Gypsum and anhydrite market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The gypsum and anhydrite market in Russia opened the period at a high of 7 249 thousand tons in 2018, marking the largest volume in several years. However, in 2019, market size fell sharply by 17% to 5 985 thousand tons due to a broad decline in demand for construction materials. The year 2020 saw stabilization at 6 009 thousand tons despite logistical disruptions and demand fluctuations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, partly supported by growing popularity of gypsum-based dry mixes in finishing works.

A significant recovery occurred in 2021, with the market expanding by 11% to 6 681 thousand tons. This surge was directly linked to the state-subsidized mortgage program and a boom in suburban housing construction, which boosted demand for gypsum and gypsum-based materials. Two major players, Knauf and Volma, maintained their dominant positions. In 2022, the market contracted by 7% to 6 221 thousand tons, pressured by Western sanctions that restricted import and export flows, as well as regulatory changes including the Presidential Decree of August 5, 2022, and the Government Resolution of August 4, 2022.

Market volume recovered to 6 389 thousand tons in 2023, aided by a shift in regional demand patterns toward the South, Siberia, and the Far East, and the announced formation of a joint venture between Norilsk Nickel and Volma to produce construction gypsum and dry mixes with an annual capacity of about 500 thousand tons. In 2024, the market experienced a slight decrease to 6 295 thousand tons amid reduced consumption of tongue-and-groove slabs and gypsum dry mixes, while the impact of sanctions and geopolitical factors on trade persisted.

Production gypsum and anhydrite in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's gypsum and anhydrite production rebounded after two consecutive years of decline. In 2021, output reached 6 838 K t, marking an 11.0% year-over-year improvement. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 7.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 6 162 K t, following the largest annual decline of 15.6% in 2019.

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

Exports gypsum and anhydrite from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Russia's gypsum and anhydrite exports experienced a decline. In 2021, exports totaled 118.1 K t, representing a sharp 45.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 13.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2020 at 215.8 K t, following the largest annual increase of 39.6% in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus remained the overwhelmingly dominant buyer of Russian gypsum and anhydrite, accounting for 94.0% of total exports in volume terms.

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

Following two years of growth, Russia's gypsum and anhydrite exports in value terms declined. In 2021, exports amounted to 2 992 K US dollars, showing a dramatic 29.2% drop compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 4.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 4 228 K US dollars, following the largest annual increase of 34.2% in 2019.

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

During 2018-2021, Belarus remained the leading buyer of Russian gypsum and anhydrite in value terms, accounting for 87.5% of total exports, while the remaining share was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports gypsum and anhydrite to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, Russia's gypsum and anhydrite imports reached 2.8 K t, showing a robust 15.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 55.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.8%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 35.9%, while the largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 1.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three key markets—Germany, China, and Turkey—collectively accounted for 75.3% of Russia's total gypsum and anhydrite imports in volume terms.

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

In 2021, Russia's gypsum and anhydrite imports in value terms amounted to 1 858 K US dollars, marking a 48.4% increase from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 41.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 1 252 K US dollars, which also saw the largest annual decline of 11.6%.

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

During 2018-2021, Germany (46.6% of imports in value terms), Italy (21.8%), and China (12.2%) led Russia's gypsum and anhydrite import structure, together representing 80.7% of total import flows.

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

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