. These drivers pushed the market to 13.0 million tons in 2021. Even after the loss of European outlets for refractory clays in 2022, record‑high kaolin clay production supported overall growth, reaching 13.4 million tons. By 2023, the market stabilized around 13.4 million tons as import substitution continued and domestic deposits were developed.

Market volume expanded further to 15.3 million tons in 2024, despite weakening demand for refractory clays caused by reduced metallurgical activity. In 2025, production declined to 14.2 million tons, reflecting the ongoing segment‑specific challenges while the industry maintained its focus on domestic consumption and recycling of refractory materials.

Production common clay in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2021, Russia produced 12 387 K t of common clay, marking a 19.5% increase compared to 2020. Production reached its lowest point in 2020 at 10 363 K t, which saw the largest decline of 9.4%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 10.9%, averaging an annualized rate of 3.5%.

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

Exports common clay from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 3 033 t, with the largest decline of 36.9% recorded that year. In 2020, exports surged by 705.6%, the largest increase observed. By 2021, common clay volumes leaving Russia totaled 35 117 t, reflecting a 43.7% improvement over the previous year and reaching a peak. Overall, exports varied by 11.6 times between the trough in 2019 and the peak in 2021.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan remained the primary destination for common clay exports from Russia, accounting for 83.2% of total exports in kind. The remaining volume was distributed among other countries.

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 common clay export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports stood at 1 535 K $ US, showing a solid 18.1% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 199.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 44.1%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Kazakhstan continued to be the main market for exports in value terms, holding a 70.1% share of total flows. The rest of the volume was fragmented across numerous other destinations.

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

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

Imports common clay to Russia

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, common clay shipments to Russia from abroad amounted to 11 979 t, representing a strong 19.2% increase over the past year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 69.1%, while the largest decline occurred in 2020 at 1.1%. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 99.3%, averaging an annualized rate of 25.8%.

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

Over the 2018-2021 period, Germany (50.4% of imports in kind), the United States (15.2% of imports in kind), and Turkey (12.8% of imports in kind) remained the leading sources in Russia's import structure for common clay. Together, they accounted for 78.4% of total 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

After two years of improvement, common clay imports to Russia declined. In 2021, imports reached 3 977 K $ US, corresponding to a limited loss of 9.5% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 4 395 K $ US, with the largest increase of 18.6% occurring in 2019. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 17.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States (28.3% of imports in value terms), the United Kingdom (25.9% of imports in value terms), and Germany (24.1% of imports in value terms) were the primary suppliers of common clay to Russia. Collectively, they accounted for 78.3% 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