Domestic demand drives Sibur elastomer sales

Moscow – Sibur has reported a significant increase in deliveries of polymers, including synthetic rubbers, to the Russian domestic market during 2023.

In a presentation during the Ruplastica event in Moscow 23-26 Jan, the materials supplier noted a major uptick in demand from local processors.

Sales of elastomers and 'plastics and organic synthetic products' within Russia rose by 8% and 11% respectively.

Overall, the Russian group said it increased its share of supplies to the domestic market to 75% in 2023.

“Since 2021, Sibur has been consistently increasing sales in the domestic market, which is a priority for the company, due to a reduction in export sales,” it commented.

The effort, noted the producer, ‘stimulates further growth in local polymer processing and a reduction in imports of finished polymer products’.

According to Sibur, polymer consumption in the Russian Federation showed a record growth of 10% to 4.4 million tonnes last year.

The group launched joint programmes with clients to address 'import substitution of polymers, expansion of processing capacity, and replacement of traditional solutions with polymers.'

According to data provided by Sibur, the Russian 'transport industry' showed the greatest growth in polymer consumption last year.

In particular, Sibur said it has been developing new grades of polymers, including synthetic rubber, “with a potential of more than 90 kilotonnes per annum" for processors in the sector.

Applications included batteries, fuel tanks, vibration & noise insulation and other components to reduce vehicle weight.

Also, demand for polymers from manufacturers of consumer goods increased by 7% against the backdrop of growing Russian production of footwear, household appliances and toys.

The domestic construction industry's demand for polymers, meanwhile, exceeded 1.6 million tonnes per year, with materials mainly substituting imports.

Sibur also reported an increase in the consumption of polymers in agriculture and medical applications during 2023: by 1.5% and 6% respectively.