O-xylene market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Russian o-xylene market volume expanded significantly, reaching 113.6 thousand tons in 2021 after a sharp rise to 110.1 thousand tons in 2019. This growth was primarily driven by increased domestic production supported by state procurement and the modernization of refinery capacities to meet Euro-5 standards. The reintroduction of GOST 9410-78 in late 2018 standardized technical specifications, packaging, and labeling, providing a regulatory foundation for market development.

The market volume dropped sharply to 72.5 thousand tons in 2022 due to sanctions that disrupted production chains and export logistics, coupled with special legal measures affecting corporate operations. A strong recovery followed in 2023, with volume climbing to 115.8 thousand tons as new production facilities were built and import substitution policies redirected output to the domestic market, further aided by continued state procurement.

In 2024, the market volume eased slightly to 110.5 thousand tons amid a broader trend of declining average production over the 2017-2024 period, while currency control measures and ongoing localization efforts continued to shape supply conditions.

Production O-xylene in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2021, Russia produced 166.4 thousand tonnes of O-xylene, which represents a 9.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 13.2%, averaging an annual decline of 4.6%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 12.5% reduction, while the largest increase was seen in 2020, at 9.4%.

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

Exports O-xylene from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, Russia exported 53.1 thousand tonnes of O-xylene abroad, marking a sharp decline of 29.3% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 58.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -25.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, at 54.9%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2020, with a 30.4% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Finland was the leading destination for Russia's O-xylene exports in volume terms, accounting for 72.3% of total shipments. The remaining exports were distributed among other trading partners.

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

Russia's O-xylene exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export value totaled 41.0 million US dollars, reflecting a 1.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 60.8%, averaging an annual decline of 26.8%.

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

During the 2018-2021 period, Finland consistently represented 71.7% of Russia's total O-xylene export value, highlighting a high concentration on this market. The remainder was shared among other countries.

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

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

Imports O-xylene to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

Russia's O-xylene import volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 0.4 thousand tonnes, showing a dramatic surge of 2 682.0% compared to the prior year. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 122 230.5%, with an average annual increase of 969.5%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, Belarus, and Hungary dominated Russia's O-xylene imports in volume terms, with shares of 33.1%, 29.5%, and 24.1%, respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 86.7% 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

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes varied significantly, with a 49-fold difference between the low in 2018 and the high in 2021. In 2021, Russia's O-xylene imports amounted to 0.5 million US dollars, representing a rise of 3 241.4% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, at 14.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belarus, and Hungary were the key sources for Russia's O-xylene imports in value terms, with shares of 33.0%, 30.2%, and 20.9%, respectively. Collectively, these three countries made up 84.1% 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