Non-cellular plastic sheets market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian market for non-cellular plastic sheets grew from 509 thousand tons in 2018 to 566 thousand tons in 2021. This expansion was primarily driven by import substitution, as sanctions redirected supply chains toward Asian markets and domestic production. The introduction of extended producer responsibility for polymer packaging required marking and recycling, stimulating local manufacturing. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 boosted demand for packaging for online food delivery, supporting market volume despite simultaneous restrictions on single-use plastics under the 'Circular Economy' federal project.

Market volume contracted to 545 thousand tons in 2022 following the eighth package of EU sanctions, which affected petrochemical imports, and the exit of Western producers like Stora Enso and Elopak. Bans on certain single-use plastic items further reduced demand. However, the market rebounded strongly to 613 thousand tons in 2023 as domestic production of basic polymers recovered, supported by increased investments and continued import substitution by major companies such as SIBUR and Titan. In 2024, the market slightly declined to 601 thousand tons amid preparations for new bans on three types of PET packaging set to take effect in September 2025.

Regulatory developments continued into 2025, with the full ban on non-standard PET packaging and further advancements in extended producer responsibility and recycling technologies. These measures align with a broader shift towards sustainable packaging solutions encouraged by state programs and consumer preferences.

Production non-cellular plastic sheets in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's production of non-cellular plastic sheets has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, output reached 468.7 thousand tons, marking a significant 12.5% increase compared to 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 25%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.7%.

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

Exports non-cellular plastic sheets from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of non-cellular plastic sheets from Russia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, shipments totaled 58.3 thousand tons, representing a 36.5% jump from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports surged by 98.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Ukraine were the primary destinations for Russia's non-cellular plastic sheet exports. Kazakhstan accounted for 25.9% of exports in volume, Belarus for 16.3%, and Ukraine for 10.5%. Together, these three countries made up 52.7% 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

The value of non-cellular plastic sheet exports from Russia has risen for the third year running. In 2021, exports amounted to 168.7 million US dollars, a substantial 52.6% increase over 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, export value grew by 99.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.9%.

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

During 2018-2021, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Ukraine remained the top buyers of Russian non-cellular plastic sheets in value terms. Kazakhstan represented 26.8% of export value, Belarus 18.1%, and Ukraine 10.6%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 55.5% 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 non-cellular plastic sheets to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, imports of non-cellular plastic sheets into Russia rebounded in 2021. Import volumes reached 156.0 thousand tons, up 13.7% from the previous year. The lowest point was in 2020 at 137.2 thousand tons, following the largest decline of 6.2% in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Germany, and Belarus were the leading suppliers of non-cellular plastic sheets to Russia by volume. China contributed 34.1% of imports, Germany 12.0%, and Belarus 10.7%. Together, these three countries supplied 56.8% 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

Following a two-year downturn, Russia's imports of non-cellular plastic sheets increased in 2021. Import value stood at approximately 563.9 million US dollars, reflecting a solid 21.5% rise from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 8.6%, averaging 2.8% annually. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 464.1 million US dollars, which saw a decline of 6.2%.

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

In the 2018-2021 period, China, Germany, and Italy held the largest shares of Russia's non-cellular plastic sheet imports by value. China accounted for 21.7%, Germany for 16.3%, and Italy for 15.5%. Combined, these three countries made up 53.5% of total import value.

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

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