Natural calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market volume for natural calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk in Russia increased from 3.1 million tonnes to 4.1 million tonnes. This growth was supported by PhosAgro's expansion of phosphate fertilizer production, which had grown by 80% since 2013, alongside a general rise in domestic mineral fertilizer consumption. In 2020, despite broader economic challenges, the market showed strong growth partly due to EU restrictions on phosphate fertilizer imports containing heavy metals, which reduced export flows and increased domestic availability.

In 2022, the Russian government introduced export quotas for fertilizers to secure the domestic market, causing exports to plummet from 2.1 million tonnes to 809 thousand tonnes. Combined with rising internal demand, this propelled the market volume to 5.3 million tonnes. The market stabilized at around 5.2 million tonnes in 2023, with a slight dip in production as the industry adapted to the new trade landscape shaped by sanctions and quota policies.

By 2024, the market volume held steady at 5.3 million tonnes, while production climbed to 5.7 million tonnes, aided by the opening of a new apatite‑nepheline ore mining enterprise in the Murmansk region, which strengthened the raw material base for phosphate fertilizers. Imports recovered, and exports grew by 34%, reflecting the sector's adjustment. Preliminary data shows production reached 5.9 million tonnes in 2025, indicating continued capacity expansion.

Production natural calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2021, Russia produced 5,505 thousand tonnes of natural calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk, showing a modest increase of 2.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 3.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.3%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, when production fell by 0.1%.

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

Exports natural calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Russia's exports of natural calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 2,067 thousand tonnes, representing a decrease of 7.9% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports dropped by 23.3%, with an average annual decline of 8.5%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Lithuania, Belgium, and Norway were the primary destinations for Russia's exports of natural calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk. Lithuania accounted for 35.0% of exports in volume, Belgium for 25.9%, and Norway for 20.0%. Together, these three countries represented 80.9% of total export volumes.

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

In 2021, the value of Russia's exports of natural calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk reached 292.6 million US dollars, marking a significant increase of 14.4% year-over-year. However, from 2018 to 2021, export value decreased by 8.6%, with an average annual decline of 3.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 255.8 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 330.0 million US dollars. The most substantial drop was in 2020, with a decline of 22.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, Lithuania, and Norway remained the top destinations in terms of export value for Russia's natural calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk. Belgium held a 31.8% share, Lithuania 28.7%, and Norway 19.9%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 80.5% 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 natural calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

Russia's imports of natural calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports showed no significant change compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 31.8%, with an average annual increase of 9.6%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Kazakhstan was the nearly exclusive supplier of natural calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk to Russia, accounting for 93.1% of total import volumes.

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

In 2021, Russia imported approximately 62.6 million US dollars worth of natural calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk, reflecting a sharp rise of 45.0% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, import value increased by 67.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 18.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, with a decrease of 0.7%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan dominated Russia's import structure in value terms, holding an 88.3% share of total flows. Other markets contributed relatively modest shares.

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

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