SBR and XSBR latex market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian SBR and XSBR latex market experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2020. After the launch of new production facilities in February 2017, including a 35 000-tonne-per-year styrene-butadiene rubber line, production capacity increased. However, in 2019, global trade tensions contributed to a decline in market volume to 202.7 thousand tonnes. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic's initial impact on demand, the market rebounded sharply in 2020 to 300.1 thousand tonnes, supported by ongoing raw material supply efforts and the earlier capacity expansion.

From 2021 onwards, Western sanctions significantly altered market dynamics. Export volumes to the European Union fell due to market closures, leading to a contraction in market size to 267.0 thousand tonnes in 2021 and further to 228.4 thousand tonnes in 2022. In response, producers pivoted towards Asian markets and introduced new rubber grades compliant with GOST standards, such as SKD PPChO and DSSK-4040-M27. This strategic shift, coupled with state support mechanisms including planned purchases for the state reserve, helped production and market volume recover to 236.0 thousand tonnes in 2023.

The market continued to grow in 2024, reaching 256.8 thousand tonnes, while production in 2025 is estimated at 235.1 thousand tonnes, indicating stabilization after the industry's adaptation to the new trade environment.

Production SBR and XSBR latex in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2019, Russia's production of SBR and XSBR latex hit its lowest point at 185.1 thousand tons, before surging to a peak of 284.4 thousand tons in 2020. By 2021, production stood at 250.5 thousand tons, reflecting a significant 11.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, overall production grew by 10.7%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 3.5%. The most notable decline occurred in 2019 with an 18.2% drop, while the sharpest increase was recorded in 2020 at 53.7%.

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

Exports SBR and XSBR latex from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of SBR and XSBR latex from Russia showed considerable volatility between 2018 and 2021. The lowest point was in 2018, with exports peaking in 2021 at 126 tons, representing a substantial 70.4% increase from the previous year. The difference between these peak and trough levels was 1.8 times. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, falling by 3.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus was the largest buyer of Russian SBR and XSBR latex by volume, accounting for 46.5% of exports. Ukraine followed with 11.9%, and Kazakhstan with 9.5%. Together, these three countries represented 67.9% of Russia's total exports in kind during this period.

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

The value of SBR and XSBR latex exports from Russia exhibited notable fluctuations from 2018 to 2021. Exports bottomed out in 2020 at 142 thousand US dollars, then rebounded sharply to reach 320 thousand US dollars in 2021—a dramatic 125.8% year-on-year increase. The peak in 2021 was 2.3 times higher than the 2020 low. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, dropping by 19.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Belarus was the leading destination for Russian SBR and XSBR latex exports by value, comprising 38.2% of the total. Ukraine accounted for 22.0%, and Kazakhstan for 7.9%. Collectively, these three markets made up 68.1% of Russia's export value during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports SBR and XSBR latex to Russia

Imports in kind, t

Russia's imports of SBR and XSBR latex in kind grew significantly from 2018 to 2021, increasing by 51% overall with an average annual growth rate of 14.7%. In 2021, imports reached 21 300 tons, marking a strong 34.3% rise compared to 2020. The most notable decline was in 2020, falling by 3.9%.

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

During the 2018-2021 period, Finland and Germany dominated Russia's imports of SBR and XSBR latex by volume, together accounting for 85.9% of total imports. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

The value of Russia's SBR and XSBR latex imports showed robust growth from 2018 to 2021, rising by 50.7% with an average annual rate of 14.7%. Imports hit their lowest point in 2020 at 16 256 thousand US dollars, before climbing to 27 447 thousand US dollars in 2021—a 68.8% year-on-year increase. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, dropping by 11.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Finland was the top source for Russia's SBR and XSBR latex imports by value, representing 42.3% of the total. Germany followed with 36.2%, and the United States with 7.6%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 86.2% of import value during this period.

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

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