Organic surfactants and washing preparations market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for organic surfactants and washing preparations in Russia saw a slight contraction to 2.1 million tonnes in 2019 after initial stability. However, it rebounded strongly in 2020, expanding by 8% to 2.3 million tonnes, primarily driven by heightened demand for hygiene and cleaning products during the COVID-19 pandemic. Growth continued into 2021, though at a slower pace, supported by the government's import substitution policy and the inclusion of surfactants in the list of priority chemical products.

The market accelerated again from 2022, reaching 2.6 million tonnes by 2023, a 7.5% increase year-on-year. This surge was fueled by sanctions and the exit of foreign suppliers, which prompted domestic producers to ramp up output. Key players like Bioniks and BSK Group significantly expanded production and launched new product lines, including detergents for children's laundry. High customs duties imposed in July 2023 on imports from 'unfriendly' countries further reshaped the market structure in favor of local manufacturers.

In 2024, the market volume declined to 2.4 million tonnes, reflecting broader economic pressures and ongoing sanctions. Despite this correction, the sector continued to evolve structurally, with nonionic surfactants accounting for 40.9% of total production. The overall trajectory from 2018 to 2024 shows a market that responded to external shocks and policy shifts, with domestic capacity strengthening amid import substitution.

Production organic surfactants and washing preparations in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Production of organic surfactants and washing preparations in Russia has been growing for three consecutive years. In 2021, Russia produced 2 441 thousand tons of these products, marking a moderate increase of 4.7% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 18.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 5.7%.

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

Exports organic surfactants and washing preparations from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Russia's exports of organic surfactants and washing preparations have increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, export volume reached 421.9 thousand tons, showing a moderate uptick of 5.3% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 24.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Ukraine were the largest contributors to Russia's exports of organic surfactants and washing preparations in volume terms. Kazakhstan accounted for 41.3% of exports, Belarus for 20.3%, and Ukraine for 7.8%. Together, these three countries represented 69.3% 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

Russia's exports of organic surfactants and washing preparations in value terms have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 386.1 million US dollars, representing a strong gain of 15.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 12.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 3.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 311.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 9.4%.

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

In the period from 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Ukraine remained the main buyers of organic surfactants and washing preparations from Russia in value terms. Kazakhstan accounted for 33.3% of exports, Belarus for 24.8%, and Ukraine for 7.5%. Collectively, these three countries formed 65.5% 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 organic surfactants and washing preparations to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

Russia's imports of organic surfactants and washing preparations have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume was recorded at 348.3 thousand tons, equivalent to a rise of 3.9% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 9.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the partner landscape for imports of organic surfactants and washing preparations in volume terms was diverse. Germany accounted for 19.0% of imports, France for 11.2%, and China for 7.8%. Together, these three countries formed only 38.0% of total import flows, with the remaining 62.0% supplied by many 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, M $ US

Russia's imports of organic surfactants and washing preparations in value terms have increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, import volume reached 820.2 million US dollars, representing a strong rise of 12.5% year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 24.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, there was no single dominant market for Russia's imports of organic surfactants and washing preparations in value terms. Germany accounted for 21.8% of imports, France for 13.4%, and Italy for 6.9%. Together, these three countries took only 42.1% of total import value, while many smaller partners each contributed modest individual shares.

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

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