Natural sands market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian natural sands market experienced fluctuations from 2018 to 2020, with the market volume declining slightly from 388 million tons to 379 million tons in 2019 before recovering to 406 million tons in 2020. Construction activity remained the primary demand driver during this period.

A strong growth phase began in 2021, as the post-pandemic recovery in construction activity pushed the market volume to 474 million tons. Expansion continued in 2022, reaching 533 million tons, fueled by increased residential and infrastructure building, the launch of new production capacities in the construction sector, and sanctions that stimulated domestic production by limiting import alternatives.

A minor market correction to 513 million tons occurred in 2023 due to volatility in the construction sector. Recovery followed in 2024, with the volume rising to 524 million tons, supported by new construction material facilities in the Moscow region and ongoing tightening of fire safety regulations that indirectly influenced demand. By 2025, sand production saw a significant decrease to 438 million tons, indicating new market adjustments.

Production natural sands in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, M m³

Russia's natural sands production increased after two years of decline. In 2021, production reached 322.5 million cubic meters, marking a significant 19.6% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 14.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 269.8 million cubic meters, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 2.5% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, M m³

Exports natural sands from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Natural sands exports from Russia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 252.6 thousand tons, representing a 10.1% rise compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports surged by 110.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 28.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan were the largest destinations for Russia's natural sands exports by volume. China accounted for 52.9% of exports, Azerbaijan for 17.2%, and Kazakhstan for 8.7%. Together, these three countries made up 78.7% 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

Russia's natural sands exports in monetary terms saw a sharp increase in 2021, reaching 6 839 thousand US dollars, up 52.7% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value grew by 46.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 4 478 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 5.7% that year.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Kazakhstan were the key destinations for Russia's natural sands exports by value. Azerbaijan accounted for 32.0% of export value, Belarus for 16.1%, and Kazakhstan for 11.1%. Collectively, these three countries represented 59.2% of total export flows.

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 sands to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Russia's natural sands imports increased in 2021. Imports reached 230.7 thousand tons, showing a strong 22.5% year-over-year growth. However, over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 19.7%, with an average annual decline of 7.0%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 188.3 thousand tons, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 27.3% drop.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Ukraine dominated Russia's natural sands imports by volume, consistently accounting for 88.0% of total imports. This indicates a high concentration on the Ukrainian market, with the remaining share distributed among other countries.

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

Following a two-year decrease, Russia's natural sands imports in monetary terms rose in 2021. Imports amounted to 7 873 thousand US dollars, increasing by 21.0% compared to the prior year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value decreased by 9.3%, with an average annual decline of 3.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 6 506 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 19.6% that year.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Ukraine, Germany, and Italy were the main sources of natural sands imports to Russia by value. Ukraine accounted for 52.2% of import value, Germany for 11.4%, and Italy for 8.0%. Together, these three countries represented 71.6% of total import flows.

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

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