Ferro-silicon market in Russia, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian ferro-silicon market volume began at 544 thousand tonnes in 2018 but declined to 505 thousand tonnes in 2019, reflecting an overall negative trend and the initial impact of international sanctions on trade. A recovery to 553 thousand tonnes followed in 2020, as a sharp rise in producer prices and supply chain adjustments during the COVID‑19 pandemic supported domestic activity. However, the market contracted again to 491 thousand tonnes in 2021, influenced by peaking global steel prices and shifts in demand from a stronger Chinese magnesium market. State-owned enterprises maintained their dominant position throughout this period.

A notable surge to 597 thousand tonnes occurred in 2022, driven primarily by a steep fall in exports after strengthened sanctions and the shutdown of the Zaporizhzhia ferroalloy plant in Ukraine, which reduced regional supply and increased domestic availability. Subsequently, the market volume dropped sharply to 444 thousand tonnes in 2023 and further to 359 thousand tonnes in 2024, as continued production declines, trade restrictions, and the persistent influence of geopolitical sanctions constrained the market. The market remained concentrated among large state-affiliated producers.

Production data for 2025 shows a slight rebound to 624 thousand tonnes, although full market volume figures for that year are not yet available. Over the entire 2018‑2025 span, the Russian ferro-silicon market exhibited significant volatility, shaped largely by external trade constraints, price movements, and specific supply shocks rather than internal structural shifts.

Production ferro-silicon in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's ferro-silicon production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, production reached 882.3 thousand tons, showing minimal change from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production declined by 5%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 1.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 845.8 thousand tons, with the largest year-on-year drop of 8.9% occurring that same year. In contrast, the most significant increase was observed in 2020, when production rose by 4.1%.

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

Exports ferro-silicon from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of decline, Russia's ferro-silicon exports rebounded in 2021, reaching 445.0 thousand tons. This represents a substantial increase of 20.6% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 3.9%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 368.8 thousand tons, with the sharpest decline of 11.1% occurring in 2019.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Japan, the Netherlands, and South Korea were the leading destinations for Russia's ferro-silicon exports by volume. Japan accounted for 31.2% of exports, the Netherlands for 26.4%, and South Korea for 14.0%. Together, these three countries represented 71.7% of Russia's total ferro-silicon 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, M $ US

Export values showed irregular fluctuations, reflecting a volatile market environment. In 2021, ferro-silicon shipments from Russia reached 639.9 million US dollars, marking a sharp increase of 80.1% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 355.3 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 22.6% occurring that year. Overall, exports peaked in 2021 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 1.8-fold difference between these two years.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Japan, the Netherlands, and South Korea remained the key destinations for Russia's ferro-silicon exports by value. Japan accounted for 31.3% of export value, the Netherlands for 26.7%, and South Korea for 14.2%. Collectively, these three countries represented 72.2% of Russia's total export value in ferro-silicon during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports ferro-silicon to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Russia's ferro-silicon imports declined in 2021, totaling 47.0 thousand tons. This represents a slight decrease of 1.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 34.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 47.9 thousand tons, with the largest increase of 19.0% occurring that same year.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Brazil were the primary sources for Russia's ferro-silicon imports by volume. Kazakhstan accounted for 41.7% of imports, Ukraine for 30.9%, and Brazil for 8.3%. Together, these three countries made up 80.8% of Russia's total ferro-silicon import flows during this period.

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

Following two years of decline, Russia's ferro-silicon import values increased in 2021, reaching 66.0 million US dollars. This marks a sharp rise of 57.6% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, import values grew by 34%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 41.9 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 12.2% occurring in 2019.

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

In the period from 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Brazil were the main sources for Russia's ferro-silicon imports by value. Kazakhstan accounted for 40.5% of import value, Ukraine for 21.7%, and Brazil for 12.4%. Collectively, these three countries represented 74.6% of Russia's total import value in ferro-silicon during these years.

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

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