Imports of crude into the Czech Republic amounted to 1.677 million tons in January to March 2026 against 1.433 million tons in January to March 2025.  Imports from Azerbaijan totalled 570,000 tons against 656,200 tons in January to March last year.  Replacing Russian sources, imports from Norway amounted to 410,000 tons in January to March 2026 and 230,000 tons from Saudi Arabia.

The most important change for Orlen Unipetrol last year included the end of deliveries of Russian oil. The transition to the new blends supplied by the TAL pipeline has taken a number of years for adaptation of Orlen Unipetrol and has required extensive technological modification of the Litvinov refinery. 

Hungarian crude imports Jan-Mar 2026

Imports of crude into Hungary amounted to only 331,500 tons in the first quarter against 1.307 million tons in the same period in 2025.  The fall was due to the disruptions incurred on the Druzhba pipeline.  Hungary was able to import only 168,200 tons from Russia in the first three months against 1.238 million tons last year.  Other supplies came from Slovakia which had used the JANAF pipeline from Croatia.  Slovakia is negotiating a minimum 10-year gas supply contract with Azerbaijan in an effort to diversify Bratislava’s energy sources, although logistical hurdles need to be resolved. 

NIS Serbian refinery

MOL’s efforts to acquire the Serbian oil company NIS have run into difficulties and as a result the Serbian government may make an offer to purchase the stake.  Maintaining the full operational capacity of the Pancevo oil refinery is a fundamental condition for Belgrade whoever owns NIS.  The current situation is not a consequence of Serbia’s decisions, but rather the result of US decisions in relation to the war in Ukraine.   

Slovakia seeking long term crude agreement with Azerbaijan

Russia stopped transporting Kazakh crude to Germany through the Druzhba pipeline starting 1 May 2026.  The immediate pressure point is the PCK refinery in Schwedt, a key supplier of fuel for Berlin and the surrounding region.  Kazakhstan shipped about 2.36 million tons to Germany via Druzhba in 2025 and another 800,000 tons in the first quarter of 2026.  PCK Schwedt is important as it processes up to about 13 million tpa of crude. 

Polish crude imports Jan-Mar 2026

Oil deliveries from Saudi Aramco to Orlen are in line with contracted volumes despite supply disruption from the US-Israeli war with Iran.   Saudi Aramco has been using the Red Sea port of Yanbu to export crude oil after the war restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Orlen is supplied via the port.  Around 40% of the oil processed by Orlen is supplied by Saudi Aramco.

Poland imported 6.098 million tons of crude in January to March 2026 against 5.356 million tons in the same quarter last year. Saudi Arabia and Norway were the two largest suppliers followed by Guyana.  Prices averaged €419.1 per ton in January to March against €543.2 per ton last year.  Oil prices rose in March and average prices look set to remain high for the rest of the year.

Ethylene production in Poland amounted to 76,693 tons in January to March 2026 against 70,500 tons in January to March 2025.  Polish propylene production dropped slightly from 102,100 tons to 100,151 tons.  Olefin production at Plock has run uninterrupted since the start of the year.

Butadiene production at Plock dropped from 14,629 tons to 12,810 tons in January to March 2026.  Nearly all of the butadiene produced at Plock is consumed by Synthos.  In other areas of petrochemical production phenol was mot carried out in January or February.

In the plastics sector polyethylene production in Poland amounted to 65,000 tons in January to March 2026 versus 72,500 tons in January to March 2025.  Polypropylene production in Poland dropped from 121,100 tons to 79,900 tons, the fall largely due to the continued stoppage at the Police plant.  PVC production at Wloclawek increased from 30,400 tons in January to March 2025 to 57,700 tons in the first quarter this year. 

MOL’s joint production of ethylene in Hungary and Slovakia amounted to 114,000 tons in the first quarter against 171,000 tons in the same period last year, while propylene production increased from 89,000 tons to 173,000 tons.

European petrochemical producer margins

Margins for petrochemical producers in Central Europe €162 per ton in the first quarter this year which was higher than in the same period in 2025, but still way down on historical values. Strong price pressure in the area of energy, including natural gas, are eroding margins.   All of which can be attributed to geopolitical tensions.

MOL’s downstream segment in the first quarter was hampered by the disruption to flows of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline and the ongoing impact of a fire at its key Danube refinery in October last year.  

MOL’s EBITDA for the downstream segment declined by 77% to $132 million in the first quarter and was sharply lower from the $463 million generated between October and December last year.

At the same time, the prices of basic chemical raw materials are rising, which additionally burdens the sector's margins.  Logistics costs, in particular sea freight, are also an important factor affecting the competitiveness of the European market. The development of Orlen and MOL's petrochemical businesses is currently supported primarily by stabilising demand in Europe and the growing demand for specialty products related to the development of new technologies and industries.  Geopolitical factors, in particular the development of the situation in the Middle East, will be of key importance.

Orlen-petrochemical investments

The most important goals in the chemical business for Orlen include the construction of the Nowa Chemia project as a key development project at Plock.  The Nowa Chemia project assumes the completion of the construction of an olefin production unit with a target production capacity of approximately 740,000 tpa of ethylene by 2029 and the full launch of production in 2030.  At the same time, the Olefin II units at Plock are to be gradually shut down in order to maintain the operational continuity of the plant while reducing the emissions and energy intensity of petrochemical production. Besides the Nowa Chemia project Orlen has concluded a preliminary agreement for the purchase of all shares in GA Polyolefins. It intends to start petrochemical production in the new plant in 2026.

Polish monomer import prices

Polish monomer import prices were lower for butadiene, propylene and styrene in the first quarter, although the trend was upward in March.  Butadiene import prices dropped from €932.9 per ton in January to March last year to €681.5 in January to March 2026 with volumes dropping from 29,243 tons to 27,008 tons.   Hungary supplied 7,530 tons in January to March 2026 against 6,102 tons in January to March last year, whilst supplies from Germany reduced shipments from 12,630 tons to 11,700 tons.

Polish import prices of propylene dropped from €940.5 per ton in January to March 2025 against €722.1 per ton in the first quarter, with volumes dropping from 24,545 tons to 19,265 tons.  Most of the propylene is supplied by Germany where volumes dropped from 24,545 tons to 19,265 tons.

Styrene monomer import prices for Poland in January this year averaged €1063.1 per ton which was down from €1198.2 in January to March 2025, with volumes rising from 25,302 tons to 27,621 tons.  Saudi Arabia supplied 10,855 tons in January to March this year with the Middle East crisis not affecting deliveries.

