PC in primary forms market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian polycarbonates market expanded from 75.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 102.6 thousand tons in 2020. In 2018, imports were constrained by high prices for foreign granulate and prolonged delivery times. A shortage of raw material for sheet production also encouraged new domestic granulate manufacturing projects. By 2020, demand growth was driven by the post-pandemic economic recovery and increased consumption of polycarbonates for electronics, automotive, and construction materials.

Market volume contracted to 88.9 thousand tons in 2021 as anticipation of the EU export ban to Russia reduced imports, while Russian producers boosted exports. In 2022, the EU ban took effect, sharply cutting imports and pushing the market down to 74.3 thousand tons. This period also saw accelerated domestic production development, with over 20 new sheet polycarbonate plants and the expansion of monolithic sheet lines by the Plazit-Polygal Vostok group.

In 2023, the market rebounded to 106.0 thousand tons on the back of rising domestic output. A modest correction followed in 2024, with volume reaching 95.9 thousand tons.

Production PC in primary forms in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's production of PC in primary forms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, production reached 99.6 K t, marking a significant 15.3% improvement compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 26%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 76.8 K t, with the largest decline of 2.8% also occurring that year.

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

Exports PC in primary forms from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Exports of PC in primary forms from Russia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 29 598 t, showing a substantial 48.5% rise compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 30%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 17 538 t, which also saw the largest decline of 23.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, China, Italy, and Belarus were the leading destinations for Russia's exports of PC in primary forms in volume terms. China accounted for 46.4% of exports, Italy for 11.3%, and Belarus for 9.9%. Together, these three countries represented 67.5% 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, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. Export volumes in value terms reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2021, with the peak being 3.1 times higher than the low. In 2021, Russia exported 93 548 K $ US of PC in primary forms, a sharp increase of 199.1% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 30 528 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 47.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Italy, and Belarus continued to be the main buyers of PC in primary forms from Russia in value terms. China accounted for 39.1% of exports, Italy for 12.9%, and Belarus for 11.9%. Collectively, these three countries made up 63.9% 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 PC in primary forms to Russia

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Import levels fluctuated, with the lowest point in 2021 and the highest in 2020, showing a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Russia imported 19 134 t of PC in primary forms, a sharp drop of 46.7% compared to the previous year. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2020 at 35 886 t, while the largest increase of 71.6% occurred in 2019.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Belgium, Germany, and Spain were the main sources for Russia's imports of PC in primary forms in volume terms. Belgium accounted for 22.2% of imports, Germany for 17.7%, and Spain for 12.2%. Together, these three countries represented 52.1% 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, K $ US

Imports of PC in primary forms into Russia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import volume stood at 65 451 K $ US, reflecting a notable 11.2% decrease year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 2.8%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 0.9%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 76 904 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 20.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the country structure of imports in value terms was highly diversified. Germany accounted for 19.6% of imports, Belgium for 17.8%, and South Korea for 10.6%. Together, these three countries represented only 47.9% of total flows, with the remaining 52.1% coming from a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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