Synthetic rubber market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian synthetic rubber market volume fluctuated between 604 thousand tons and 728 thousand tons from 2018 to 2021, reaching a peak of 698 thousand tons in 2021. Government procurement under laws 44-FZ and 223-FZ initially supported domestic demand, while a trend toward import substitution gained momentum with major players like SIBUR introducing new product grades. In 2020, plans to stockpile synthetic rubber in the state reserve helped sustain consumption despite pandemic disruptions. By 2021, EU sanctions prompted a reorientation of exports toward the Asia-Pacific region, maintaining overseas sales and allowing market volume to grow alongside continued import substitution.

The market contracted sharply to 445 thousand tons in 2022 after the EU imposed sanctions that restricted shipments of Russian synthetic rubber, leading to a 12% drop in production. Major producers such as Nizhnekamskneftekhim continued to invest in new facilities, including butadiene-styrene rubber capacity, to secure long-term competitiveness. From 2023, the market began a gradual recovery, reaching 491 thousand tons in 2024, as modernization projects and development of the tire and rubber technical goods segments supported domestic consumption. Production in 2025 remained stable at around 1.43 million tons.

Production synthetic rubber in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Synthetic rubber production in Russia has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Russia produced 1 716 thousand tonnes of synthetic rubber, marking an 11.9% rise compared to the previous year. The minimum production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 497 thousand tonnes, which represented the largest decline of 9.8% during the period. From 2018 to 2021, overall production grew by 3.4%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 1.1%.

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

Exports synthetic rubber from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year decrease, synthetic rubber exports from Russia have rebounded. In 2021, Russia exported 1 095 thousand tonnes of synthetic rubber, showing an 11.9% increase over the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 978 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 2.1%. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports rose by 7.9%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Russia's synthetic rubber exports in kind were not heavily concentrated on a few key markets. The top three destinations—China (15.4% of exports in kind), Poland (10.4%), and India (9.3%)—collectively accounted for only 35.1% of total export flows, indicating a broad distribution across multiple countries.

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 drop, Russia's synthetic rubber exports in value terms have increased. In 2021, exports amounted to 1 898 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp rise of 51.2% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 1 256 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 20.4%. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 10.2%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 3.3%.

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

During 2018–2021, Russia's synthetic rubber exports in value terms were spread across many countries. China (14.0% of exports in value terms), Poland (10.9%), and India (9.7%) together made up only 34.6% of total flows, highlighting a diversified export market structure.

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

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

Imports synthetic rubber to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, Russia's imported synthetic rubber volumes reached 99 thousand tonnes, representing a significant increase of 16.4% from the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2020 at 85 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 8.1%. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 15.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%.

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

The structure of Russia's synthetic rubber imports in kind from 2018 to 2021 points to a diversified set of trading partners. Germany (22.4% of imports in kind), South Korea (11.8%), and Finland (10.6%) jointly accounted for only 44.7% of total import flows, while the remaining 55.3% was distributed among numerous smaller 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, M $ US

After a two-year decline, Russia's imported synthetic rubber volumes in value terms have increased. In 2021, imports amounted to 230 million US dollars, reflecting a steep rise of 45.5% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 158 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 19.8%. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 10.4%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany (24.0% of imports in value terms), South Korea (12.6%), and Asia, not elsewhere specified (8.7%) formed the largest group of suppliers of synthetic rubber to Russia. However, their combined contribution was limited to 45.3% of total imports in value terms, reflecting a diversified country structure for imports.

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

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