Polymers of propylene or of other olefins in primary forms market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market volume for polymers of propylene and other olefins in Russia grew from 1 356 thousand tonnes to 1 670 thousand tonnes. This expansion was primarily driven by the launch of new large-scale production facilities, including the Primorsky GKhK and the Angarsk Polymer Plant, which increased domestic supply. State policies fostering a favorable investment climate and supporting deep processing of oil and gas products further stimulated market growth, alongside rising domestic demand from import substitution and the development of plastics processing.

Geopolitical risks and international sanctions led to a market contraction to 1 494 thousand tonnes in 2022, disrupting trade flows. However, the commissioning of the major ZapSibNeftekhim complex by SIBUR helped cushion the decline. The market rebounded to 1 717 thousand tonnes in 2023, supported by strong growth in domestic plastics processing and the launch of the second stage of the Poliplast high-molecular polymer complex. In 2024, the market experienced a slight decrease to 1 668 thousand tonnes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, although active development of new production facilities and technologies continued.

By 2025, the industry maintained its development trajectory with ongoing capacity launches and modernization, underpinning production levels around 2 170 thousand tonnes. SIBUR remained the central player, and consistent import substitution policies continued to bolster domestic consumption and investment in the petrochemical sector.

Production propylene and other olefin polymers in primary forms in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's production of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, output reached 2 201 K t, marking a 10.8% year-over-year increase. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 51%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 14.7%.

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

Exports propylene and other olefin polymers in primary forms from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during this period. Export volumes fluctuated significantly, dropping to a low of 323.4 K t in 2019 and rising to 822.3 K t in 2021—a 2.5-fold difference. In 2021, Russia exported 822.3 K t of these polymers, up 12.2% from 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 4.4%, while the biggest increase was in 2020, soaring by 126.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Turkey, Belarus, and China were the top markets for Russia's exports in kind, accounting for 19.7%, 16.8%, and 15.3% of the total, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 51.9% of all 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

The market showed volatility over the observed years. Export values varied widely, hitting a low of 374 M $ US in 2019 and peaking at 1 142 M $ US in 2021—a 3.1-fold gap. In 2021, exports were valued at 1 142 M $ US, a 73.2% increase from the previous year. The largest decline was in 2019 at 13.0%, while the biggest jump occurred in 2020, rising by 76.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Russia's export structure in value terms was quite diversified. Belarus, Turkey, and China were key partners, contributing 19.7%, 17.7%, and 12.0% of the total, respectively. However, their combined share was only 49.4%, with the remaining 50.6% spread across numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports propylene and other olefin polymers in primary forms to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

Russia's imports of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 304.5 K t, up 15.8% year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 31.5%, averaging 9.5% annually. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 229.0 K t, with the largest decline that year at 1.2%.

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

Over the 2018–2021 period, Russia's imports in kind came from a broad range of countries. South Korea, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan were notable suppliers, accounting for 13.1%, 12.9%, and 12.5% of the total, respectively. Together, they made up just 38.6% of import flows, indicating a diverse sourcing base.

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 decline, Russia's imports of these polymers in value terms rebounded. In 2021, imports amounted to 579 M $ US, a 62.0% increase from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports rose by 45.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.3%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 357 M $ US, and the largest drop occurred in 2019 at 7.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, South Korea, Belgium, and Azerbaijan were important suppliers in value terms, contributing 13.2%, 11.4%, and 10.7% of total imports, respectively. Yet, their combined share was only 35.3%, with the majority—64.7%—distributed among many other partners.

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

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