Refractory ceramic constructional goods excluding those of siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for refractory ceramic constructional goods in Russia experienced a decline from 1 061 thousand tons in 2018 to 855 thousand tons in 2020. This contraction was preceded by the closure of approximately ten refractory material plants in 2018, reducing industry capacity. Tightening quality and certification requirements introduced in 2019 and new regulatory standards in 2020 further impacted production volumes during this period.

A recovery followed, with the market size expanding to 990 thousand tons in 2021 and 1 078 thousand tons in 2022. This growth was primarily driven by the launch of new production capacities and the expansion of existing plants in 2021, supported by ongoing import substitution policies. The following year, intensified sanctions and geopolitical restrictions further stimulated domestic production, while a key Moscow-based manufacturer secured a loan from the Moscow Fund for Industry and Entrepreneurship Support, boosting its revenue by a third and contributing to market expansion.

After a slight contraction to 1 024 thousand tons in 2023, the market grew again to 1 050 thousand tons in 2024, supported by continued government funding for industry modernization and the development of new product types. Production volume, however, fell to 898 thousand tons in 2025.

Production refractory constructional ceramics in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Following a two-year decline, Russia's production of refractory ceramic constructional goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) increased. In 2021, Russia produced 1 078 K t of these goods, marking a 16.2% rise compared to the previous year. The minimum production volume was recorded in 2020 at 928 K t, which saw the largest decline of 11.3%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 5.5%, translating to an annualized rate of 1.9%.

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

Exports refractory constructional ceramics from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year decrease, Russia's exports of refractory ceramic constructional goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) increased. In 2021, export volume reached 174.9 K t, showing a substantial 12.8% growth from 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 155.1 K t, following the largest decline of 9.3% in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Ukraine remained the primary buyers of Russia's refractory ceramic constructional goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths). Kazakhstan accounted for 56.6% of exports in kind, Belarus for 11.6%, and Ukraine for 9.0%, collectively representing 77.1% 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, M $ US

Following a two-year reduction, Russia's exports of refractory ceramic constructional goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) increased in value. In 2021, exports totaled 86.6 M $ US, up by 27.5% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 67.9 M $ US, which experienced the largest decline of 11.9%. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 7.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Ukraine formed the core markets for Russia's exports of refractory ceramic constructional goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) in value terms. Kazakhstan represented 53.8% of exports, Belarus 10.7%, and Ukraine 10.6%, together accounting for 75.0% 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 refractory constructional ceramics to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, Russia's imports of refractory ceramic constructional goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) totaled 68.2 K t, down by 15.7% compared to 2020. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2020 at 80.9 K t, which saw the largest increase of 12.1%. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 13.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Ukraine, and Germany were the main sources of imports in kind for Russia's refractory ceramic constructional goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths), together absorbing 66.3% of total imports.

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

After a two-year uptick, Russia's imports of refractory ceramic constructional goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) declined in value. In 2021, imports registered 110.7 M $ US, a contraction of 14.4% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 129.4 M $ US, which experienced the largest increase of 10.4%. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 5.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%.

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

In the period from 2018 to 2021, China, Germany, and Ukraine were the largest suppliers of refractory ceramic constructional goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) to Russia in value terms. China accounted for 34.5% of imports, Germany for 21.1%, and Ukraine for 5.1%, together forming 60.7% of total imports in value terms.

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

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