Hungarian propylene and butadiene imports, Jan-Mar 2026

Exports of propylene from Hungary amounted to only 6,725 tons in January to March 2026 against 23,731 tons in January to Marc 2025.  Prices dropped sharply from €1047.5 per ton to €743.6 per ton.  All of the propylene this year went to Slovnaft.

Hungarian butadiene exports amounted to 8,901 tons in the first quarter against 7,107 tons in January to March 2025.    Average prices for Hungarian butadiene exports dropped to €644.9 per ton from €749.7 per ton.  Poland was the main recipient in January to March 2026.

Styrene imports into Hungary totalled 8,009 tons in January to March 2026 against 16,357 tons in the first quarter last year, with Italy providing the largest share.   The price for imported styrene into Hungary was €1168.8 per ton against €1303.4 per ton last year.  Styrene imports into Hungary declined from 54,716 tons in 2025 against 58,603 tons in 2024.  Average prices fell to €1018.7 per ton against €1403.1 per ton in 2024. 

Czech olefin monomer trade, Jan-Mar 2026

Czech propylene imports amounted to 9,713 tons in January to March 2026 down from 20,815 tons in January to March 2025.  Imports came from Germany and Poland. 

Average prices for propylene imports dropped from €923.1 per ton to €725.0 per ton.  Butadiene imports amounted to 13,299 tons in January to March against 17,627 tons in January to March last year. 

Czech polyethylene trade Jan-Mar 2026

For imports of all forms of polyethylene, Czech inward shipments amounted to 71,005 tons in January to March against 77,020 tons in January to March 2025. 

Average prices declined from €1484.3 per ton in the first quarter to €1429.1 per ton in 2026.  Germany is the largest source of polyethylene imports, followed by the Netherlands and Belgium. 

Polyethylene exports from the Czech Republic amounted to 100,740 tons in January to March 2026 against 97,044 tons the first quarter last year.  Average prices dropped from €1389.5 per ton to 1250.7 per ton in 2025.

HDPE export shipments from Litvinov comprised 85,432 tons against 81,701 tons in the same period in 2025.  Germany was the largest destination for Czech HDPE supplied from Litvinov.  Other important markets for Czech polyethylene exports include Poland, Italy and Belgium.

Polish polyethylene trade Jan-Mar 2026

Polish imports of polyethylene totalled 378,131 tons in January to March 2026 against 334,407 tons in the same month in 2025, with average prices falling from €1305.2 per ton to €1206.4 per ton.  Supplies from Saudi Arabia have been important in the past year and to date have not been affected the Middle East crisis.

HDPE is the largest category of imported polyethylene into Poland, amounting to 121,140 tons in January to March 2026 versus 104,139 tons in January to March last year. 

LLDPE imports increased from 52,413 tons in January to March 2025 to 59,957 tons in the corresponding period in 2026.  Most of the LLDPE imports were sourced from West Europe, including France, the Netherlands and Germany.  LDPE imports rose to 95,060 tons versus 86,967 tons in January to March 2025.  Imports from ethylene alpha olefins rose from 70,667 tons against 78,779 tons.

Polish polyethylene exports amounted to 60,987 tons in January to March 2026, down from 74,276 tons in January to March last year.  Bucking the trend average prices for polyethylene exports from Poland increased marginally this year to €1121.3 per ton versus €1113.3 per ton last year.

Hungarian polyethylene trade Jan-Mar 2026

Hungarian polyethylene exports amounted to 52,885 tons in January to March 2026 against 80,977 tons in January

to March 2025, whilst average prices rising from €1217.9 per ton to €1648.2 per ton.  In terms of category HDPE exports amounted to 38,223 tons in January to March 2026 versus 58,749 tons in January to March 2025, whilst LDPE exports dropped from 10,357 tons to 7,314 tons.   

Imports of all grades of polyethylene into Hungary amounted to 41,277 tons in January to March 2026 against 43,303 tons January to March 2025.  Hungarian import prices for polyethylene dropped from €1575.6 per ton to €1443.1 in 2025.  The largest category of polyethylene imports comprised HDPE, which dropped from 16,739 tons to 16,638 tons. 

Polish PP Trade Jan-Mar 2026

Polish polypropylene imports, including homo grade and copolymers, amounted to 261,351 tons in the first quarter against 237,563 tons in January to March last year, with prices declining from €1428.5 per ton to €1253.6 per ton.   Homo grade polypropylene imports rose from 150,448 tons in January to March 2025 against 169,927 tons in January to March 2026, whilst copolymer imports increased from 80,986 tons to 83,226 tons.  

In terms of pricing, imports into Poland usually face a higher premium than exports primarily due to the volumes of propylene copolymers than enter the country.  Exports of homo polymer grade polypropylene from Poland amounted to 44,548 tons in January to March 2026 against 55,940 tons in January to March 2025.  

Hungarian polypropylene trade Jan-Mar 2026

Exports of all forms of polypropylene from Hungary amounted to 50,292 tons in January to March 2026 versus 44,083 tons in January to March 2025, with average prices adjusting to €1417.8 per ton from €1346.4 last year.  Homo-grade PP provides the main category of Hungarian polypropylene exports, amounting to 35,475 tons versus 30,644 tons in January to March 2025.  

Hungarian inward shipments of polypropylene dropped to 55,020 tons in January to March 2026 against 57,288 tons in January to March 2025, with average prices rising from €1353.9 per ton to €1251.3 per ton.  Imports of propylene copolymers dropped from 26,677 tons to 22,642 tons.

Czech polypropylene trade Jan-Mar 2026

Exports of all forms of polypropylene from the Czech Republic amounted to 79,865 tons in the first quarter this year versus 74,024 tons in January to March 2025, with average prices dropping from €1392.0 per ton to €1302.4 per ton.   For imports of all forms of polypropylene, Czech inward shipments amounted to 133,296 tons in January to March 2026 from 129,855 tons in January to March 2025, with average prices dropping to €1463.7 per ton. 

Czech butadiene rubber trade Jan-Mar 2026

The Czech Republic exported 32,109 tons of butadiene rubber in January to March 2026 against 30,272 tons in the same period in 2025.  Poland was the largest destination for Czech exports, amounting to 4,816 tons in the first three months this year against 3,704 tons in the same period in 2025.  Average prices for butadiene rubber dropped from €1965.4 per ton to €1702.7 per ton.  

