Silicones in primary forms market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian silicones market opened the period at 38 359 t in 2018, supported by a 10.8% increase in domestic production and a rising share of Chinese supplies, which reached 37.9% of imports. Over the next three years, total market volume contracted, hitting a low of 34 723 t in 2020 before a partial recovery to 36 727 t in 2021, while domestic production steadily declined.

A turning point came in 2022 with the launch of the new 'KZSK-Silikon' plant, designed for 40 thousand t per year, which boosted domestic output by 16.7%. The concurrent exit of European and American producers from the market reduced competition and reinforced import substitution. This was followed by a sharp 22.9% market expansion to 44 528 t in 2023, driven by growing demand for silicone stoppers and continued localization efforts.

The market corrected slightly to 42 031 t in 2024, although production continued to grow, reaching 16 thousand t. By 2025, domestic output had fallen to 13 490 t, indicating a readjustment following the previous growth phase.

Production silicones in primary forms in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Russia's production of silicones in primary forms has been declining for three consecutive years. In 2021, output reached 10 518 tonnes, marking a significant 11.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 25.8%, with an average annual decline of 9.4%.

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

Exports silicones in primary forms from Russia

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.7-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Russia exported 1 384 tonnes of silicones in primary forms, representing a gradual 4.6% decrease from the prior year. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 1 452 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a jump of 142.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and China were the key partners for Russia's exports of silicones in primary forms by volume. Kazakhstan accounted for 29.2% of exports, Belarus for 28.7%, and China for 14.6%. Together, these three countries made up 72.6% of total export flows.

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

In 2021, Russia exported silicones in primary forms worth $8.7 million, showing an uptick of 26.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 50.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 14.5%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 4.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus, China, and Kazakhstan were the main markets for Russia's exports of silicones in primary forms by value. Belarus led with 47.4% of exports, followed by China at 13.8%, and Kazakhstan at 11.2%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 72.4% 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 silicones in primary forms to Russia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year reduction, Russia's imports of silicones in primary forms increased. In 2021, imports were recorded at 28 104 tonnes, reflecting a strong gain of 14.7% relative to the prior year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports rose by 11.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.7%. The lowest volume was in 2020 at 24 508 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 2.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Germany, and the United Kingdom were the main sources for Russia's imports of silicones in primary forms by volume. China accounted for 35.5% of imports, Germany for 29.9%, and the United Kingdom for 7.7%. Together, these three countries represented 73.2% 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 decline, Russia's imports of silicones in primary forms increased. In 2021, imports amounted to $141.3 million, indicating a sharp rise of 39.7% year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 7.1%, with an average annual increase of 2.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at $101.1 million, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 13.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, China, and the United States consistently remained the main destinations for Russia's imports of silicones in primary forms by value. Germany accounted for 31.7% of imports, China for 29.7%, and the United States for 7.5%. Together, these three countries made up 68.9% of total import flows.

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

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