Sodium hydroxide market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The sodium hydroxide market in Russia exhibited volatility from 2018 to 2020, starting at 786 тыс. т in 2018, a year characterized by the dominance of large state-owned and private chemical enterprises employing efficient electrochemical production methods. The market volume increased to 810 тыс. т in 2019 before contracting to 758 тыс. т in 2020.

A sustained recovery began in 2021, with the market volume jumping to 846 тыс. т. This surge was largely attributable to the expansion of sodium hydroxide into new application segments, particularly in cosmetology and personal hygiene products like creams and facial washes, which created fresh demand. Growth continued into 2022, with the market reaching 885 тыс. т. This was underpinned by persistent demand from the pharmaceutical and personal care industries, while international sanctions and logistical constraints reduced export volumes, increasing domestic availability.

The positive momentum carried through 2023 and 2024, with the market volume advancing to 949 тыс. т and then 972 тыс. т, indicating robust consumption in key downstream sectors without significant new disruptive factors.

Production sodium hydroxide in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's sodium hydroxide production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, production stood at 1 267 K t, showing no significant change compared to the previous year. The maximum production volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 291 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 1.5% drop, while the largest increase was seen in 2019 with a 0.9% rise.

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

Exports sodium hydroxide from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, Russia's sodium hydroxide exports amounted to 450.6 K t, marking an 18.6% decrease year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 14.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2020 at 553.4 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 8.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Turkey, Finland, and Belarus were the principal destinations for Russia's sodium hydroxide exports in kind. Turkey accounted for 27.7% of exports, Finland for 14.3%, and Belarus for 13.5%. Together, these three countries represented 55.5% 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

Russia's sodium hydroxide exports in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 110.5 M $ US, reflecting a 1.9% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 36.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the country breakdown of sodium hydroxide exports in value terms was relatively scattered. Turkey and Belarus each accounted for 15.6% of exports, while Finland represented 12.8%. Combined, these three partners made up 44.0% of total flows, with no single country emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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

Imports sodium hydroxide to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year increase, Russia's sodium hydroxide import volume declined. In 2021, imports stood at 23.9 K t, representing a sharp contraction of 48.2% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 19.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 46.1 K t, following the largest increase of 31.1% in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China remained the key source for sodium hydroxide imports into Russia, accounting for 83.8% of total imports in kind. Other destinations played a much less significant role in the import structure.

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

Russia's sodium hydroxide import volume in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 9.5 M $ US, indicating a steep loss of 39.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 50.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 20.7%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, the partner structure for sodium hydroxide imports in value terms was centered on China, which held a 72.6% share of total flows. Other markets formed a less significant part of the import landscape.

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

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