PP in primary forms market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian market for polypropylene in primary forms expanded from 1.2 million tons in 2018 to 1.5 million tons in 2019, driven by substantial investments in new production capacity, including the leading Tobolsk-Polymer plant owned by Sibur, and the broadening of product grades to meet domestic demand.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic altered consumer preferences and supply chains, yet production continued to increase; the market volume saw a slight dip that year before recovering to 1.5 million tons in 2021 as the situation stabilized and new product segments developed.

Sanctions and an EU import ban on Russian polypropylene in 2022 sharply reduced demand, particularly from the automotive industry, contracting the market to 1.4 million tons. However, by 2023, the market rebounded to 1.6 million tons due to recovering demand, new investments in capacity within the Ural Federal District, and a successful export reorientation to markets like Turkey and China. In 2024, the market experienced a minor decline, yet investment activity continued with the launch of new facilities such as the Poliplast plant in the Tula region.

Production PP in primary forms in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's production of polypropylene in primary forms has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Russia produced 2 159 thousand tonnes of polypropylene in primary forms, marking a 10.3% increase compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 53.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 15.3%.

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

Exports PP in primary forms from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 292.7 thousand tonnes, with a decline of 4.9% that year. In 2020, exports surged by 139.3%, and by 2021, they peaked at 778.1 thousand tonnes, representing an 11.1% increase from 2020. Overall, exports varied by 2.7 times between the trough in 2019 and the peak in 2021.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Turkey, China, and Belarus remained the top destinations for Russia's polypropylene exports in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 21.0% of exports, China for 16.3%, and Belarus for 13.4%. Together, these three countries represented 50.7% 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

The market showed considerable volatility over these years. Export values fell to their lowest point in 2019 at 323 million US dollars, with a decline of 14.5% that year. In 2020, values increased by 90.5%, and by 2021, they peaked at 1 051 million US dollars, reflecting a dramatic 70.5% rise compared to the previous year. Overall, export values fluctuated by 3.2 times between the low in 2019 and the high in 2021.

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

During 2018–2021, Russia's polypropylene exports in value terms were distributed across many different markets. Even the largest destinations—Turkey, Belarus, and China—collectively accounted for only 48.2% of total export value, highlighting the diversity of the export structure.

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

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

Imports PP in primary forms to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

Russia's imports of polypropylene in primary forms have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import volume reached 168.4 thousand tonnes, up by 8.5% compared to 2020. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 127.6 thousand tonnes, with a decline of 7.9% that year. In 2020, imports rose by 21.7%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 21.6%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 6.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three key markets—Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan—collectively accounted for 53.6% of Russia's total imports of polypropylene in primary forms by volume.

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 polypropylene in primary forms have risen for the second year in a row. In 2021, import value reached 278 million US dollars, representing a 59.3% year-on-year increase. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 173 million US dollars, with a decline of 14.4% that year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 37.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 11.2%.

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

In 2018–2021, Russia's imports of polypropylene in value terms came from a wide range of markets. The top three sources—Turkmenistan (16.5% of import value), South Korea (16.1%), and Azerbaijan (15.0%)—together accounted for only 47.6% of total import value. The remaining 52.4% was spread across numerous smaller destinations, underscoring the broad supply base.

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

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