Industrial fatty alcohols market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian industrial fatty alcohols market experienced significant shifts from 2018 to 2024. Initial investments by leading producers in 2018 boosted sector profitability and development, contributing to a sharp market volume increase to 162 thousand tons in 2019. However, the market contracted to 153 thousand tons in 2020, coinciding with the spread of in-plant alcohol circulation, where output was used for internal manufacturing needs, reducing apparent market supply.

After a further decline to 142 thousand tons in 2021, the market began a recovery in 2022, reaching 150 thousand tons. This turnaround was supported by major investment projects aimed at import substitution, such as Zavod sintanolov's plan to invest 5.6 billion rubles in a new fatty alcohols production facility in the Nizhny Novgorod region, enhancing domestic capacity. Growth continued through 2023 and 2024, with the market volume stabilizing around 160 thousand tons, reflecting sustained investment and improved profitability in the industry.

Production industrial fatty alcohols in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2021, Russia produced 106.5 K t of industrial fatty alcohols, marking a significant 12.4% decline compared to the previous year. Production peaked in 2020 at 121.6 K t, which represented the largest annual increase of 12.7%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production decreased by 11.4%, translating to an average annual decline of 3.9%.

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

Exports industrial fatty alcohols from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Russia's exports of industrial fatty alcohols have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 140 t, showing a steady increase of 6.9% over the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports rose by 19.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Kazakhstan and Belarus dominated Russia's exports in kind, together accounting for 93.1% of total flows. Other partners played a supplementary role 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, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 110 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 48.3%. In contrast, exports peaked in 2021 at 286 K $ US, representing a sharp increase of 127.0% compared to the previous year. The difference between the peak and trough was 2.6 times.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan and Belarus were the primary drivers of Russia's export value, together making up 88.1% of total flows. Other markets contributed to a long tail of exports.

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

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

Imports industrial fatty alcohols to Russia

Imports in kind, t

Russia's imports of industrial fatty alcohols have increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports stood at 34 963 t, reflecting a solid 13.4% rise compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 39.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.8%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and Germany were the leading sources for Russia's imports in kind. Indonesia accounted for 31.2%, the Netherlands for 30.8%, and Germany for 17.9% of imports, collectively representing 79.9% 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

Russia's imports of industrial fatty alcohols in value terms have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 71 063 K $ US, showing a sharp 59.0% increase over 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 39 454 K $ US, which experienced the largest decline of 11.8%. Overall, from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 58.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and Germany remained central to Russia's import value, together accounting for 80.2% of total flows.

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

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