Nitrogen market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

Russian state-owned enterprises have been central to nitrogen production. From 2018 to 2020, output grew from 7 999 million m³ to 8 812 million m³, a 10.2% increase, fueled by the development of large production facilities in the Central Federal District and state policies supporting export and domestic manufacturing. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic boosted demand for nitrogen in the food and medical industries, contributing to a 5.8% annual rise.

Production growth continued, reaching 9 531 million m³ in 2022, an 8.2% jump from 2021. This acceleration was linked to the introduction of export quotas for nitrogen fertilizers in December 2021 and their extension through 2022, which encouraged domestic output to meet local demand. After 2022, growth moderated: production stabilized at 9 543 million m³ in 2023, with major firms like Akron remaining active, and edged up 1.5% to 9 682 million m³ in 2024, supported by ongoing state regulation and shifting consumer preferences toward new product segments. In 2025, production declined by 2% to 9 488 million m³.

Production nitrogen in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, M m³

Russia's nitrogen production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 8 812 million cubic meters of nitrogen, marking a 5.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 10.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.3%.

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

Exports nitrogen from Russia

Exports in kind, K m³

The market demonstrated volatility during the observed period. From 2018 to 2019, exports experienced a significant fluctuation, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 2.9 times. In 2019, nitrogen exports from Russia reached their highest level at 27 431 thousand cubic meters, representing a substantial increase of 186.8%. However, by 2021, export volumes had declined to 10 581 thousand cubic meters, down by 40.2% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

Between 2018 and 2021, Kazakhstan and Belarus were the dominant markets for Russia's nitrogen exports in volume terms, together accounting for 90.0% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among other destinations.

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

In 2021, Russia exported nitrogen worth 2 899 thousand US dollars, showing a notable gain of 20.4% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 47.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 3 334 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 69.5%. In contrast, 2020 experienced the largest decline of 27.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan and Belarus remained the primary buyers of Russian nitrogen in value terms, jointly holding an 80.4% share of total exports, with other countries making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports nitrogen to Russia

Imports in kind, K m³

In 2021, Russia's nitrogen imports totaled 18 411 thousand cubic meters, showing a sharp uptick of 39.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 22.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.9%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 13 185 thousand cubic meters, which saw the largest decline of 40.4%. In contrast, 2019 had the highest import volume at 22 136 thousand cubic meters, with the largest increase of 46.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

Between 2018 and 2021, Estonia, Poland, and the United States were the main sources for Russia's nitrogen imports in volume terms. Estonia accounted for 43.3% of imports, Poland for 22.8%, and the United States for 15.7%, together representing 81.8% 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 nitrogen imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 3 326 thousand US dollars, which is 23.1% higher than the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 30.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.2%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Estonia, Poland, and the United States played leading roles in Russia's nitrogen imports in value terms. Estonia accounted for 37.7% of imports, Poland for 29.8%, and the United States for 10.7%, jointly taking 78.2% 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