Plumbing products (Russian market)

2022

Decrease in mixer imports by 0.2% to 38.1 million units

Imports of mixers to Russia in 2022 decreased, but slightly, by 0.2% compared to 2021 and amounted to 38.1 million units. BusinesStat analysts indicated such figures in their study published in November 2023.

Prior to this, the supply of mixers to the Russian market from abroad grew for several years. Experts attributed the drop in imports in 2022 to the withdrawal from the market of the largest producers (Duravit, Villeroy & Boch, Grohe, Hansgrohe, Geberit, Axor, Roca, etc.). At the same time, the dropped volumes were almost completely compensated by supplies from China, Turkey, as well as other countries that do not support sanctions, the researchers clarify.

According to their estimates, imported products make up the bulk of the range of mixers submitted for sale in Russia in 2022. In foreign supplies, inexpensive Chinese products prevail, often characterized by low performance and therefore requiring frequent replacement. In addition, in 2022, real estate objects were equipped with plumbing, the construction of which was started before the crisis. In this regard, there was no significant drop in imports.

In 2022, mixers were imported to Russia at an average price of $8.52 apiece, which is 6.9% higher than in 2018. The increase in import prices is due to the fact that in addition to inexpensive Chinese products, the share of premium plumbing from Germany, Italy and Spain was large in the import structure, experts explain.

At the end of 2023, analysts predict a moderate decline in mixer imports. The key factors in reducing supply volumes will be the decline in the segment of individual housing construction, as well as the containment of sales of finished real estate by developers in the context of general economic uncertainty and a decrease in demand.^[1]

Household plumbing sales growth by 18.3% to 68.3 million units

In 2022, 68.3 million units of household plumbing were sold in Russia, which is 18.3% more than in 2018. Such data in early October 2023 was presented by BusinesStat analysts.

According to their estimates, the market volume in 2022 compared to the previous year slightly decreased (-0.6%). From a more significant fall, the market was held back by the growth in sales of mixers, which, on the one hand, are one of the most affordable types of plumbing, on the other, require the most frequent replacement. The decline in the remaining segments of sanitary products ranged from 6.5% (sinks and washes) to 23.9% (showers), the study said.

In 2021, sales of household plumbing showed the largest increase in five years - by 10.8%. Positive factors for the market retained their influence in 2021, when the record for mortgage lending was broken. Another driver was the transition of household plumbing sales online through increasingly popular marketplaces.

In their report, experts took into account the following types of household plumbing:

• Baths - ceramic, polymer, hot massage, cast iron are taken into account in this form
• baths and baths made of other metals.
• Shower cabins - all categories of shower cabins are considered in this form.
• Shower enclosures and pallets - this type includes glass and shower enclosures
• polymers and shower trays made of metals, polymers, ceramics and artificial
• stone.
• Sinks and washes - sinks, washes, washbasins and pedestals to
• it is made of metals, polymers, artificial stone and ceramics.
• Mixers - all categories of mixers are considered in this form.
• Toilet plumbing - toilets, drain tanks, urinals, bidet and
• pedestals to them made of polymers and ceramics.
• Toilet seats and covers - polymeric seats and covers are considered in this form
• for toilet bowls.^[2]

Bath sales down 18.8% over 5 years

In 2022, 1.18 million baths were sold in Russia, which is 19.6% less than a year earlier, and in comparison with 2018, the volume of this market decreased by 18.8%. Such data are given in a study by the analytical agency BusinesStat.

According to experts, the rush demand for plumbing against the background of the expected increase in prices and the deficit at the beginning in 2022 was replaced by its fall in the following months. As a result, bath sales in Russia significantly decreased by the end of 2022. The range of products has significantly decreased as a result of sanctions restrictions on the supply of imported products and certain types of materials for the production of domestic baths. Foreign manufacturers of plumbing popular in the country have limited their activities in Russia: Duravit, Villeroy & Boch, Geberit, Roca, Cersanit and others. Companies remaining on the market, trying to reduce risks, constantly raised prices, which negatively affected demand.

1.18 million baths were sold in Russia

During the period 2018-2022. The increase in bath sales was recorded only in 2021 (+ 10.2% compared to the level of the previous year). Among the factors are the weakening of restrictive measures associated with the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the revival of investment activity, an increase in housing construction, and the commissioning of new buildings.

Acrylic and steel baths are the most popular in Russia. At the same time, the share of acrylic baths in the sales structure increased from 40.1% in 2018 to 50.3% in 2022, the share of steel baths decreased from 47.7% to 41%. According to the researchers, acrylic baths differ in a variety of shapes and sizes: it is easy to choose the necessary model for a specific bathroom design. Such plumbing products are convenient to use, have an attractive appearance. The main advantage of metal baths is their low average cost.^[3]

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