Xylenes market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

Production of xylenes in Russia declined from 598.8 thousand tons in 2018 to 370 thousand tons in 2025, with fluctuations along the way. The initial drop in 2018-2019 was driven by broader economic and industry-specific headwinds, coupled with a 19.6% decrease in producer prices between 2017 and 2020 that reduced investment incentive. Output recovered in 2020 despite the price pressure, partly because the COVID-19 pandemic altered supply chains and demand patterns. However, from 2021 onward, Western sanctions severely restricted access to imported raw materials and equipment, hampering capacity expansion and leading to further production cuts in 2022 and a stabilization in 2023.

Despite falling production, the domestic market volume grew from 267 thousand tons in 2019 to 413.3 thousand tons in 2024. This growth was primarily due to a dramatic contraction in exports, which fell from 287.9 thousand tons in 2018 to just 33.9 thousand tons in 2024, as sanctions disrupted traditional trade routes and limited foreign sales. The sanctions also affected import volumes, though they remained marginal except for a temporary spike in 2021. Regionally, production shifted toward the Volga Federal District, which accounted for about 40% of output, while the Siberian Federal District remained a key producing area.

Producer prices rose to 70 054.9 rubles per ton in December 2024, reflecting higher input costs, yet production increased slightly that year to 447.4 thousand tons. The overall production trend between 2017 and 2024 showed an average annual decline of 10.7%.

Production xylenes in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2021, Russia produced 486.9 thousand tons of xylenes, representing a 5.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 18.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 6.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 482.5 thousand tons. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 19.4% decrease, while the largest increase was seen in 2020 at 7.1%.

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

Exports xylenes from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Russia's xylenes exports have declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, export volumes reached 138.4 thousand tons, marking a sharp 35.8% decrease from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports fell by 51.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -21.7%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Finland dominated Russia's xylenes exports in volume terms, accounting for 83.9% of total flows. Other trading partners held relatively minor shares during this period.

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 xylenes exports in value terms have decreased for three consecutive years. In 2021, exports totaled $98.0 million, down 3.6% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, export values declined by 59.3%, representing an average annual decrease of 25.9%.

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

During the 2018-2021 period, Finland remained the dominant partner for Russia's xylenes exports in value terms, capturing 82.5% of total flows. Other markets collectively formed a long tail of smaller shares.

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

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

Imports xylenes to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

Russia's xylenes imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 20.2 thousand tons, representing a dramatic 45,423.0% surge compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, import volumes grew by 274,686.8%, equating to an average annual increase of 1,300.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, India was the primary source for Russia's xylenes imports in volume terms, accounting for 81.9% of total flows. Other countries together made up the remaining share.

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 data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import values fluctuated significantly, with a 353-fold difference between the 2021 high and the 2020 low. In 2021, Russia's xylenes imports reached $21.1 million, up 35,180.5% from 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at $0.1 million, which also saw the largest decline of 37.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, India played the leading role in Russia's xylenes imports in value terms, with an 82.3% share of total flows. The remainder was distributed across other trading partners.

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

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