Raw or retted, not spun flax market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the CIS market for raw or retted flax grew from 76 228 t to 87 028 t. This increase was supported by the introduction of a state program for flax cultivation in 2018, which provided subsidies and credit benefits for seed selection and planting materials. Regional subsidies, such as those in Smolensk, further encouraged agrotechnical work, while expanded sown areas boosted fiber output.

Production and market volume dropped to 61 627 t in 2021. The following year saw a recovery to 71 717 t, aided by continued area expansion and the development of export channels to neighboring countries, despite Western sanctions that raised production costs and limited machinery imports.

In 2023, the market declined again to 61 324 t, as reduced flax seed harvests and lower yields due to weather conditions constrained fiber availability. The period also saw regulatory and industrial developments, including the imposition of EU tariffs on flax oil and the launch of a large processing plant in Rostov Region.

Production raw or retted, not spun flax in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of raw or retted, not spun flax, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw or retted, not spun flax, 2017-2020

CIS production of raw or retted, not spun flax grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 87,040 tonnes, marking a 2.8% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 7.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.4%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 76,223 tonnes, when output fell by 6.0%. The following year, 2019, saw the strongest rebound with an 11.1% increase.

Annual dynamics of production in CIS in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports raw or retted, not spun flax from CIS

Exports in kind, kg

Export volumes showed significant volatility, reflecting an unstable market. The lowest point was in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2019, with a dramatic 207-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, CIS exported 17,461 kg of raw or retted, not spun flax, down 19.9% from 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 21,795 kg, which represented a massive 2,406.0% surge from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from CIS in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, China and Germany were the top destinations for CIS exports of raw or retted, not spun flax in volume terms, together accounting for 28.8% of total shipments.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from CIS in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

CIS export value of raw or retted, not spun flax increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached $30,949, up 19.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value soared by 3,579.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 232.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from CIS in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, China and Germany dominated as buyers of raw or retted, not spun flax from CIS in value terms, jointly representing 41.4% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from CIS in value, 2017-2020

Imports raw or retted, not spun flax to CIS

Imports in kind, kg

Import volumes experienced notable fluctuations during this period. The peak was in 2018, followed by a sharp drop to the lowest point in 2019, resulting in an 8.8-fold variation. In 2020, CIS imported about 4,675 kg of raw or retted, not spun flax, a substantial increase of 578.4% from the previous year. The minimum import volume was 689 kg in 2019, while the maximum was 6,085 kg in 2018. The steepest decline occurred in 2019, with an 88.7% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to CIS in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey led CIS imports of raw or retted, not spun flax in volume terms, holding a 1.2% share of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to CIS in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

Import values displayed an unstable trend over the timeframe. The lowest point was in 2019, with volumes climbing to a peak in 2020, showing an 8.4-fold shift. In 2020, CIS import value for raw or retted, not spun flax was $20,449, up 737.7% from a year earlier. The minimum value was $2,441 in 2019, which saw the largest decline of 87.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to CIS in value, 2017-2020, $ US

During 2017-2020, Turkey and China were key players in shaping the import structure for raw or retted, not spun flax to CIS in value terms, together accounting for 41.3% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to CIS in value, 2017-2020