In overall synthetic rubber trade the Czech Republic imported 54,007 tons in January to March 2026 against 37,123 tons in the same period in 2025, whilst exports rose from 36,682 tons in the first quarter last year to 37,308 tons.  Imports were supplemented by natural rubber where imports increased from 21,179 tons to 22,106 tons.

Hungarian synthetic rubber trade Jan-Mar 2026

Hungarian imports of synthetic rubber amounted to 16,364 tons in January to March 2026 against 24,516 tons in January to March 2025.  Butadiene rubber imports into Hungary amounted to 8,160 tons against 8,576 tons with the largest source coming from Indonesia.  SBR imports into Hungary dropped from 12,448 tons to 5,366 tons.  

Synthetic rubber exports from Hungary amounted to 14,935 tons in January to March 2026 of which SBR grades accounted for 9,968 tons and butadiene rubber 4,917 tons.  Prices rose from €1804.3 per ton last year to €2207.1 per ton. 

Polish synthetic rubber trade Jan-Mar 2026

The impact of the US-Iranian conflict are yet to filter through to rubber markets in Poland, both are expected in the third quarter in terms of raw material costs whilst at the same time threatening demand.  Export shipments of synthetic rubber from Poland fell from 81,435 tons in the first quarter last year to 74,362 tons in 2026, ,whilst imports rose slightly from 53,171 tons to 53,703 tons. 

Exports of butadiene rubber from Poland rose in January to March 2026 to 15,951 tons against 11,790 tons in the first quarter last year.  At the same time SBR exports dropped from 64,780 tons to 52,860 tons.  Export prices dropped from €1718.2 per ton in the first quarter in 2025 to €1476.2 per ton this year.  Prices in the second quarter have been higher due to the side-effects of the Hormuz crisis.

By category, butadiene rubber was the largest product to be imported into Poland in the first quarter amounting to 10,955 tons followed by EPDM which amounted to 8,476 tons.  In terms of production Synthos produced 66,600 tons of synthetic rubber at Oswiecim in January to March 2026 against 25,400 tons in the first quarter last year.  The company is facing a hike in raw material prices in both styrene and butadiene and due to weak demand may struggle to pass on these increases to customers. 

Polish exports of benzene totalled 18,553 tons in January to March 2026 against 14,456 tons in January to March last year.  Benzene exports to Germany rose from 12,938 tons to 13,590 tons, whilst to the Czech Republic shipments fell from 1,197 tons to 1,078 tons.  Prices in January were much lower than last year, dropping to €629.3 per ton against €829.3 per ton although this fall has since been reversed following the rise in crude prices.

Polish PTA exports Jan-Mar 2026

Exports of PTA from Poland amounted to 88,200 tons in January to March 2026 against 65,901 tons in January to March 2025.  Prices fell from €716.6 per ton last year to €639.6 per ton.  Shipments to Germany jumped from 60,604 tons to 81,054 tons.

Polish phenol imports Jan-Mar 2026

Average prices for phenol imported into Poland dropped to €1003.5 per ton against €1059.9 per ton in January to March 2025.  Phenol imports into Poland amounted to 32,320 tons in January to March against 25,147 tons in the same period in 2025.  Germany remains the dominant supplier of phenol to Poland, shipping 22,778 tons in January to March.  Imports increased this year due to the shutdown at the Plock plant.

Czech aromatic trade Jan-Mar 2026

Benzene imports into the Czech Republic amounted to 5,930 tons in the first quarter this year against 5,585 tons in January to March 2025, whilst exports increased from 9,564 tons to 12,289 tons. 

Aniline exports shipped from the Czech Republic amounted to 16,897 tons in January to March 2026 against 31,534 tons in the same month last year.  Ethylbenzene exports from the Czech Republic decreased from 31,595 tons to 27,534 tons.

Hungarian aromatic trade Jan-Mar 2026

Hungarian benzene exports in January to March amounted to 1,053 tons against 1,305 tons in January to March 2025.  Benzene production in Hungary takes place at the Danube refinery at Szazhalombatta.  Export prices amounted to €611.7 in the first three months in 2026 against €717.6 in the same period last year.   

Imports of benzene increased from 14,141 tons in the first quarter in 2025 to 17,924 tons in January to March 2026.  Imports from Poland increased from 7,888 tons to 12,670 tons whilst other shipments arrived from Serbia and Slovakia.  Prices dropped from €724.3 per ton against €687.5 per ton in 2026.Central European isocyanate trade Jan-Mar 2026

For polyol, TDI and MDI buyers in Europe, the combined impact of feedstock cost inflation, shipping disruptions, force majeure declarations across APAC, and the near-total withdrawal of insurance has fundamentally altered cost structures and availability.  Raw material supply for the industry across Europe is now entering a critical phase.

BorsodChem issued a price adjustment notice on 19 March, announcing a price increase for all its MDI products, with a uniform increase of €500/ton. The new prices took effect immediately upon the announcement or as per the terms of relevant contracts.

Fundamentally, there is no global shortage of production capacity, but the ability to obtain and transport raw materials, and to manufacture polyols, TDI and MDI, is severely constrained. The most critical products at present are polyether polyols, due to shortages in propylene oxide supply, compounded by European plant closures in 2025 and outages in the US.

European PU flexible foam producers are now facing the most severe supply chain crisis in the industry’s modern history.  There are indications of the likelihood of a significant impact on material prices.  The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed whereby transits have fallen to approximately 5% of pre-war averages, with only a handful of vessels crossing daily

As foam producers face significant increases in raw material costs and struggle to secure sufficient volumes to meet demand, the situation is progressively affecting downstream markets.  Even if the Strait of Hormuz were to reopen quickly, the global disruption to logistics means the market would be unlikely to normalise before late 2026.

Hungarian TDI-MDI exports Jan-Mar 2026

Hungarian TDI exports fell from 81,109 tons in the first quarter in 2025 to 45,466 tons in January to March this year.  Average prices dropped from €1985.1 per ton to €1824.8 per ton.  For raw materials for TDI production BorsodChem sources toluene from MOL which is supplemented by imports. 

In the Central Europe region shipments of TDI from Hungary to Poland dropped from 3,690 tons in January to March 2025 to 3,535 tons in the same month in 2026 and to Turkey shipments were reduced from 11,837 tons to 6,296 tons.  Shipments to Romania dropped slightly from 2,704 tons to 2,669 tons.  The major user of TDI in Romania is Chimcomplex where production fell in 2025 due to weak demand. 

In West Europe exports of TDI from Hungary to Belgium dropped from 13,329 tons to 4,878 tons in January to March 2026, whilst volumes to Italy fell from 9,278 tons to 5,366 tons in the same period in 2025.

