PE sacks and bags market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

In the late 2010s, the Russian market for polyethylene sacks and bags faced increasing pressure from environmental trends, as major retailers promoted reusable bags and consumer preferences shifted away from single-use plastic. This shift began to dampen demand, though import volumes remained stable at around 25-27 thousand tonnes annually through 2021. Production surged to 588.8 thousand tonnes in 2022, driven by a 9% increase in domestic polymer supplies and active import substitution as the market adapted to new sanctions.

Output then fell sharply to 350.4 thousand tonnes in 2023 amid supply-chain disruptions from the sanctions adaptation process and the growing development of sustainable packaging segments. A partial recovery followed in 2024, with production rising to 417.7 thousand tonnes, supported by the localization of raw material and component production. By 2025, production declined again to 381.1 thousand tonnes, reflecting the impact of extended producer responsibility programs and continued demand shifts toward more eco-friendly solutions.

Exports PE sacks and bags from Russia

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Russia's exports of PE sacks and bags declined. In 2021, exports totaled 11 036 tons, marking a slight decrease of 1.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 15.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.0%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 11 169 tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 14.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Ukraine were the leading destinations for Russia's exports of PE sacks and bags in volume terms. Kazakhstan accounted for 45.5% of exports, Belarus for 30.1%, and Ukraine for 9.1%. Together, these three countries represented 84.8% 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

Russia's exports of PE sacks and bags in value terms grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export value reached 33 419 thousand US dollars, showing a significant increase of 26.3% over the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports rose by 37.4%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 11.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Ukraine remained the primary buyers of PE sacks and bags from Russia in value terms. Kazakhstan represented 40.7% of exports, Belarus 27.8%, and Ukraine 11.8%. Collectively, these three countries made up 80.3% 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 PE sacks and bags to Russia

Imports in kind, t

Russia's imports of PE sacks and bags in volume terms fell for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports stood at 24 280 tons, reflecting a gradual decline of 6.4% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 9.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.1%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 27 109 tons, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 1.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, no single market dominated Russia's imports of PE sacks and bags in volume terms. China accounted for 19.5% of imports, Belarus for 16.6%, and Sweden for 13.5%. Together, these three countries represented only 49.7% of total import flows, with many smaller partners each holding modest individual shares.

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

After two years of decline, Russia's imports of PE sacks and bags in value terms increased. In 2021, imports amounted to 89 074 thousand US dollars, which is 9.4% higher than the previous year. The lowest import value was recorded in 2020 at 81 401 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual decrease of 7.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the country breakdown of Russia's imports of PE sacks and bags in value terms was dispersed. China represented 16.9% of imports, Belarus 14.3%, and Sweden 11.4%. Together, these three countries accounted for just 42.6% of total import flows, with no partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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