Styrene polymers in primary forms market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for styrene polymers in Russia grew steadily from 545 thousand tons to 569 thousand tons. This expansion was underpinned by the launch of major production facilities, notably Sibur's ZapSibNeftekhim complex which came online in 2018, significantly boosting domestic polymer output. Concurrently, stable demand from the packaging and plastic container market, a key consumer segment, supported consistent consumption. Despite broader economic challenges in 2020, the market continued to grow due to import substitution policies and the ongoing rollout of new capacity expansion projects.

The market surged by 9% to 620 thousand tons in 2021, coinciding with a wave of investment exceeding 9 billion rubles directed at modernizing plastics processing plants, which stimulated domestic demand for polymer raw materials. However, 2022 saw a 9% contraction to 563 thousand tons. This decline was primarily driven by the exit of major international household chemicals brands like Henkel and Procter & Gamble, which reduced demand for polymers used in detergent packaging, compounded by overall price increases and a sharp drop in imports of washing machines—a key related industry.

A recovery followed, with the market volume reaching 582 thousand tons in 2023 and climbing a further 8.5% to 631 thousand tons in 2024. This rebound reflects the industry's adaptation, as domestic detergent producers captured market share, sustaining polymer demand for packaging. Furthermore, a 50% increase in polymer consumption for pipeline systems over a four-year period created an additional sales channel, helping to offset reduced export volumes.

Production styrene polymers in primary forms in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Production of styrene polymers in primary forms in Russia has been growing for three consecutive years. In 2021, Russia produced 590.3 K t of these polymers, marking a 0.8% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 6.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.3%.

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

Exports styrene polymers in primary forms from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, exports of styrene polymers in primary forms from Russia declined. In 2021, Russia exported 117.1 K t of these polymers, representing a significant drop of 20.2% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 7.8%, with an average annual decline of 2.7%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2020 at 146.7 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 7.5% during this timeframe.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main markets for Russia's exports of styrene polymers in primary forms were Belarus, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. Belarus accounted for 37.4% of exports in kind, Ukraine for 19.4%, and Kazakhstan for 12.2%. Together, these three countries represented 69.0% 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

Following a two-year decline, exports of styrene polymers in primary forms from Russia increased in value terms. In 2021, exports reached 218.3 M $ US, up by 53.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 12.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 142.6 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 15.9%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Belarus, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan remained the key markets for Russia's exports of styrene polymers in primary forms in value terms. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 71.6% 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 styrene polymers in primary forms to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, Russia imported 149.5 K t of styrene polymers in primary forms, an increase of 18.3% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports rose by 23.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.4%. The largest decline in imports was recorded in 2020 at 8.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the primary sources for Russia's imports of styrene polymers in primary forms were South Korea, Belgium, and China. Together, these three countries accounted for 53.7% of total import flows in kind.

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

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 179.7 M $ US, while the highest occurred in 2021, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 1.8 times. In 2021, Russia's imports of styrene polymers in primary forms amounted to 322.0 M $ US, reflecting a substantial increase of 79.2% compared to 2020. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 19.7%.

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

In the 2018-2021 period, South Korea, Belgium, and China were the main sources for Russia's imports of styrene polymers in primary forms in value terms. South Korea accounted for 28.9% of imports, Belgium for 15.8%, and China for 6.9%. Combined, these three countries represented 51.6% 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