For the MDI sector, exports from Hungary amounted to 58,144 tons in January to March 2026 against 60,747 tons in January to March 2025.  MDI export prices dropped from €1858.8 per ton to 1544.0 per ton in 2026.  In terms of geographical breakdown, Canada was the largest destination for Hungarian MDI exports in January to March, accounting for 3,160 tons.  Exports to Germany amounted to 4,616 tons, Poland 6,290 tons, and Romania 4,218 tons. 

TDI imports into Poland amounted to 17,635 tons in January to March against 20,349 tons in January to March 2025.  Prices of TDI imported into Poland rose from €1999.0 per ton to €2040.6 per ton.  Hungary was the largest supplier, shipping 3,448 tons to Poland followed by 1,044 tons to Germany.

MDI imports into Poland totalled 39,891 tons in January to March 2026 against 41,255 tons in January to March 2025.   Average prices dropped from €1843.7 per ton to €1622.5 in January to March 2026.

Germany increased MDI shipments to Poland to 13,887 tons in January to March 2026 against 13,369 tons in January to March 2025.  Imports from Hungary dropped to 7,384 tons against 12,903 tons in 2025.  Other suppliers included the Netherlands, Belgium and South Korea.

MDI imports into the Czech Republic totalled 9,172 tons in January to March 2026 against 8,263 tons in January to March 2025.  Average prices decreased from €2010.6 per ton to €1998.8 per ton.    MDI imports into the Czech Republic totalled 40,430 tons in 2025 against 40,823 tons in 2024.  Average prices declined from €2059.7 per ton last year to €1858.5 per ton.   

Czech polyol imports Jan-Mar 2026

 Czech polyol imports amounted to 13,311 tons in January to March 2026 against 12,235 tons in the same period in 2025, with average prices dropping from €2151.8 per ton to €1897.7 per ton.  The leading supplier to the Czech Republic was France shipping 3,898 tons.    

Hungarian polyol imports Jan-Mar 2026

Imports of polyols into Hungary rose in the first quarter to 10,001 tons against 9,090 tons in the same period in 2025.  Imports from China amounted to 2,349 tons from 3,677 tons in January to March 2025.  Imports from the Netherlands increased from 1,895 tons to 2,324 tons.  Prices for polyol imports into Hungary amounted to €1641.7, down from €1788.9 per ton in the previous year. 

Polish polyol trade Jan-Mar 2026

Polish polyol imports amounted to 37,674 tons in January to March 2026 against 11,920 tons in 37,452 in the same period in 2025.  The Netherlands increased shipments from 7,364 tons to 8,790 tons, whilst Germany increased shipments from 7,908 tons to 3,000 tons.  Polyol import prices into Poland fell from €1674.3 per ton to €1578.8 per ton. 

Poland remains a net importer of polyols, with the export focus on slightly higher value products than those imported.  Exports of polyols from Poland in January to March amounted to 12,511 tons against 14,894 tons in January to March 2025.  Prices rose from €1935.1 per ton to €1979.6 per ton.  Destinations for deliveries were focused mostly on Europe.

For polyether polyols, imports from Asia increased significantly in 2025, particularly South Korea, forcing PCC Rokita to introduce price reductions resulting in a decrease in profitability.  One of the main challenges for European polyether-polyol producers in 2025 is the efficiency of production costs.

Hungarian maleic anhydride exports Jan-Mar 2026

Hungary exported 4,753 tons of maleic anhydride in January to March 2026 against 4,459 tons in January to March 2025.   Average prices dropped from €1434.2 per ton to €1003.2 per ton.  Hungary exported 15,280 tons of maleic anhydride in January to December against 22,802 tons in January to December 2024.  Average prices rose from €1209.0 per ton to €1257.8 per ton. 

Hungarian organic chemical exports 2025

Exports of organic chemicals from Hungary totalled 290,572 tons in the first quarter in 2026, down from 413,835 tons in 2025.  The largest commodity in the organic chemical sector is TDI, accounting for 41% of Hungarian organic chemical exports in January to March by volume and 33% by value.  Overall, the value of organic chemical exports from Hungary amounted to €92.338 billion in the first quarter in 2026 which was down from €150.139 million in January to March 2025.  Imports of organic chemicals dropped from 450,618 tons in the first quarter in 2025 to 339,585 tons in 2026, with values dropping from €188.460 million to €151.590 million.

Hungarian aniline & acrylonitrile imports Jan-Mar 2026

Aniline imports into Hungary dropped from 16,289 tons in the first quarter in 2025 to 14,100 tons in January to March 2026, all of which was supplied from the Czech Republic.  Cost prices of aniline imports rose from €1357.9 per ton to €1388.1 per ton.

Polish glycol-oxide imports Jan-Mar 2026

Ethylene glycol prices underwent a rapid downward correction in May. The primary drivers were the dissipation of the Middle East geopolitical premium which triggered a collapse in production costs following a sharp plunge in crude oil prices compounded by weak downstream polyester demand, declining operating rates in the terminal weaving sector, and a high-level market pullback triggered by a concentrated exodus of capital.

Ethylene glycol imports into Poland rose in January to March 2026 to 13,970 tons from 6,364 tons in January to March last year.  Belgium is the main supplier of glycols to the Polish market.  DEG imports amounted to 8,320 tons in the first quarter against 7,665 tons in the same period last year. 

Ethylene oxide imports into Poland totalled 4,574 tons in January to March 2026 versus 7,089 tons in the same period in 2025.   Germany currently represents the main source of inward shipments.  Ethylene oxide consumption in Poland is expected to increase after the completion of PCC Exol’s second line of the Ethoxylates II plant at Plock. 

Polish organic chemical trade Jan-Mar 2026

Exports of organic chemicals from Poland dropped in January to March by volume to 314,700 tons from 304,000 tons in the same period in 2025, whilst imports dropped from 747,100 tons to 697,000 tons.  Export values decreased from €131.0 million to €100.5 million, whilst import values dropped from €1.128 billion to €934.2 million.  The largest source of imports came from Germany.

The largest organic chemical import is methanol where the inward flow into Poland totalled 180,864 tons in January to Marcg against 149,980 tons in January to March last year.  Regarding methanol derivatives Poland imported 10,441 tons of acetic acid in January to March 2026 against 9,459 tons in the same period month last year.  The US provided 7,112 tons in the first quarter with average prices dropping from €580.9 per ton to €510.8 per ton. 

