Sulphides, sulphites and sulphates market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian market for sulphides, sulphites and sulphates contracted in 2019 to 1 450 thousand tonnes due to the initial impact of sanctions and geopolitical risks affecting supply structures. However, the market volume recovered to 1 640 thousand tonnes in 2020, supported by rising exports of sodium sulphate which stimulated domestic production. Growth continued to 1 805 thousand tonnes in 2021, driven by an increase in the output of technical sodium sulphate and the ongoing post-crisis recovery.

From 2022, the market entered a phase of decline, falling to 1 733 thousand tonnes as the suspension of several European plants due to sanctions reduced the supply of natural sodium sulphate. The downward trend persisted to 1 569 thousand tonnes in 2023 amid continued sanctions pressure on logistics and market structure. By 2024, the market stabilized at 1 554 thousand tonnes, reflecting industry adaptation, while production in 2025 fell to 1 392 thousand tonnes, indicating a further volume adjustment.

Production sulphides, sulphites and sulphates in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's production of sulphides, sulphites and sulphates has grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, output reached 1 790 thousand tonnes, marking an 11.7% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 9.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 446 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 11.6% also occurring that year.

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

Exports sulphides, sulphites and sulphates from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Russia's exports of sulphides, sulphites and sulphates have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 118.9 thousand tonnes, up by 25.1% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 42.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Russia's exports of sulphides, sulphites and sulphates were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Kazakhstan accounted for 17.0% of exports, Belarus for 14.4%, and Canada for 7.9%. Together, these three countries represented just 39.3% 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 exports of sulphides, sulphites and sulphates in value terms have risen for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports amounted to 154.6 million US dollars, showing a 50.5% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 64.4%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 18.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 90.1 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 4.2% also occurring that year.

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

Over the 2018-2021 period, the geographical structure of Russia's exports in value terms was highly diversified. Kazakhstan accounted for 14.1% of exports, Canada for 12.5%, and the Netherlands for 9.9%. Combined, these three countries represented only 36.4% of total flows, while the remaining 63.6% was spread across numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Imports sulphides, sulphites and sulphates to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

Russia's imports of sulphides, sulphites and sulphates have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totalled 112.7 thousand tonnes, down by 1.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 5.3%, which corresponds to an average annual decline of 1.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Ukraine, and Belarus were the leading suppliers of sulphides, sulphites and sulphates to Russia. China accounted for 52.4% of imports in kind, Ukraine for 9.5%, and Belarus for 8.2%. Together, these three countries made up 70.1% of total imports.

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 two years of decline, Russia's imports of sulphides, sulphites and sulphates in value terms increased in 2021. Imports amounted to 72.2 million US dollars, showing a significant rise of 16.0% year-over-year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 6.7%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 2.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 62.2 million US dollars, with the largest drop of 10.5% also occurring that year.

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

In the 2018-2021 period, China, Germany, and India formed the main group of sources for Russia's imports of sulphides, sulphites and sulphates in value terms. China accounted for 51.8% of imports, Germany for 13.5%, and India for 4.5%. Together, these three countries represented 69.7% 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