Russian flat glass market: Trends and challenges

The economic situation of Russia regarding the flat glass industry in the year 2008 is analyzed. Studies have found that in 2008, Russia produced 179.1 million m2 of sheet glass, imported 47.4 million m2 and exported 17.7 million m2. The leading glass processors have modern, high productivity equipment, possess jumbo-size glass, produce large-size items, and use the heat soak test. In mid-2008 the financial and economic situation in Russia developed due to the world financial system crisis and Russia's national economic problems. An increase in domestic glass production capacities has reduced the dependence of the Russian glass market on foreign suppliers. Property tax privileges, development of organizational and economic methods, and introduction of obligatory requirements can support Russian glass market.