Household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian market for household and sanitary paper in wide rolls and sheets started at 549 thousand tons in 2018, supported by the active development of the pulp and paper industry and growing demand for paper materials linked to e-commerce expansion. By 2019, domestic market volume edged down to 545 thousand tons as increased production was offset by higher exports. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 influenced demand for sanitary products, but a sharp rise in exports led to a further contraction of the internal market to 538 thousand tons, despite rising output.

A significant shift occurred in 2021 when the exit of some Western companies from the Russian market allowed domestic producers to secure more raw materials and boost production. This, combined with a drop in exports, drove market volume up sharply to 650 thousand tons. The introduction of Western sanctions following the start of the Special Military Operation in 2022 initially strained the industry, but manufacturers adapted: for instance, the Euro Pak plant increased output by 25%, and growth in paper bag production alongside export rerouting to China helped stabilize the domestic market at 646 thousand tons. By 2023, the market expanded to 677 thousand tons, fueled by a 1.3% rise in production of sanitary products, a 14% surge in wholesale sales of paper packaging, and a continued decline in exports.

In 2024, production of paper tableware and sanitary items continued to grow, driven by e-commerce development and environmental trends, with the Central Federal District remaining the leading region. Sanctions continued to affect supply chains, but producers maintained adaptation to the new conditions.

Production household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in Russia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia ranked 13th globally in the production of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets.

Top producers of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, 2017-2020

World map of production of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, 2017-2020

Russia's production of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 610.7 K t, reflecting a moderate increase of 4.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 22%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 6.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Russia's exports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets expanded for the second year in a row. In 2020, export volumes stood at 78 077 t, surging by 68.7% from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 53%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 37 653 t, which also saw the largest decline of 26.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine were the primary markets for Russia's exports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, accounting for 31.7%, 28.7%, and 9.5% of export volumes, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 69.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Russia's export value of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 67 077 K $ US, marking a 44.2% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value rose by 82.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 36 182 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 1.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine remained the top destinations for Russia's exports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in value terms, with shares of 34.2%, 25.3%, and 9.0%, respectively. Combined, these three markets accounted for 68.5% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2017-2020

Imports household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets to Russia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Russia's imports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets amounted to 5 755 t, showing a 15.0% increase from 2019. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 006 t, which saw the largest decline of 24.8%. In contrast, the highest volume was in 2018 at 6 655 t, with the largest increase of 17.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Russia's imports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets were not dominated by any single market. Belarus, Poland, and Germany were the leading sources, accounting for 18.7%, 18.3%, and 12.3% of import volumes, respectively. Together, they represented 49.4% of total imports, while numerous smaller partners held modest individual shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Russia's import value of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets reached 10 170 K $ US, up 15.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 14.6%, with a CAGR of 4.6%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 8 784 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 19.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 10 949 K $ US, with the largest increase of 23.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia's import structure for household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Germany, China, and Spain were the top partners, with shares of 16.3%, 14.1%, and 8.1%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 38.6% of total import value, while many other countries made up the remaining 61.4%.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2017-2020