Natural latex in primary forms market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The Asian natural latex market expanded from 13.4 million tons in 2018 to 13.6 million tons in 2019, driven by rising global demand for medical and industrial gloves as well as mattresses, alongside improvements in latex collection and processing technology. This growth was interrupted in 2020 when market volume fell to 13.1 million tons, as supply chain volatility and limited new production capacity constrained availability.

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred a sharp increase in demand for medical gloves in 2021, but severe supply chain disruptions curtailed imports while exports rose significantly, reducing the domestic market size to 12.2 million tons. Improved supply chains and stabilizing prices allowed a modest recovery to 12.4 million tons in 2022, supported by environmental policies promoting green production techniques. However, in 2023 a production shortfall in Thailand—a key supplier—tightened supplies and pushed prices upward, causing the market to contract further to 12.0 million tons amid weak domestic demand and lower import volumes.

In 2024, industry efforts focused on supply stabilization through a memorandum of understanding between Thai rubber authorities and latex groups, while green, ammonia-free processing technology gained wider adoption. Aging populations and heightened consumer preference for sustainable, high-quality latex products continued to shape market development, alongside growth in synthetic latex segments driven by environmental regulations.

Production natural latex in primary forms in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of natural latex in primary forms, 2017-2020

World map of production of natural latex in primary forms, 2017-2020

After rising for two consecutive years, Asia's production of natural latex in primary forms declined. In 2019, production reached its peak at 12,917 K t. However, in 2020, it fell to 12,507 K t, representing a moderate year-over-year decrease of 3.2%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018, when production grew by 2.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports natural latex in primary forms from Asia

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for natural latex in primary forms from Asia showed significant volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 67 K t, while the highest volume was recorded in 2017, creating a substantial 12.3-fold gap between these years. In 2020, exports rebounded sharply to 172 K t, marking a dramatic year-over-year increase of 155.9%. The largest annual decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 78.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Asia's exports of natural latex in primary forms were not concentrated among a few key destinations. The top three markets—the United States (accounting for 2.2% of exports in kind), Brazil (1.6%), and Belgium (0.9%)—collectively represented only 4.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of Asia's natural latex in primary forms exports displayed an unstable trend over the timeframe. The period from 2017 to 2019 saw a peak-to-trough amplitude of 6.2 times. In 2019, export value hit its minimum at 286 M $ US, with the largest annual decline of 82.0% occurring that year. However, in 2020, export value surged to 1,613 M $ US, reflecting a remarkable year-over-year increase of 463.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Asia's exports of natural latex in primary forms in value terms were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. The top three destinations—the United States (representing 2.5% of exports in value terms), Brazil (1.6%), and Italy (1.0%)—together accounted for just 5.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports natural latex in primary forms to Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Asia's imports of natural latex in primary forms increased for the third consecutive year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 5.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.9%. In 2020, import volume reached 735 K t, remaining relatively stable compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After declining for two years, Asia's imports of natural latex in primary forms in value terms increased. In 2019, import value reached its minimum at 1,336 M $ US, with the largest annual decline of 11.3% recorded in 2018. However, in 2020, imports rebounded to 1,521 M $ US, showing a solid year-over-year increase of 13.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 7.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Asia in value, 2017-2020