Imports of ethyl acetate into Poland amounted to 3,879 tons in January to March 2026 against 2,193 tons in the same period last year.  Ethyl acetate imports into Poland amounted to 11,311 tons in 2025 against 14,276 tons in 2024.  Belgium provided the largest share of imports.  VAM imports into Poland increased to 29,170 tons versus 17,828 tons.   

Regarding export activity in organic chemicals, Polish shipments of monochloroacetic acid (MCAA) amounted to 8,219 tons in the first quarter against 9,443 tons in January to March last year.  MCAA production is undertaken by the PCC Group at Brzeg Dolny.    Polish shipments of MCAA amounted to 32,304 tons in 2025.  

Czech organic chemical trade Jan-Mar 2026

Czech imports of organic chemicals are led by methanol where volumes amounted to 17,451 tons in January to March 2026 against 9,975 tons in January to March last year.  Organic chemical imports totalled €290.1 million in value in January to March this year against €354.1 million in the same month last year, with import volumes dropping slightly from 167,700 tons against 166,500 tons.  Organic chemical exports from the Czech Republic dropped by value to €275.9 million against €319.2 million in January to March 2025, with volumes rising from 144,200 tons to 147,000 tons. 

Polish methanol trade Jan-Mar 2026

Polish imports of methanol amounted to 180,864 tons in January to March 2026 against 149,980 tons in January to March 2025, with prices dropping to €290.1 per ton from €404.6 last year.  The supply structure continues to shift with Norway providing 40,782 tons and Venezuela 44,141 tons in January to March 2026, against 17,347 tons and 22,824 tons respectively for both countries in January to March last year.  Methanol imports from the US increased from 35,084 tons in the first quarter last year to 56,943 tons.

Exports of methanol from Poland amounted to 54,244 tons in January to March 2026, down from 44,829 tons in the first quarter last year.  Average prices dropped from €481.2 per ton to €346.6 per ton.  The methanol market in Poland is characterized by almost complete dependence on imports, with domestic demand at approximately 700,000 tpa.  Germany is the largest export destination where volumes amounted to 23,684 tons in the first quarter this year against 25,272 tons in the same period in 2025.  Exports to Slovakia amounted to 10,227 tons in the first quarter, followed by 9,938 tons to Ukraine and 9,620 tons to the Czech Republic.

The 20th package of EU sanctions has changed little for the Russian chemical industry. The threshold for the import of ammonia, the largest innovation, is actually limited only by the increase in imports, and not by current supplies.  For the chemical industry of Russia, the most serious point was the introduction of a quota for the import of ammonia from the Russian Federation. Its size will be 688,000 tpa. It began to operate on 24 April 2026.  In 2025 imports of ammonia into the EU amounted to no more than 688,000 tons and thus the quota is not particularly difficult.  

Ammonia production in Russia decreased by 5% in the first quarter to 4.7 million tons.  In other areas of chemical production the production of technical sulphur decreased by 12%, whilst the production of fertilisers recorded an increase of only 0.2%.  To date the crisis in the Middle East has not yielded advantages to Russian companies.

Ethylene production in Russia amounted to 1.143 million tons in the first quarter against 1.138 million tons in the same period in 2025.  Propylene production increased from 699,662 tons to 664,716 tons.   Benzene production increased to 343,195 tons in January to March 2026 from 340,748 tons.   Toluene production increased from 81,542 tons to 99,103 tons.  The only real drop was seen in styrene monomer where production dropped from 198,389 tons to 189,973 tons. 

Production volumes are stable but margins and markets much tighter

Russian petrochemical producers are mostly operating at high levels of capacity utilisation but for the industry as a whole margins have tightened due to the imbalance between raw material costs and market prices. Economic problems are the main cause of lower prices, whilst at the same time the relatively strong rouble affects the profitability of exports.  The strengthening of the rouble makes foreign currency debts cheaper in rouble terms but this does not compensate for the contraction of the main market.

After a relatively successful 2024 Russian petrochemical producers faced a much tougher 2025 where the domestic economic difficulties from the war started to take effect on financial results.  This trend is carrying on into 2026 as the war time economy faces deeper issues. 

Nizhnekamskneftekhim-Kazanorgsintez financial pressures

Nizhnekamskneftekhim witnessed a decline in revenues from sales of elastomers by 4.2%, sales of plastics and organic synthesis products.  The EBITDA margin fell from 26.4% in 2024 to 20.2% in 2025.  The company spent almost all of the operating cash on investments.  Despite the fact that revenue was falling, operating expenses increased from 223.6 billion to 233.6 billion roubles or by 4.5% over 2024.  The company sold slightly more synthetic rubber, but in money it received a decrease due to the fall in market prices for rubbers. At the same time, production costs did not decrease proportionally.

As for costs, it was the cost of raw materials and supplies that showed a decrease in the cost of some petrochemical raw materials. This decrease turned out to be twice as much (minus 13%) as the drop in revenue (minus 5.6%), which should have increased profits, but this did not happen due to the growth of other cost items.

Nizhnekamskneftekhim fire 31 March 2026

Nizhnekamskneftekhim suffered a huge fire at the end of March, caused by human error rather than by a drone attack, where 12 fatalities were reported.  The accident has affected the neodymium SKD production line, and the shutdown capacities are estimated at 6% of the total production capacity for all types of products, or 180,000 tons.

Russian polymer production Jan-Mar 2026

Russian ethylene polymer production rose in the first quarter to 1.009 million tons against 940,522 tons in the same period last year, largely due to new capacity coming onstream.   The production of propylene polymers increased from 569,106 tons to 589,140 tons.  The production of styrene polymers dropped from 58,562 tons to 55,346 tons, whilst PVC production rose from 70,994 tons to 72,397 tons.  

Synthetic rubber production amounted to 391,347 tons in January to March 2026 against 399,650 tons in January to March 2025.  Production at Russian plants continues to be stimulated by export activity to China.  

Low demand in these segments puts pressure on the production of synthetic rubber and plastics.  Tyre production in Russia for the first quarter decreased by 17.3%; production of plastic flooring, wall and ceiling coatings dropped by 24.8%; polymer pipes by 19.9%; non-porous plates, sheets, films and tapes by 22.5%.

Despite stable production last year, a more pronounced crisis is observed in the processing segments. The index of industrial production of rubber and plastic products in Russia as a whole decreased by 6.7%. In Tatarstan, the key centre of the petrochemical industry, the decline was deeper: the index decreased by 8%, and the production of rubber compounds decreased by a third (minus 33.3%) to 20,000 tons.

