Safety glass market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the safety glass market in Russia expanded, with consumption rising from 177 thousand tons to 206 thousand tons. This growth was primarily driven by a robust increase in construction activity, including a 10.5% surge in building volumes in 2021, and sustained demand from individual housing development. Import substitution policies further supported domestic production, leading to a significant rise in output to 211 thousand tons in 2021.

The market faced disruptions in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused logistical challenges and affected supply chains. However, consumption remained stable near 191 thousand tons. In 2022, intensified sanctions and logistical problems led to a sharp contraction, with market volume falling to 175 thousand tons and production dropping by 23% as export channels narrowed and import costs rose.

Recovery began in 2023, fueled by continued growth in the construction sector, which expanded by 15.6%, and the ongoing localization of production. Market consumption rebounded to 182 thousand tons in 2023 and reached 210 thousand tons in 2024, supported by the activation of major players and potential new capacity launches. Import substitution remained a key trend, helping to stabilize the market.

Production safety glass in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K m²

In 2021, Russia produced 16 863 K m² of safety glass, marking a substantial 22.1% increase from 2020. The minimum production level was recorded in 2020 at 13 810 K m², which saw the largest decline of 8.2%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 13.6%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 4.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K m²

Exports safety glass from Russia

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Russia's exports of safety glass rebounded. In 2021, exports reached 54 565 t, showing a sharp 49.4% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest export volume was in 2020 at 36 515 t, following the largest drop of 20.4% in 2019. From 2018 to 2021, exports overall increased by 4.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Russia's export portfolio for safety glass in kind was quite diverse. Spain accounted for 16.6% of exports, Finland for 13.1%, and Kazakhstan for 11.2%, but together these three countries represented only 40.9% of total export flows, indicating a broad distribution among many partners.

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 decrease, Russia's safety glass exports in monetary terms rose. In 2021, export volume totaled 93.2 M $ US, up by 43.0% from 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 65.2 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 18.9%. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 13.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain was the leading buyer of Russian safety glass in value terms, accounting for 27.0% of exports, followed by Belgium at 8.5% and Italy at 7.0%. However, their combined share reached only 42.5% of total exports, with the remaining 57.5% distributed across numerous other trading partners.

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

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

Imports safety glass to Russia

Imports in kind, t

Russia's imports of safety glass in kind have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 51 302 t, showing little change from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 17.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.6%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, China, Belarus, and Germany were the key sources for Russia's safety glass imports in kind. China accounted for 36.2% of imports, Belarus for 30.7%, and Germany for 8.2%, together making up 75.2% of total 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, M $ US

After a two-year reduction, Russia's safety glass imports in monetary terms increased. In 2021, imports totaled 142.6 M $ US, indicating a 22.2% uptick from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 116.7 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 6.1%. From 2018 to 2021, imports rose by 9.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%.

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

In 2018-2021, the partner structure for Russia's safety glass imports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. China accounted for 26.9% of imports, Germany for 9.6%, and Belarus for 9.0%, jointly representing 45.5% of total flows, while many other countries accounted for the remaining 54.5%.

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

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