Raw or retted, not spun flax market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for raw or retted flax in Russia grew from 36 713 tons to 39 498 tons. This expansion was primarily driven by the continuous enlargement of oilseed flax cultivation areas and the adoption of imported agricultural technologies and machinery, which enhanced production efficiency. Strong export demand for flax fiber, especially from China, further supported market growth.

The market contracted sharply in 2021, falling to 25 950 tons, as agricultural focus shifted toward oilseed flax to achieve record seed harvests, likely reducing fiber output. In 2022, production declined further amid slightly lower crop yields and the impact of international trade restrictions and sanctions, bringing market size down to 22 931 tons. By 2023, the market stabilized at 23 965 tons despite a significant reduction in cultivation areas, as export flows adjusted and lower exports increased domestic availability.

Production raw or retted, not spun flax in Russia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Russia maintained the fourth position globally in terms of production volume for raw or retted, unspun flax.

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

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

Russia's production of raw or retted, unspun flax grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 39 262 tonnes, marking a 2.1% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 36 715 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 5.4%. The most significant growth occurred in 2019 with a 4.8% rise.

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

Exports raw or retted, not spun flax from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Russian exports of raw or retted, unspun flax increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, shipments abroad reached 67.2 tonnes, reflecting a substantial 165.0% jump from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 203 672.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1 167.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Belarus was the primary buyer of raw or retted, unspun flax from Russia, accounting for 73.3% of total exports by volume, while other partners held relatively smaller shares.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest export value was recorded in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2019, with the highest value being 114 times greater than the lowest. In 2020, cross-border shipments of raw or retted, unspun flax from Russia amounted to 24 464 US dollars, representing a 5.9% decrease from 2019. The maximum value was 25 995 US dollars in 2019, and the largest increase of 1 144.3% was observed in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belarus and China dominated the export structure in value terms, with other countries collectively making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports raw or retted, not spun flax to Russia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Russia imported 302.7 tonnes of raw or retted, unspun flax, showing little change from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 4 945.2%, translating to an average annual rate of 269.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2017-2020, t

During 2017–2020, Belarus effectively monopolized imports of raw or retted, unspun flax to Russia, capturing 100.0% of the total volume.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

In 2020, foreign supplies of raw or retted, unspun flax to Russia totaled 2 044 US dollars, remaining nearly unchanged from 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 21.8%, averaging an annual decline of 7.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belarus was overwhelmingly the main source for imports in value terms of raw or retted, unspun flax to Russia, representing 100.0% of total flows.

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

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