Natural latex in primary forms market in China

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, China's natural latex market volume remained relatively stable, averaging around 1 400 thousand tons. The market faced increasing competition from expanding domestic synthetic latex production, which reduced reliance on natural latex imports. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 spurred a surge in demand for medical gloves, providing temporary support for natural latex consumption even as domestic supply was constrained by typhoon impacts in the key Hainan production region.

Market volume grew significantly to 1 519.1 thousand tons by 2022, driven primarily by robust and sustained demand from the latex glove manufacturing sector. Policy support for latex industry development and technological advancements aided domestic production, but persistent supply shortages in Hainan—due to leaf fall disease and adverse weather—necessitated a sharp rise in imports to meet the strong consumption needs.

In 2023, market volume contracted to 1 354.8 thousand tons as global political and economic uncertainties led to pronounced supply chain volatility and a steep drop in imports. Domestic production continued to expand, supported by the rapid development of new product segments like high-ammonia concentrated latex and medical latex gloves, alongside growing consumer demand for latex mattresses and pillows. For 2024, imports continued to decline influenced by international market conditions and policy, while downstream demand from the tire and glove industries remained firm, and the industry progressed on sustainable production and new quality standards.

Production natural latex in primary forms in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, China ranked fourth globally in the production of natural latex in primary forms.

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

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

After two years of growth, China's production of natural latex in primary forms declined. In 2019, output peaked at 839.9 thousand tonnes, marking a 1.9% increase from the previous year. However, by 2020, production had fallen to 826.3 thousand tonnes, a slight drop of 1.6% compared to 2019.

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

Exports natural latex in primary forms from China

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for natural latex in primary forms from China showed significant volatility during the observed period. In 2018, exports surged by 53.2%, reaching a peak of 0.8 thousand tonnes in 2019. However, by 2020, exports plummeted to 0.2 thousand tonnes, a sharp 75.8% decrease year-over-year, resulting in a 4.1-fold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, North Korea was the primary destination for China's exports of natural latex in primary forms in kind, accounting for 88.2% of total flows. The remaining volume was distributed among various other markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

China's export value of natural latex in primary forms experienced fluctuations from 2017 to 2020. In 2019, exports reached a high of 0.8 million US dollars, a 39.2% increase from the previous year. However, by 2020, the value had dropped to 0.3 million US dollars, a 68.7% decline year-over-year. Overall, exports decreased by 58.1% over the period, with a compound annual growth rate of -25.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, North Korea remained the dominant partner for China's exports of natural latex in primary forms in value terms, holding an 81.5% share of total flows. Other markets contributed to a long tail of smaller volumes.

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

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

Imports natural latex in primary forms to China

Imports in kind, K t

China's imports of natural latex in primary forms in kind showed varied trends from 2017 to 2020. In 2018, imports peaked at 590.6 thousand tonnes, a 19.5% increase from the previous year, but then fell by 6.1% in 2019 to 554.4 thousand tonnes. By 2020, imports had recovered to 570.3 thousand tonnes, a modest 2.9% gain from 2019. Overall, imports grew by 15.4% over the period, with an annualized rate of 4.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand was the key supplier of natural latex in primary forms to China in kind, representing 78.5% of total imports. The remainder was sourced from a diverse group of other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, China's import value of natural latex in primary forms increased. In 2019, imports hit a low of 580.0 million US dollars, a 10.0% drop from the previous year. By 2020, imports had risen to 634.7 million US dollars, a gradual 9.4% increase year-over-year. Over the entire period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 3.7%, with an annualized rate of -1.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Thailand remained the main market for China's imports of natural latex in primary forms in value terms, with a share of 79.3% of total flows. The rest of the volume was fragmented across numerous other destinations.

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

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