Quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Russian quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime market expanded, with market volume rising from 11 221 thousand tons to 11 470 thousand tons. This growth was initially fueled by the expansion of quicklime production due to rising demand from the construction sector in 2018. Stable market growth continued in 2019, supported by capacity expansions from leading producers and a shift in consumer preferences towards hydraulic lime for construction needs. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused temporary supply chain disruptions and altered consumption patterns, leading to a slight market contraction, though state-owned companies maintained production to offset import restrictions. A recovery followed in 2021 as Russian manufacturers significantly increased quicklime output, becoming a key driver of market growth.

Between 2022 and 2023, the market continued its upward trajectory, reaching 11 697 thousand tons in 2023. This period was characterized by a notable 38% surge in hydraulic lime production in 2022, alongside overall output growth. Sanctions and supply chain realignments prompted by geopolitical factors further stimulated domestic manufacturing, a trend reinforced by the state policy of import substitution which solidified consumer preference for locally-made products. Concurrent investments by state-owned and large private companies into modernizing and expanding production facilities supported this growth. Subsequently, the market volume experienced a marginal decrease to 11 658 thousand tons in 2024, while production fell to 11 785 thousand tons, and by 2025, production had declined to 11 405 thousand tons, marking an adjustment following the earlier expansion.

Production quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2021, Russia produced 11,664 thousand tonnes of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime, marking a year-on-year increase of 2.7%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 3.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 1.9%.

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

Exports quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime from Russia have risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, export volumes reached 291.6 thousand tonnes, representing a substantial increase of 29.1% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 86.9%, averaging an annual growth rate of 23.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the primary buyers of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime from Russia were Belarus, accounting for 42.9% of exports in kind, Kazakhstan with 35.5%, and Ukraine at 17.6%. Together, these three countries made up 96.0% of total exports in kind.

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

Cross-border shipments of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime from Russia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the export value amounted to 20,861 thousand US dollars, reflecting a year-on-year rise of 31.5%. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 69.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for Russian exports of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime in value terms were Kazakhstan, with a 39.3% share, Belarus at 36.8%, and Ukraine with 17.7%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 93.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime into Russia have declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, import volumes totaled 70.3 thousand tonnes, showing a sharp decrease of 18.8% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 9.3%, with an average annual decline of 3.2%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 90.5 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 16.7%.

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

During 2018-2021, the principal sources for imports in kind of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime into Russia were France, with 61.8% of the total, China at 16.6%, and Belarus with 16.4%. Together, these three countries represented 94.9% of all 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

After two years of growth, imports of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime into Russia declined. In 2021, the import value stood at 11,443 thousand US dollars, which is 18.4% lower than in 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 7.0%, averaging an annual decline of 2.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 14,031 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 11.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, France and China dominated the imports in value terms of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime to Russia, with other markets playing a less significant role.

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

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