Refinery attacks and Russian

Intensifying drone attacks on Russian refineries in the past two months have forced a halt in production at a number of plants, including Perm, Ryazan, Kirishi, Tuapse and Kstovo. Moreover, refining companies are expected to foot their own bill for repairs, which often require at least a few weeks and longer in some cases.  The restoration of the Tuapse refinery for instance could cost Russia around $5 billion.

The Perm refinery of Lukoil-Permneftorgsintez has halted processing following the third attack from Ukraine.  The Kirishi refinery has halted refining after Ukrainian drone strikes damaged three of its four crude distillation units (CDUs).  The Kirishi oil refinery, located about 800 km from the Ukrainian border, has been attacked by Ukrainian drones several times this year.  The refinery has a capacity of 20 million tpa.  The refinery is a key supplier of diesel fuel for the domestic and export markets.

Russian ethylene production Jan-Mar 2026

Russian ethylene production totalled 1.143 million tons in the first quarter against 1.138 million tons in 2025.  ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk increased ethylene production from 384,335 tons in the first quarter last year to 402,504 tons in January to March 2026.  Production in the Volga region amounted to 596,393 tons versus 547,720 tons in the quarter in 2025.  The Volga region includes producers Nizhnekamskneftekhim, Kazanorgsintez, Gazprom neftekhim Salavat and Ufaorgsintez.  Of the Volga plants only Nizhnekamskneftekhim increased output in 2025. 

Russian propylene production Jan-Mar 2026

Russian propylene production totalled 700,564 tons in January to March 2026 against 664,704 tons in January to March last year.  ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk produced 280,833 tons against 255,637 tons.  The Volga-Urals region increased production from 247,205 tons in January to March 2025 to 284,967 tons in 2026.   

Russian butadiene production Jan-Mar 2026

Russian butadiene production totalled 182,514 tons in the first quarter in 2026 against 166,726 tons in the same period last year.  ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk produced 67,651 tons against 71,250 tons.  The Volga-Urals region increased production from a total of 86,831 tons in January to March 2025 to 109,131 tons in the first quarter 2026.   

Russian aromatics production Jan-Mar 2026

Benzene production amounted to 343,195 tons in January to March 2026 against 340,748 tons in the same period last year.  The largest region for production was the Volga region where volumes increased from 207,880 tons in January to March last year to 237,317 tons in January to March this year.  The Volga region includes major benzene producers Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Gazprom neftekhim Salavat.  The main producer of benzene in the Siberian region is the Omsk refinery; production for the region dropped from 58,611 tons to 50,716 tons. 

Russian toluene production totalled 99,103 tons in the first quarter this year against 81,542 tons in the same period in 2025.  Production at the Omsk refinery increased from 22,067 tons to 38,045 tons, whilst production in the Volga region increased from 30,943 tons to 36,783 tons. 

Styrene production totalled 189,973 tons in the first quarter in 2026 against 198,389 tons in the same period in 2026.  Production in the Volga region dropped to 168,751 tons versus 173,919 tons last year

Russian plastics production Jan-Mar 2026

Russian bulk plastics production amounted to 2.978 million tons in the first quarter in 2026 against 2.771 million tons in January to March 2025.  The main falls this year have been seen in styrene polymers and PVC, whilst increases have been recorded in the production of polyolefins.     

Weak domestic consumption last year has carried on into 2026.  The situation is exacerbated by the structural problems of the industry including a shortage of special raw materials, dependence on imports in some product areas and a shortage of engineering personnel. Additional pressure is created by the proposal of the Ministry of Natural Resources to multiply the rates of the environmental fee, which, according to industry assessments, may lead to the closure of some plants.

Russian ethylene polymer production Jan-Mar 2026

Production of ethylene polymers amounted to 1.009 million tons in January to March 2026 against 940,520 tons in the same period last year.  Production in Siberia increased from 95,248 tons to 216,440 tons which was largely due to the start-up of the new polyethylene at Irkutsk.  This plant has a capacity of 650,000 tpa and started in the fourth quarter last year.  The other polyethylene plants in the Siberian region include Tomskneftekhim and Angarsk Polymer. 

The largest plant for the production of ethylene polymers is ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk, located in the Ural Federal District.  Production at ZapSibNeftekhim totalled 411,738 tons in January to March 2026 against 397,514 tons in January to March last year.   The second largest region in Russia is the Volga Federal District where production increased from 324,115 tons in January to March 2025 to 335,717 tons in January to March 2026.  The Volga district includes producers from Bashkortostan including Gazprom neftekhim Salavat and Ufaorgsintez, and from Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Kazanorgsintez.

Nizhnekamskneftekhim has begun the installation of the main equipment as part of the construction of the production of premium metallocene polyethylene.  The grade is in high demand among manufacturers of films, corrugated pipes, polyethylene foam, large household appliances, as well as among companies developing solutions for the automotive industry and the construction industry.  To date, the overall progress of the project is 51% and completion of the installation of the main equipment for this installation is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026.  The Chinese market is the number one destination, whilst new opportunities have been opened by the market chaos resulting from the US-Iranian war.

Russian-Chinese trade in ethylene polymers Jan-Mar 2026

The start-up of the Irkutsk Polymer Plant already had a major impact on exports of polyethylene to China, rising to a total of 69,698 tons in January to March against 32,782 tons in January to March 2025.  HDPE, which is produced at Irkutsk, accounted for around two thirds of export shipments in January this year.  In view of supply disruptions resulting from the blockage of the Straits of Hormuz and other regional complications Russian exports could increase further, particularly as domestic demand is stagnating.

Russian polypropylene production Jan-Mar 2026

Russian production of propylene polymers totalled 586,977 tons in January to March 2026 against 568,523 tons in January to March last year.  ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk increased production from 287,485 tons to 296,593 tons in January to tom March 2026. 

The Moscow refinery increased polypropylene production in the first month this year to 13,616 tons from 13,424 tons in the same period in 2025.  The Volga region, including Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Ufaorgsintez, produced 40,751 tons against 39,938 tons.  The Siberian region, which includes Tomskneftekhim and Polyom at Omsk, increased production to 33,633 tons from 30,8954 tons.

SIBUR new pp plant at Tobolsk

SIBUR’s new polypropylene unit at Tobolsk with a capacity of 570,000 tpa will be launched in 2027 and will become one of the world's largest PP production facilities.  At present SIBUR is testing the catalyst in order to produce several grades of polypropylene of the required quality.

