Malt market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

Production of malt in Russia grew from 1 244 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 764 thousand tons in 2024, while the market volume increased from 1 261 thousand tons to 1 615 thousand tons over the same period. This expansion was driven by import substitution policies, which reduced reliance on imports and stimulated domestic manufacturers. The entry of new players from the grain and food industries intensified competition and expanded production capacity.

Growing demand for premium and specialized malt varieties, particularly from craft breweries, led to a wider product assortment and an increased share of high-quality products. The introduction of the Eurasian Economic Union's technical regulation on the safety of alcoholic products also influenced production standards.

Between 2020 and 2022, logistical issues and sanctions temporarily reduced shipments, but domestic production continued to rise, and imports fell significantly. By 2023, the market volume stabilized at around 1 561 thousand tons, before growing to 1 615 thousand tons in 2024. Changes in packaging and labeling requirements further affected the market. In 2025, production reached 1 744 thousand tons, with rising raw material costs and a shortage of high-quality brewing barley influencing the industry.

Production malt in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Russia held the fourth position globally in malt production.

Top producers of malt, 2018-2021

World map of production of malt, 2018-2021

Russia's malt production grew for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 1 614 thousand tons of malt, marking a 10.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 29.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.1%.

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

Exports malt from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Russia's malt exports expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 312.6 thousand tons of malt, a 73.6% jump compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 188.8%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 42.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Russia's malt exports were spread across a diverse range of partners. Latvia accounted for 23.4% of export volumes, Brazil for 18.4%, and Kazakhstan for 8.2%, together making up 50.0% of total flows. The remaining 50.0% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

Russia's malt exports in value terms grew for the third year running. In 2021, exports reached 137.0 million US dollars, up 92.9% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 198.6%, with an average annual rate of 44.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Russia's malt exports in value terms were widely dispersed. Latvia contributed 21.3% of export value, Brazil 17.1%, and Ukraine 8.1%, collectively forming 46.6% of total flows. The remaining 53.4% was split among a broad array of other destinations.

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

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

Imports malt to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

Russia's malt imports rose for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 106.7 thousand tons, showing a moderate 7.1% increase from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 6.5%, with an average annual rate of 2.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 83.8 thousand tons, which saw the largest decline of 16.4%. This was followed by the largest increase in 2020, at 18.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the main suppliers of malt to Russia were Belarus, accounting for 46.9% of import volumes, Germany at 13.2%, and Finland at 8.6%. Together, these three countries comprised 68.7% of total imports in kind.

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

Russia's malt imports in value terms increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports amounted to 44.4 million US dollars, an 11.2% year-on-year rise. However, between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 3.7%, with an average annual decline of 1.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 39.7 million US dollars, which experienced the largest drop of 13.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus was the leading source of malt imports to Russia in value terms, contributing 28.3%, followed by Germany at 21.1%, and Finland at 11.3%. Together, these three countries accounted for 60.7% of total import value.

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

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