Unbleached kraftliner market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Russian unbleached kraftliner market showed variability but was underpinned by solid demand for packaging materials. The market volume reached 1.6 million tons in 2018, supported by a growing domestic demand for corrugated packaging raw materials, which rose over 6% annually. In 2019, a seasonal demand slump and overproduction led to a market contraction to 1.4 million tons. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 increased packaging needs, driving production up by 22.3% and lifting market volume to 1.5 million tons. This expansion continued into 2021, sustained by the ongoing activity of major state-owned players like MCBK, Arkhangelsk PPM, and Segezha PPM.

The market shifted abruptly in 2022 when sanctions and geopolitical tensions triggered an estimated 25% cut in kraftliner production, causing market volume to fall 10% to 1.3 million tons. Manufacturers reduced output in response to external restrictions, the exit of foreign companies, and rising raw material costs. Despite continued pressure from sanctions and new labeling regulations in 2023, the market volume recovered by 9% to 1.5 million tons as the industry adapted. By 2024, investments from state-owned enterprises helped boost production by 16%, pushing market volume back to 1.6 million tons.

Production continued to expand, reaching 2.1 million tons in 2025, indicating further recovery and growth in the sector following the 2022 downturn.

Production unbleached kraftliner in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Unbleached kraftliner production in Russia has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Russia produced 1 996 K t of unbleached kraftliner, marking a 3.7% rise compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 8.8%, which translates to an annualized rate of 2.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 639 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 10.7%. In contrast, the most significant increase occurred in 2020, with a jump of 17.4%.

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

Exports unbleached kraftliner from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Import levels varied significantly, with a 2.4-fold difference between the low in 2019 and the high in 2021. In 2021, Russia exported 503.0 K t of unbleached kraftliner, showing a moderate increase of 7.0% from the previous year. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 207.3 K t, which also experienced the largest decline of 24.6%. The most substantial growth was recorded in 2020, with a surge of 126.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Germany, and the Philippines were the leading destinations for Russia's unbleached kraftliner exports in kind. China accounted for 47.3% of exports, Germany for 5.7%, and the Philippines for 4.4%. Together, these three countries represented 57.4% 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

The market exhibited volatile behavior over these years. Export values reached their peak in 2021 and hit their lowest point in 2019, with a 2.8-fold gap between these years. In 2021, Russia's foreign supplies of unbleached kraftliner amounted to 318.8 M $ US, indicating a significant advance of 62.1% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 112.4 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 40.9%. The most notable increase occurred in 2020, with a rise of 74.9%.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, China, Germany, and the Philippines formed the core group of markets for Russia's unbleached kraftliner exports in value terms. China held a 49.8% share of exports, Germany 5.2%, and the Philippines 4.1%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 59.1% 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 unbleached kraftliner to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

The market trend was unstable throughout the timeframe. Import volumes showed a dramatic fluctuation, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 9.4 times between 2019 and 2021. In 2021, unbleached kraftliner shipments to Russia from abroad totaled 1.2 K t, representing a sharp decrease of 75.4% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 11.0 K t, which also experienced the largest increase of 650.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the partner structure for imports in kind was heavily centered on Finland, which accounted for 83.3% of total flows. Other markets played a less significant role, forming a smaller perimeter in the import landscape.

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 showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Import volumes peaked in 2019 and fell to a trough in 2021, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 7.3 times. In 2021, Russia's volume of unbleached kraftliner imports stood at 0.9 M $ US, down by 63.6% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 6.3 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 493.5%.

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

In 2018–2021, Finland dominated Russia's unbleached kraftliner imports in value terms, absorbing 79.5% of total flows. The remaining imports were spread across a wide range of smaller destinations.

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

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