Russian polypropylene trade Jan-Mar 2026

Revenues for Russian exports of polypropylene homo grade to China increased from $3.876 million in the first quarter last year to $14.477 million in January to March 2026.  Volumes increased from 4,187 tons to 22,048 tons.   Chinese exports of propylene polymers amounted to 10,564 tons in January to March this year against 6,800 tons in January to March 2025.  First quarter export prices from China dropped from $2256 per ton  last year to $1936.4 in the first quarter this year.

Russian PVC market Jan 2026

Production of suspension grade PVC in Russia rose from 197,484 tons in January to March 2025 to 205,877 tons in the first quarter this year.  Production at Sayanskkhimplast dropped from 65,846 tons to 46,212 tons.  Production by Kaustik at Volgograd fell from 20,631 tons to 18,633 tons, whilst production increased in the Volga region from 111,007 tons to 141,032 tons.  The Volga region includes the Kstovo and Sterlitamak plants. 

Russian PX-PTA-PET production Jan-Mar 2026

Russian paraxylene production amounted to 63,852 tons in the first quarter in 2026 against 66,688 tons in January to March 2025.  Gazprom Neft at Omsk increased production from 15,053 tons to 19,030 tons whilst Ufaneftekhim reduced production from 38,556 tons to 31,451 tons. 

The Kirishi refinery has been struck by drones on several occasions in the past two years, the most recent of which took place at the end of March 2026.   Ufaneftekhim has been struck once whilst to date Gazprom Neft at Omsk has remained outside the range of Ukrainian drones. 

PTA production at Russia’s sole producer Polief amounted to 91,464 tons in January to March 2026 against 84,254 tons in January to March 2025.  Polief’s capacity of 376,000 tpa does not cover Russian consumption and imports from China are necessary to meet demand. 

Tatneft PTA project-government support

The Russian government intends to allocate 49.6 billion roubles to subsidise the Tatneft’s PTA project.  Whilst Russia remains locked down in war it is questionable whether this intention can be fulfilled.  The design capacity of the complex comprises 347,000 tpa of paraxylene, 1.0 million tons of PTA and 450,000 tpa of PET. 

The total cost of the project is estimated at 340 billion roubles. Tatneft aims to invest 141.3 billion roubles in the project whilst another 197.8 billion roubles is to be sought through a preferential loan, which is subsidised by the government.  Tatneft plans to launch a project at the Taneko site in Nizhnekamsk to create a complete chain from paraxylene to fibre products became known in 2023.

At the same time the Russian Ministry of Finance has proposed a tax deduction for paraxylene consumers which could help Polief and to encourage investment into new PTA facilities.    There is only one PTA project of 1 million tpa in the Russian investment pipeline which is planned by Tatneft at the Taneko refinery. 

Russian PET production Jan-Mar 2026

Russian PET production amounted to 113,761 tons in January to March 2026 against 115,085 tons in January to March 2025 of which Polief produced 40,185 tons.  Ekopet at Kaliningrad produced 39,330 tons of PET in January to March whilst the combined plants of Senezh and SIBUR-PETF produced 34,246 tons.

Russian PTA-PET-MEG imports Jan-Mar 2026

Russian PTA imports from China amounted to 73,174 tons in January to March this year against 110,256 tons in January to March 2025, with average prices rising slightly to $640.8 per ton against $632.7 last year.  This may represent the low point for numbers in 2026 as the rise in crude prices takes effect on supply chains particularly paraxylene.

Chinese shipments of PET to Russia amounted to 76,499 tons in January to March 2026 against 76,962 tons in January to March 2025.  Similarly to PTA prices for PET imports were lower in January this year, dropping to $785.7 per ton from $804.3 last year.  PET demand has remained more stable in terms of domestic demand than the other polymers. 

Russian synthetic rubber production and market Jan-Mar 2026

Synthetic rubber production in Russia amounted to 391,726 tons in January to March 2026 against 399,650 tons in January to March 2025.  Exports to China accounted for 55% of total Russian production, thus depicting how pivotal and important the Chinese market has become to Russian producers.   Synthetic rubber plants have become entangled in Russia’s war effort against Ukraine in supplying products for the military sector and thus could represent a target for more drone attacks. 

Production at the synthetic rubber plants in the Volga region, including Nizhnekamskneftekhim, Togliattikaucuk and Sterlitamak Petrochemical Plant, totalled 301,726 tons in the first quarter this year January to March against 306,303 tons in the same month in quarter in 2025.  Production in the Central region rose from 64,938 tons to 66,965 tons in January to March 2025.  The Siberian Federal District recorded a fall in synthetic rubber production to 23,138 tons against 28,186 tons in the first quarter in 2025.

Nizhnekamskneftekhim fire implications

SIBUR's financial losses as a result of the accident at Nizhnekamskneftekhim at the end of March are estimated at 5 to 8 billion roubles.  Due to the accident, the company lost 140,000 tons of synthetic butadiene neodymium rubber (SKDN).  Due to the explosion, it was necessary to temporarily unload the production of isoprene rubbers, halogenated butyl rubber (HBK) and divinyl-styrene rubber (DSSK).  

Hydrocarbon flows are redistributed to other sites of the holding.  In particular, Voronezhsintezkaucuk is additionally loaded with raw materials.  This is how the company partially compensates for 5 billion roubles of losses.

At the same time, the production of butyl and halogenated butyl rubbers has already been launched, whilst isoprene rubber facilities have been loaded to the planned volumes.  By the end of May, the launch of DSSK production is expected.  For the source of the explosion and fire at the SKDN production the dismantling and restoration work continues.

It has already been established that the contractor carried out routine repair work at the production of neodymium synthetic butadiene rubber (SKDN).  During the cleaning of the equipment, there was a leak of polymerizate and its active evaporation.  After the fire truck entered the gas contamination zone, ignition and subsequent explosion occurred.  

As a result of a powerful explosion at Nizhnekamskneftekhim, twelve people were killed. Among them were nine employees of the enterprise, two workers of the contractor and one firefighter who participated in the extinguishing.  Some of the dead were searched for under the rubble of the workshop for several days. The blast wave also shattered windows in nearby houses. In addition, NKNK lost 6% of all capacities for the production of synthetic rubbers.

Russian synthetic rubber production by category Jan-Mar 2026

Russian isoprene rubber production amounted to 77,637 tons in the first quarter in 2026 against 81,773 tons in the same period in 2025, whilst butadiene rubber production increased to 74,997 tons against 69,003 tons. The highest value rubber produced by HBR where production increased from 24,290 tons in the first quarter last year to 29,047 tons in 2026 of which most was exported to China.  Butyl rubber production at Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Togliattikaucuk dropped from 40,813 tons in January to March 2025 to 29,047 tons in this year, with almost all production exported to China.

