Non-alloy steel wire market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, Russia's non-alloy steel wire production increased from 1 457 thousand tonnes to 1 718 thousand tonnes, and market volume expanded from 1 226 thousand tonnes to 1 500 thousand tonnes. International sanctions began affecting import and export flows from 2019, while the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 introduced logistical constraints that reduced import competition. The growth was further supported in 2021 by the active introduction of new wire specifications, such as spring and heat-treated grades, which stimulated production.

A sharp reversal occurred in 2022 when production fell by 9% to 1 567 thousand tonnes and market volume dropped to 1 433 thousand tonnes. This decline was directly driven by heightened sanctions and restrictions, which cut the output of non-alloy steel, the key raw material, by 10.7%.

In the following years, production moderately declined, reaching 1 498 thousand tonnes by 2025, while market volume remained around 1 440-1 455 thousand tonnes. Persistent logistical and payment constraints continued to suppress imports, reinforcing market concentration around large domestic manufacturers.

Production non-alloy steel wire in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Non-alloy steel wire production in Russia has been growing for three consecutive years. In 2021, Russia produced 1 718 thousand tonnes of non-alloy steel wire, representing a 1.4% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 17.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.6%.

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

Exports non-alloy steel wire from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, Russia exported 271.6 thousand tonnes of non-alloy steel wire, which is 2.1% higher than in 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 11.4%, with an average annual decline of 4.0%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 316.2 thousand tonnes, while the lowest was in 2020 at 265.9 thousand tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 3.1% rise, and the largest decline was in 2020, with a 15.9% drop.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Poland, and Belarus were the primary destinations for Russia's non-alloy steel wire exports in volume terms. Kazakhstan accounted for 27.3% of exports, Poland for 14.9%, and Belarus for 11.9%. Together, these three countries represented 54.2% 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, M $ US

After two years of decline, Russia's non-alloy steel wire exports in value terms increased in 2021. Exports reached 242.7 million US dollars, up by 64.7% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 16.5%, with an average annual rate of 5.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 147.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 25.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Poland, and Belarus accounted for the largest share of Russia's non-alloy steel wire exports in value terms. Kazakhstan represented 26.6% of exports, Poland 14.9%, and Belarus 12.7%. Combined, these three countries made up 54.3% 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 non-alloy steel wire to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decrease, Russia's imports of non-alloy steel wire in volume terms rose in 2021. The country imported approximately 72.3 thousand tonnes, showing a strong increase of 16.1% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 12.7%, with an average annual decline of 4.4%. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 62.3 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 14.2% drop.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Belarus, China, and Ukraine were the main sources for Russia's non-alloy steel wire imports in volume terms. Belarus accounted for 52.1% of imports, China for 22.5%, and Ukraine for 4.8%. Together, these three countries represented 79.4% of total import 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, M $ US

Following two years of decline, Russia's non-alloy steel wire imports in value terms increased in 2021. Imports amounted to 88.6 million US dollars, marking a 42.0% rise from 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 62.4 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 16.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus, China, and Germany were the primary sources for Russia's non-alloy steel wire imports in value terms. Belarus accounted for 42.1% of imports, China for 27.2%, and Germany for 3.8%. Collectively, these three countries absorbed 73.1% 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