Naphthalene from coal tar market in Russia, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the naphthalene from coal tar market in Russia saw its volume contract to 28 thousand tonnes in 2019 before rebounding sharply to 42 thousand tonnes in 2020. The market's recovery and growth in 2020 coincided with the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which altered industrial operations and demand patterns across the chemical sector.

From 2021 to 2024, the market expanded consistently, reaching 65 thousand tonnes. A primary driver was the emergence and growth of new product segments, specifically powdered naphthalene derivatives, which offered logistical advantages and stimulated broader consumption. The geopolitical situation and international sanctions from 2022 reinforced a focus on domestic production capacity. Furthermore, the introduction of new technical regulations and updated industrial safety rules influenced production standards and market conditions during this period.

Throughout these years, production remained concentrated among large, integrated metallurgical and chemical companies such as MMK, NLMK, and Evraz, providing a stable foundation for the market's adaptation to evolving demand and regulatory frameworks.

Production naphthalene from coal tar in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Russian production of naphthalene from coal tar has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, output reached 50 423 tonnes, marking a 2.2% increase over the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production expanded by 39.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 11.8%.

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

Exports naphthalene from coal tar from Russia

Exports in kind, t

The export market displayed significant volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Russia shipped 8 366 tonnes of naphthalene from coal tar abroad, representing a substantial decline of 14.4% compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 13 182 tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2020, with a decrease of 25.9%, while the largest increase was observed in 2019, surging by 101.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Denmark, the Netherlands, and India were the leading destinations for Russian naphthalene from coal tar exports in volume terms. Denmark accounted for 38.7% of exports, followed by the Netherlands at 15.7% and India at 15.3%. Together, these three countries represented 69.7% of total export flows.

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 over the observed period. Exports in value terms peaked in 2019 and fell to their lowest point in 2020, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Russia exported naphthalene from coal tar worth 3 396 thousand US dollars, showing a strong increase of 18.1% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 2 875 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 5 375 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020, dropping by 46.5%, and the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 82.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Denmark, India, and the Netherlands formed the core markets for Russian naphthalene from coal tar exports in value terms. Denmark held a 34.4% share, India accounted for 20.3%, and the Netherlands made up 15.2%. Collectively, these three countries represented 69.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports naphthalene from coal tar to Russia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Russia's imports of naphthalene from coal tar rebounded in 2021. Imports totaled 3 854 tonnes, reflecting a steep increase of 54.0% over the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 48.5%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 19.8%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 2 502 tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 43.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Ukraine was the primary source for Russia's naphthalene from coal tar imports in volume terms, accounting for 83.5% of total flows. The remaining imports were distributed among a fragmented group of other markets.

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

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports in value terms varied significantly, with a 6.3-fold difference between the peak in 2018 and the trough in 2020. In 2021, Russia's imports of naphthalene from coal tar amounted to 1 787 thousand US dollars, marking a dramatic increase of 123.7% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 799 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020, falling by 69.3%.

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

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, Ukraine dominated as the supplier of naphthalene from coal tar to Russia in value terms, accounting for 81.2% of total imports. Other countries shared the remaining volume.

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

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