Russian rubber market Jan-Mar 2026

SIBUR sold less than 200,000 tons of synthetic rubber in 2025 on the domestic market out of its production of 800,000 tons and does not expect any change in this balance in 2026.  SIBUR is thus forced to export most of the synthetic rubber produced due to the limited further growth in consumption by the Russian tyre industry, which is experiencing problems with loading and reducing production.  Further prospects for growth in consumption is limited.  Tyre production in 2025 decreased by more than a third compared to 2024.  At the end of 2025, Russian enterprises produced 39.05 million tyres, tyres and rubber tubes, which is 19.9% lower than the result of 2024 (48.7 million units).

Tyre production continued to fall in the first quarter this year, reducing total consumption of natural and synthetic rubber to 78,800 tons against 95,500 tons in the same period in 2025.  A gradual recovery in the production of passenger tyres was expected to take place in 2026, but the Russian market appears to be in freefall whilst the war continues. 

Synthetic rubber sales inside Russia was a stable business until 2024.  Since then, there has been a reduction in the production of tyres and cars on the domestic market resulting in lower demand for rubber, which itself has impacted significantly on prices.  The question is how long this margin of safety will last if rubber prices do not recover, and the tyre market continues to shrink.    

Russian tyre manufacturers cannot compete with Chinese manufacturers. If in the segment of premium, expensive tires it is still possible to hold on, then cheap tyres do not hold. They are seriously losing competition due to the fact that they have old, imperfect equipment. 

Russian Chinese rubber trade Jan-Mar 2026

Russian export revenues from synthetic rubber shipments to China totalled $316.129 million in January to March 2026 against $330.595 million in the same month last year.  The largest category purchased by China was for butadiene rubber with costs rising to $60,064 million against $59.002 million in the same period in 2025, followed by SBRs where costs amounted to $54.973 million against $57.002 million. 

By volume Russian shipments of synthetic rubber to China amounted to 245,619 tons against 206,452 tons in January to March 2025.  The increase in export volumes compensated for the continued drop in consumption in the domestic market.  Imports to China might be slightly affected by the closure of the Straits of Hormuz, and that might offer Russian producers’ scope to increase shipments.  Nizhnekamskneftekhim is the largest exporter of synthetic rubber to China, supplying a wide range of grades but may be unable to increase shipments beyond current levels. 

Russian methanol production Jan-Mar 2026

Russia produced 1.003 million tons of methanol in January to March 2026 against 1.040 million tons in the same period in 2025.  Production in the Central region, which just includes Shchekinoazot, rose from 259,480 tons to 375,873 tons.  The Volga region dropped production from 509,105 tons to 328,514 tons, with the reduction attributable to the drone attack on Metafrax Chemicals on 17 February.  The Gubakha plant worked partially in March after repairs to the distillation column.  The Siberian region (including Gazprom Methanol and Angarsk Petrochemical) increased production from 190,802 tons to 222,652 tons.  Azot Nevinnomyssk reduced production from 26,281 tons to 18,560 tons, the reduction attributed to constant drone attacks.

The tightening of standards for the production and sale of methanol continues.  According to the draft law, from 1 September 2026, a new type of state control will be introduced over compliance with mandatory requirements for methanol producers.

Russian methanol exports Jan-Mar 2026

Russian methanol exports amounted to 334,840 tons in January to March 2026 against 403,274 tons in the same period in 2025.  Shchekinoazot increased exports from 125,094 tons to 203,616 tons, whilst Metafrax Chemicals reduced shipments from 101,473 tons to 33,404 tons.  

 Tomet exported 10,138 tons in the first quarter in 2026 versus 86,078 tons in January to March 2025.  Gazprom Methanol increased exports to a total of 87,682 tons from 86,549 tons last January to March 2025.  Tomet is well placed to increase exports in the absence of Metafrax Chemicals and Gazprom Methanol.

Shipments to China amounted to 238,100 tons in January to March this year against 202,299 tons in January to March last year.  A total of 162,927 tons was shipped by Shchekinoazot against 61,549 tons in the same period in 2025, followed by 46,467 tons by Gazprom Methanol and 21,448 tons by Metafrax Chemicals. 

Besides China other countries shipped in January included Turkey falling from 92,075 tons to 40,389 tons.  Export sales to Brazil amounted to 20,430 tons in January to March 2026 versus 41,754 tons in the same period in 2025.    

Russian domestic methanol sales Jan-Mar 26

Domestic merchant sales of methanol amounted to 403,435 tons in January to March this year against 384,574 tons in January to March 2025.  Metafrax Chemicals shipped 76,529 tons against 124,912 tons in January to March 2025, whilst Gazprom Methanol increased domestic merchant sales to 113,152 tons versus 85,350 tons. 

Russian butanol production Jan-Mar 2026

Russian normal butanol production dropped from 40,998 tons in January to March 2025 to 39,677 tons in January to March 2026.  The Volga region, which includes SIBUR-Khimprom and Gazprom neftekhim Salavat, reduced production from 33,959 tons to 29,321 tons.  Angarsk Petrochemical Company increased production from 1,672 tons in January to March 2025 to 3,226 tons in the same period in 2026. 

Russian acetic acid production Jan-Mar 2026

Russian acetic acid production amounted to 45,810 tons in January to March 2026 against 52,817 tons in the same period in 2025.  The largest producer in Russia, Azot at Nevinnomyssk, reduced production from 38,893 tons to 35,508 tons. 

Isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) production in Russia amounted to 20,006 tons in January to March 2026 against 15,014 tons in the same period last year.  Omsk Kaucuk increased production from 5,974 tons to 8,721 tons whilst the Plant at Synthetic Alcohol at Orsk increased production from 9,040 tons to 11,286 tons.

South Korean isocyanate exports to Russia Jan-Mar 2026

TDI imports into Russia from South Korea amounted to 8,990 tons in January to March 2026 against 1,367 tons last year, whilst MDI imports rose from 499 tons to 3,085 tons.  Average prices for TDI dropped from $1908.5 per ton to $1830.7 per ton, whilst MDI prices rose from $1658.3 to $1745.8.

Chinese isocyanate exports to Russia Jan-Mar 2026

MDI imports from China into Russia amounted to 7,498 tons in January to March 2026 against 21,308 tons in January to March 2025, as Chinese suppliers tightened control.   TDI imports also dropped from 4,482 tons to 3,161 tons in the first quarter in 2026.