Ethylene polymers in primary forms market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the production of ethylene polymers in primary forms in Russia increased significantly from 2.2 million tonnes to 3.2 million tonnes. This growth was supported by the appearance of new large production capacities and investment projects in the industry, as well as a state import substitution policy that stimulated domestic output. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted logistics and supply chains, causing disruptions, yet plans from the Ministry of Energy for ethylene production development through 2025 were introduced, aiming at further expansion.

Between 2021 and 2023, production continued to rise, reaching 3.5 million tonnes. Sanctions and restrictions on imports of raw materials and equipment further incentivized the development of domestic manufacturing. The launch of new production complexes, such as plants in the Tula region and Novomoskovsk, contributed to increased output, particularly of premium-quality polymers. Concurrently, tightening requirements for environmental safety and polymer waste disposal began to influence the sector.

In 2024 and 2025, production growth persisted, reaching 3.8 million tonnes. Investments in capacity expansion and equipment modernization, including the launch of the second phase of the complex in Novomoskovsk, supported this trend. The state import substitution policy remained a key factor, while strengthened regulations on product labeling and traceability, along with the development of the secondary polymer market, shaped new conditions for the industry.

Production ethylene polymers in primary forms in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's production of ethylene polymers in primary forms has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, output reached 3 500 thousand tonnes, showing a year-on-year increase of 9.4%. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 59.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 16.8%.

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

Exports ethylene polymers in primary forms from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Russia's exports of ethylene polymers in primary forms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export volumes totalled 1 336 thousand tonnes, up 26.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports surged by 303.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 59.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Kazakhstan, and Belarus were the top destinations for Russia's exports of ethylene polymers in primary forms by volume. China accounted for 48.9% of exports, Kazakhstan for 12.9%, and Belarus for 8.3%. Together, these three countries made up 70.1% 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, M $ US

The market showed an unstable trend over this period. The lowest export value was recorded in 2019 at 374 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2021 at 1 568 million US dollars, representing a 4.2-fold difference. In 2021, export value jumped by 90.6% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was in 2019 at 9.6%, and the largest increase was in 2020 at 119.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Kazakhstan, and Belarus led as the top buyers of Russian ethylene polymers in primary forms by value. China's share was 39.0%, Kazakhstan's was 15.6%, and Belarus's was 10.6%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 65.2% 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 ethylene polymers in primary forms to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

Russia's imports of ethylene polymers in primary forms have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2021, import volumes stood at 646 thousand tonnes, down 4.2% from the previous year. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 844 thousand tonnes. The largest decrease occurred in 2020 at 20.1%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 28.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, imports of ethylene polymers in primary forms to Russia were spread across many markets. Uzbekistan, Belarus, and South Korea were the leading sources by volume, with shares of 14.6%, 13.0%, and 11.5%, respectively. However, together they represented only 39.1% 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, M $ US

In 2021, the value of Russia's imports of ethylene polymers in primary forms amounted to 1 156 million US dollars, marking a 45.6% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, import value grew by 13.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.4%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 794 million US dollars, and the largest decline occurred that same year at 27.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, South Korea, Germany, and Uzbekistan were the largest suppliers of ethylene polymers in primary forms to Russia by value, but none dominated the market. South Korea accounted for 12.2% of imports, Germany for 11.8%, and Uzbekistan for 11.0%. Together, they made up 35.0% of total import value, with many smaller partners contributing the rest.

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

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