Potassium hydroxide market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Russian potassium hydroxide market experienced significant volatility. Growth in 2019 was supported by the modernization of production facilities and the introduction of membrane electrolysis technology, which improved efficiency and output volumes. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp contraction of the market to 47 thousand tons, disrupting supply chains and production activity.

Recovery began in 2021 with the launch of new membrane technology production at the Berezniki Chemical Plant 'Soda-Khlorat', which doubled output. This contributed to a market volume increase to 51 thousand tons. In the following years, sanctions and import restrictions from EAEU countries affected trade patterns, causing a market dip in 2022. However, continued expansion of production capacity and further modernization allowed the market to grow to 52.8 thousand tons in 2023.

In 2024, market volume fell to 43.4 thousand tons, partly due to the ongoing impact of sanctions on import supplies and logistics. Production remained stable at approximately 38.8 thousand tons, led by the Volga Federal District. By 2025, production rose to 40.7 thousand tons, reflecting industry resilience, though comprehensive market volume data for this year is not available.

Production potassium hydroxide in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, Russia produced 40,608 tonnes of potassium hydroxide, marking an 8.2% increase compared to 2020. Production reached its peak in 2019 at 60,634 tonnes, then declined to its lowest point in 2020 at 37,534 tonnes, with the sharpest drop of 38.1% occurring that year. Overall, from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 31%, averaging an annual decline of 11.6%.

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

Exports potassium hydroxide from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Potassium hydroxide exports from Russia fell for the third consecutive year in 2021, with shipments totaling 15,477 tonnes, down 8.6% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 17.6%, reflecting an average annual decline of 6.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the British Virgin Islands, Ukraine, and Latvia were the primary destinations for Russia's potassium hydroxide exports, accounting for 71.4% of total shipments. The British Virgin Islands led with 50.7%, followed by Ukraine at 13.7% and Latvia at 7.0%.

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

In 2021, Russia's potassium hydroxide exports in value terms rose to $13,624 thousand, up 8.9% from 2020. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at $14,279 thousand, while the lowest was in 2020 at $12,510 thousand, with a decline of 12.4% that year. Overall, from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 3.2%, averaging a 1.1% annual drop.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the British Virgin Islands, Ukraine, and Latvia remained the top destinations for Russia's potassium hydroxide exports by value, collectively representing 71.0% of total flows. The British Virgin Islands accounted for 49.0%, Ukraine for 15.2%, and Latvia for 6.8%.

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

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

Imports potassium hydroxide to Russia

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, potassium hydroxide imports into Russia declined in 2021, with volumes at 25,808 tonnes, showing little change from 2020. Imports peaked in 2020 at 25,948 tonnes, following a significant increase of 32.0% in 2019. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 31.7%, averaging an annual rise of 9.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus was the dominant source for potassium hydroxide imports into Russia, supplying 70.5% of total volumes, while other countries contributed smaller 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

In 2021, Russia's potassium hydroxide imports in value terms were $18,287 thousand, remaining stable compared to 2020. The highest value occurred in 2019 at $19,771 thousand, with a notable increase of 43.7% that year, while 2020 saw a decline of 7.5%. Overall, from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 32.9%, averaging an annual growth of 9.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Belarus and South Korea together accounted for 81.9% of Russia's potassium hydroxide imports by value, with other countries making up a diverse but less significant portion.

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

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